If you are looking for a unique and nostalgic way to explore the history and scenery of Surrey, British Columbia, you might want to hop on board the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway. This heritage railway operates on weekends from May to October, offering passengers a chance to ride on restored interurban cars that once ran on the British Columbia Electric Railway (BCER) system.
The BCER was a network of electric railways that connected Vancouver and its suburbs with the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island from 1897 to 1958. The interurban cars were comfortable and spacious vehicles that carried passengers and freight across the region. They also played a vital role in the development of many communities along the route.
The Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society (FVHRS) is a non-profit organization that was formed in 2001 to acquire, restore and operate the remaining BCER interurban cars. The society has a collection of four historic cars, including Car 1225, which was built in 1913 and is the oldest operating interurban car in North America. The society also has a Discovery Centre, where visitors can learn more about the history and technology of the interurban system, see exhibits and artifacts, and watch restoration work in progress.
The heritage railway operates from Cloverdale Station, located at Highway 10 and 176A Street in Surrey. Passengers can enjoy the Heritage Railway Adventure, which consists of a short ride on a B.C. Electric Interurban Railcar and learn about its history and restoration plan. The ride stops at Frank Horne Discovery Centre, where passengers can interact with historical railcar equipment such as train bells and horns, as well as take some additional rides on a velocipede, a family quad car and a honey bee express train. As the tour concludes, passengers are guided back to Cloverdale Station through flower meadows and honey bee hives.
The Fraser Valley Heritage Railway is a great way to experience a piece of Surrey’s past and present. It is also a testament to the dedication and passion of the volunteers who work hard to preserve and share this heritage with the public. For more information on schedules, fares, events and volunteering opportunities, please visit their website1 or call (604) 574-90561.
Heritage Rail Adventure:
It all starts at the Cloverdale railway station. This station is the exact replica of the original station built in 1910. In the station you may meet characters from the past telling you their story. You will see “Bill’s Corner Store” selling goods that can only be bought here.
On the outside patio you may experience some live musical performances – some amateur and some professional. Then there are the trains! You will board a fully restored B.C. Electric Interurban Railcar, and ride on a short journey. During the ride, you’ll be given the history of the car and told the story of the car’s restoration.
After a short journey, you arrive at the Frank Horne Discovery Centre. The adventure continues as you get off the train and enter the Discovery Centre world.
The learning part of your adventure is seeing our movie in the #1207 theatre. Ring some bells, toot some horns and see the graphics on the story boards.
Buzz down the tracks on the Honey Bee Express. Race on the Family Quad Car. Earn your distinguished button by riding the Velocipede. A very rare experience!
The time goes quickly. About an hour. You are guided out of the centre past their Honey Bee hives and our wildflower meadow back to the Cloverdale Station.
A wonderful, unique railway adventure!
May 6 Grand Re-opening:
They always celebrate each season’s Opening Day in special ways. This year, May 6th, is a Royal Day. King Charles will be crowned and become officially become King. They will celebrate this along, with their opening as they run “the Royal Car”, Interurban 1304 , the “Connaught”. The Surrey Firefighters Pipe and Drum Band will escort Lady Keystone to the rail station platform who will present the keys to the train to their motorman to begin their first trip of the year. They will have live music playing on their deck most of the day. Come on out and let’s celebrate. I will be there as well!
Address: 17630 56 Ave, Surrey, BC V3S 4C3
Visit Surrey’s Heritage Rail at the Cloverdale Station, at the foot of 176A St, just south of Highway 10 (56th Ave) in Surrey. They are across the street from the original Surrey City Hall, now the Surrey Archives, which is next to the Museum of Surrey. Highway 10 (56th Ave) and 176A St, just behind the Clydesdale Inn.
Adventure Schedule:
2023 season starts May 6, 2023 and ends October 1, 2023 Saturday and Sunday ONLY.
Heritage Railway Adventure schedule change for August.
During August there will be three Adventure Events Only on Sundays , 10.00 am, 11.30 am and
1.30 pm.
We recommend you purchase your ticket ahead of time at FVHRS.org to avoid disappointment.
There is no change on Saturdays. The four scheduled events will continued to be offered on
Saturdays.
Saturday Adventures:
- First Adventure: 10:00 AM
- Second Adventure: 11:30 AM
- Third Adventure: 1:30 PM
- Fourth and Last Adventure: 3 PM
Sunday Adventures:
- First Adventure: 10:00 AM
- Second Adventure: 11:30 AM
- Third Adventure: 1:30 PM
- Fourth and Last Adventure*: 3 PM (*Until July 30th, 2023)
Admissions:
Adults: $25.00
Seniors & Students: $18.00
Children 3-11: $12.00
Infants 2 and under: FREE
Volunteers:
They are actively looking for volunteers. If you want to get involved, go to the website to apply. All ages are welcome!
They have active volunteers from 18 years of age to 80+.