Stanley Park Railway — Attraction in Vancouver

Our experience with the Stanley Park Railway has been nothing short of frustrating and disappointing, and we feel compelled to share our story to warn others. We’ve now had two significant negative experiences with this organization, both of which left us and, most heartbreakingly, our young daughter, deeply let down.

The first incident occurred during Easter 2024. After spending nearly 14 hours on two phones—mine and my wife’s—waiting in the registration queue, we were thrilled to finally secure tickets for what was promised to be a delightful family outing. Our daughter was so excited for the train ride, and we had been hyping it up for weeks. Imagine our disappointment when, the night before our scheduled event, we received an email saying the train had an issue and our ride was canceled. There was no alternative arrangement, no effort to reschedule, and not even a courtesy call to apologize. All we received was a generic refund notification. While refunds are necessary, they hardly make up for the dashed hopes, wasted time, and, most importantly, our daughter’s crushed excitement.

Despite this disappointment, we decided to give the Stanley Park Railway another chance later in the year, hoping the Easter experience was a one-off. This time, we purchased tickets for the highly anticipated Christmas 2024 event. Once again, we spent hours waiting in the chaotic registration process to secure tickets, determined to bring joy to our daughter during the holiday season. However, about a week before the event, we received another email—this time citing maintenance issues as the reason for canceling the event entirely. Just like before, there was no personal outreach, no attempt to provide a gesture of goodwill such as a coupon, a discount, or even priority for future registrations. The cancellation felt cold, impersonal, and unprofessional, especially given how much effort it took to register and how much excitement our family had invested in this experience.

The most upsetting part of this ordeal was seeing our daughter’s sadness. Both times, we had promised her a magical train ride filled with fun and joy, only to see her disappointment when we had to break the news. During the Christmas cancellation, she was so heartbroken that we had to buy her some gifts just to cheer her up and get her back in a good mood. It’s heartbreaking for parents to see their child’s excitement turn into tears, and even more frustrating to deal with an organization that seems so indifferent to the emotional toll they place on families.

On top of that, the registration process itself is a nightmare. Spending upwards of 14 hours across two phones just to secure tickets is already a frustrating ordeal, and to have the events canceled not once but twice after going through that effort is beyond infuriating. It’s clear that Stanley Park Railway is not prepared to handle the demand for their events, nor do they seem to care about their customers' time, trust, or experience.

As a family, we’ve decided that we will no longer support the Stanley Park Railway or attempt to register for their events. We’ve also committed to sharing our experience with as many people as possible so they can make informed decisions before putting their time, money, and hopes into this poorly managed organization.

The Stanley Park Railway needs to reevaluate their operations from the ground up. Cancellations happen, but the way they’ve handled these situations—with no personal communication, no efforts to make amends, and a complete disregard for customer care—is unacceptable. Until we see genuine changes, we cannot recommend this...

Its has been years since i had ride in the Stanley Park Railway trains ( early 80's ). Had no issues with the train than.But after all these years. I am sure the Train needs a retirement anytime soon. I really dont understand why when it comes to the Halloween, Christmas/ Easter Day festival event the train is OUT OF SERVICES or Not Working! Its ver strangely. I think its not a regular mechancial follow up check up to make sure it runs rather ( last minutes ) when it comes to the event, indicate its OUT OF SERVICES!!. Parts out of orders or discontinued! Makes senses! But not having an entire company or even another mechanical to take charge in fixing the trains when needed. Just does not makes senses ( its all takes a cost ) nothing is free. Unless Stanley Park have their own staffs fixer upper it. But seems like not the case with the train. For me giving a 5 full stars to this review. Its due to the time i was having the ride ( early 80') was no issues! it was fun and its nature, feeling was fun! ( childhood memories ). For myself, i would just scrap the Stanley Park Railway for good! I am sure the upcoming 2025 Christmas Train ride will be another disappointment again! ( no advancement tickets purchases in person ) but online only( again makes no senses ). Online purchases ( no show ) what happens?? so why not let the ones first come first line up go rather required online bookings only! ( again never happens ) when you show up ( train is out again )LOL...If i was a millionaire! I would just spend some money and hire a company to replace the entire train and be own solely private owners operator of the trains rather by Stanley Park Railway! ( again no fun for this train ride anymore ). Its historic train and its just has no meaning to have it...

What a great way to spend Christmas and Halloween.

I went when both events opened for the first time and I saw then as I see now the potential for greatness and themes, decorations, and combo package with The Spaghetti Factory and the costumes the walking street artists the food the drinks the keep sales what a great family and big kid place to have fun!!

The Christmas train every year has more lights more added on decorations the Fire Department charity for the burn unit and children's hospital.. They should think about doing it at Halloween to The rates are well priced free parking please please get your tickets early they will run out and you truly will be disappointed.

The Staff wether there in costume or not are extremely friendly and helpful and remember cash is good for this event. Yes they take credit cards and debit just makes it a bit easier.

Line ups are long wear comfortable shoes be prepared for cold or rain. Bundle up.

Bring a blanket when sitting on the train. Buy hot chocolate and experience the show a little closer with loved ones..

Maybe the train will one day free complimentary blankets to sit under. It's an amazing time.

I am so proud of all the sponsors and volunteers and hard workers !! It's nice to see after 20 years both events are going strong and happy people getting to be kids again!! Nice to see we can be the fun city!! . FREE PARKING!! YAY!! CHECK THEM OUT ON TICKET MASTER OR ON THE STANLEY...