For the first time since 2018, trains are now hitting the tracks in Port Alberni.
Around 50 passengers stopped at the Port Alberni station Friday morning. The Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society entered into a contract with the city earlier in 2024 to have rides running three days a week.
The new ride gave a lot of riders some nostalgia and provided new experiences for younger riders.
“It’s a dream. It’s nice, and I remember when it used to run. I used to do the freights into the port here and everything else for the CP. Having the train for tourists and the community is wonderful,” said rider Bruce Holland.
Passengers can ride between Argyle Street to Dry Creek with a $6 ticket for seniors and children/youth, or $8 for adults. The #11 Diesel Locomotive will run every weekend at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. throughout the summer and the #102 Logging Crew Speeder will run on Mondays at the same times.
The Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society launched in 1980, and has worked to collect, restore, and operate vehicles of all kinds, like steam engines, railcar speeders, and logging trucks.
On social media, the heritage society showed off pictures of the trains running through the community.
“Unseen are the many volunteers who did the work over the last two months and more, to make today possible,” wrote the society.
Tchadas Leo
