What is the ‘Day Out With Thomas!’ event?

A real train ride experience for families, children, and train lovers of all ages.  The Railway Museum of BC is proud to present this special passenger train adventure, that includes some of our historic operational equipment, representing trains that were used in the building of BC and Canada.

Come along on this immersive adventure to meet Thomas the Tank Engine, railway Controller Sir Topham Hatt and more of Thomas’s friends. There’s lots to see and do while visiting the Railway Museum of BC.

This Annual event is one of biggest and most important fundraising events of the year. Proceeds are used to help fulfill our mission to preserve the railway heritage of British Columbia and restore  the trains and railway artifacts in our possession.

Who is Thomas the Tank Engine?

Since Thomas the Tank Engine left the depot more than 70 years ago, this Really Useful Engine and his Island of Sodor friends have chugged their way into the hearts of preschoolers and grownups worldwide. Based on The Railway Series of classic stories authored by a father who loved trains and wanted a shared experience with his son, Thomas & Friends™ is a rite of passage that inspires the imagination while teaching life lessons of friendship, exploration and cooperation.

Is the event accessible?

YES. Wheelchair accessible spots are limited to ONE per train, and MUST be booked in advance by calling 604-898-9336 extension 2011, or emailing us at dayoutwiththomas@wcra.org

Accessible parking is also available. Most other experiences onsite are accessible.

Do you accept Access2 for free admission for support persons?

YES! You must contact Ticketweb directly for your booking. Call 1-866-468-7630 OR contact by email:  help@ticketweb.ca

Use Promo code ACCESS2 to qualify for a free admission for the Support person.

Where do I park?

Parking will be in the lot to your LEFT, across the street from the Museum grounds, just after your cross the CN tracks as you approach the Museum. Staff will be onsite to assist and direct you to park your vehicle.

The cost to park is $5 per car, tax included, payable to the attendant when parking your vehicle. The parking fee covers the rental of the area from BC Rail properties and the cost of security staff to manage the safety and security of you and your vehicle.

Where is Will Call?

Will Call is located at the entrance to the museum at 39645 Government Rd. 

Where do I buy a ticket?

Tickets for 2024 will go on sale April 1, 2024.

All tickets are sold online, on our Web site at https://www.wcra.org/day-out-with-thomas/

Or directly at ticketweb.com

All tickets for 2024 are $32.00 plus taxes and fees.

Are the tickets refundable? 

There will be NO refunds or credits. All trains will run, rain or shine! Reservations may be changed subject to availability.  

What if I need to make changes to my Reservation?

Need help, or to make changes to your reservation? Contact Ticketweb directly by email at help@ticketweb.ca

Does everyone need a ticket to enter?

Children under the age of one year old are free.

ONE escort for persons with disabilities is admitted FREE. Access 2 Passes accepted, as well, with the same terms. Escort is admitted FREE.

Everyone else will require a ticket.

Does the ticket price include all onsite activities?

Almost! Everything is included except parking, mini rail and food.

A ticket for Day Out With Thomas includes the train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as a variety of Thomas & Friends themed entertainment, including play pod with a variety of activities, Face Painting, Bouncy Castle, Tattoo Station, Mini-Putt Golf, Party Zone with plenty of fun including live entertainment, and much more. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor.

Do I need to be vaccinated to enter the property?

The Railway Museum of British Columbia follows all Provincial Health Orders of the day. The PHO that applies to all 4 event days will be followed.

Do I need to wear a mask?

The Railway Museum of British Columbia follows all Provincial Health Orders of the day. The PHO that applies to all 4 event days will be followed.

How long is the train ride?

There is a short train ride, about 20-25 minutes. The train travels from the Museum grounds to our MP2 Maintenance Facilities and back, or North from the Museum and over the Squamish River Bridge and back. 

Don’t forget that there is a lot of fun to be had before and after your train ride and that the train ride is only a small portion of the day’s activities.

When should we arrive for our train ride with Thomas?

GATES OPEN at 9:30 AM.

It is recommended that guests arrive at the event at least 45 Minutes before their scheduled departure. Feel free to come as early as you’d like to enjoy all of the other activities before your train ride!

Is there assigned seating on the train? 

No. Tickets are assigned by departure time. Guests must be together during boarding if they wish to sit together on the train.

How much time should I plan for our visit? 

You should plan on enjoying the event for 2-4 hours in order to do as much as you can while Thomas is visiting The Railway Museum of British Columbia.

What can we do other than go on the Thomas Train ride?

There are plenty of other activities to enjoy! Get your picture with Thomas, meet and get your picture with Sir Topham Hatt. At the Imagination Station you can write a letter to Thomas & Friends. There will be arts and crafts, a Tattoo Station, Face Painting, Mini-putt golf, a Bouncy Castle. Take in live entertainment, check out the model railway display, visit the  museum exhibits. Enjoy lunch at one of the food trucks and so much more.

Are there washrooms on the train?

Yes, but they are restricted for emergencies, so it’s best to “Go before you go”!

Can I buy Thomas merchandise at the event?

YES! Our Gift Store features a full selection of Official Thomas merchandise.

Is there a discount for larger groups?

YES, groups of 20 or more guests booking in one transaction will receive a discount of $4 per ticket.