Riding The Rails If the allure of riding the steel rails has a certain nostalgic
Bob Willis has been with APR since it’s inception, and he
twinge for you, or if the kids really need something to keep
understands what makes a great experience: “Just a train ride
them entertained for a few hours, then Southern Alberta is the
ain’t gonna cut it. You have to make it an event, an adventure
place you wanna be. We are blessed with a real variety of train
and an experience! You make that happen and you’re bound
excursions that, while they may offer similar experiences, do it
to succeed.” The key, says Willis, is interaction. “Big city folks
in completely different environs. Which means you can enjoy
tend to be reserved and not very interactive. We knock all that
more than one ride, and at more than one time of year.
down in the first fifteen minutes.”
With over 30 years under their conductor’s hats, the Alberta
Colourful performers, live music, armed holdups and gorgeous
Prairie Railway (APR) is perhaps the granddaddy of them all.
scenery all make for a busy, entertaining day trip. And if that’s
Running through rolling hills out of Stettler and Big Valley, It
not enough, Aspen Crossing also features a bar car! In other
is the only outfit featuring an actual 1920 steam locomotive
words, there’s something for everyone. Summer excursions
on some trips. Like the Aspen Crossing Railway just south-
tend to have different themes - like ‘Ales on Rails,’ a special
east of Calgary, which runs through flatter prairie, APR offers
meal, or even a murder mystery. Check websites for detailed
a licensed “Polar Express” adventure to the North Pole every
options, as there’s a lot to choose from.
Christmas season, and it is an experience that kids, parents, and grandparents all rave about – which means book ahead,
If a four to five hour excursion isn’t what you’re looking for,
because these often sell out.
don’t fret. There are other fascinating experiences to be had.
Alberta Prairie Railway, Photo Courtesy of Edge Photography - Sherri O’Connor
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