Experience life on the rails this fall!
Alberta’s railway companies all have something special planned for September and October, all of which focus on the best parts of the season.
You can celebrate Halloween, taste Alberta’s local brewers, sit down to a harvest dinner, or you might even experience an authentic train robbery.
These exciting, spooky, or picturesque train rides come from five different operators across the province.
Prices range for each railway’s events, and some will either be family-friendly, or adult-only.
Alberta Prairie Railway
Alberta Prairie Railway in Stettler is fall-ready with three different types of excursions, great for all ages.
1. Country Dinner/Fall Supper Events
You can book your family a special excursion to either Big Valley or the Railway’s Country Hideaway. As you explore the prairie scenery, enjoy a local meal of roast beef and accompaniments and live entertainment on the train. The Country Dinners also give you time to explore the destination areas.
When: until October 7, 2023
How much: $75 & up
2. END OF SEASON DRONE SHOW
This train ride is timed perfectly with the changing colours around the prairies. Embark on the season’s penultimate steam-locomotive journey to Big Valley, a 5.5-hour trip featuring a full-course Alberta beef buffet and live entertainment both onboard and at the Lone Star Saloon. Explore historic sites including the Jimmy Jock Boardwalk and McAlister Motors community museum. The adventure amplifies with a potential encounter with the horse-mounted Reynolds Raiders and concludes with a spectacular drone show on the return to Stettler. Don’t miss the world-renowned tool museum in Big Valley.
When: September 29 & 30, 2023
How much: $125 to $150
3. Harvest Pumpkin Fest
Celebrate everything fall with your family at the Harvest Pumpkin Fest which includes 2.5 hours of train time, and time at the Country Hideaway. Once your train arrives at the hideaway, you and your kids can play the games, pick pumpkins, and visit with animals at the petting zoo.
When: October 14, 2023 (multiple timeslots)
How much: Adults: $60
Children: $50
Aspen Crossing
Aspen Crossing has a few remaining summer excursions available through September, including Twilight Tour, and Great Alberta Prairie Tour. For fall and October, things start to get spooky on the train.
Aspen Crossing Train of Terror
As an adults-only event, the Train of Terror promises some real scares. Your night of terror begins before you even get on the train, with a terrifying maze. Once on the train, the haunt can begin at any time. The excursions allow time for socializing, cocktail, and food purchases.
When: October 5 to November 4, 2023
How much: $89.99+fees
Battle River Train Excursions
Complete your fall with the ultimate Oktoberfest celebration in southern Alberta. The Battle River Oktoberfest train ride includes an authentic German meal, polka dancing, and Oktoberfest costumes are encouraged!
When: October 14, 2023
How much: $65-$135
High Level Street Car & Local Breweries
Edmonton’s High Level Street Car represents a bit of local history, and is one of the coolest ways to get sweeping views of the fall-coloured river valley in fall.
Enjoy local tasting specials on Thursdays until October. Get your tickets for these memorable rides over the river with tastes and drink samples included.
If you are only interested in train rides, ride the rails on weekends until Thanksgiving Weekend.
When: Brewery tastings: Thursdays until October 26, 2023
Sightseeing: Until October 9, 2023
Where: 10910 100 Ave. NW, Edmonton
How much: $5 to $56
Jasper to Dunster Train Tour
Do you know there is a train tour in Jasper which you can take to enjoy a Fall colour tour to B.C.? The 2.5-hour trip will take you to Dunster, and the return trip includes a stop at Mount Robson, the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. The train tour is available year-round, and a train ride during the fall season will allow you to see the vibrant colours of the season.
Where: Jasper Train Station
When: Fridays & Sundays
How much: Adult: $125 Child: $65
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