Feature Excursion Schedule
All trains depart and return to Stettler, Alberta
(Updated:
Sunday February 21, 2010)
These trips are a variation on a "Country Dinner" which are the most frequent and popular excursions we offer. Includes steam or
diesel-powered rail excursion lasting between five to five and one-half hours,
full course buffet
meal
at destination, entertainment, sightseeing & maybe even a train
robbery. These trips are great for children and families.
The destination for Alberta Prairie excursions is Big Valley.
This community was the divisional point for the Canadian Northern Railway
in the early 1900s. Feature attractions include restored railway station,
roundhouse interpretive centre, St. Edmund Church and Jimmy Jock Boardwalk.
PUBLIC TIMETABLES
Saturday, May 15 - Season Opener to Big Valley (A)
Sunday, June 20 - Father’s Day Special to Big Valley (A)
Thurs., July 1 - Canada Day Special to Big Valley
(6060) (A)
Saturday, July 17 - Live Steam Show to Big Valley (6060)
(A)
Sunday, July 18 - Live Steam Show to Big Valley (6060) (A)
Friday, July 23 - Old-Time Family Picnic Special (Steam) (A)
Fri., July 30 -
Country Dinner Extra to Big Valley (Steam)
(A)
Mon., August 2 - Rail Fans Special to Big Valley (Steam) (A)
Saturday, August 14 - Free-mo Trains Special (6060)
(A)
Sunday, August 15 - Country Dinner Plus (6060) (A)
Sun., August 22 - Highland Special to Big Valley (Steam) (A)
Fri., Sept. 24 -
Fall Colours Special to Big Valley
(Steam) (A)
Sat.,
Oct. 2 - Fall Supper Special to Big Valley (Diesel) (A)
Alberta Prairie reserves the right to substitute trips to different destinations
and to use
alternative locomotives in cases of mechanical failure. Although train robbers
are
scheduled on all (A) excursion with meals, they are only guaranteed on (B)
special event
and (C) APST Limited excursions. Inclusions on all excursions are subject to
change
without notice, discount, or refund should circumstances arise which would
prevent the
delivery of such things as train robberies.
The excitement begins with the first excursion of 2010.
Please be
warned the Reynolds Raiders are likely pretty hungry after six months of ice,
cold, and no trains to rob. Includes on board entertainment and full course
Alberta roast beef buffet.
Departs Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 7:25 p.m.
Sponsored by Town Pump Restaurant - Stettler
Treat Dad to a day out with the family. Includes entertainment
and roast
beef buffet. Free hats for every Dad travelling with family. This trip is
Alberta Prairie’s annual benefit in support of rail preservation.
Departs
Stettler 11:00
a.m. Returns Stettler
3:55 p.m.
Sponsored by Schwartz Home Building Centre - Stettler
The flags will be flying and your locomotive will be dressed
for the
occasion. Join us and help celebrate Canada's birthday. Includes on board
entertainment, time to do some sightseeing and take pictures, and roast
beef buffet meal.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m. Returns Stettler
4:25 p.m.
Sponsored by Panda Flowers - Stettler
You will
feel the heat and smell the coal burning as model steam engine
enthusiasts come together to display their fascinating creations. Working
steam-powered saw mills and miniature threshing machine are expected to
attend. Includes roast beef buffet meal and all the other extras offered
on most Country Dinner excursions and more.
Departs Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler
8:25 p.m.
Sponsored by Otherside Restaurant - Stettler
Second day of annual Live Steam Show and a great opportunity to
see
working live steam models up close and operating. Includes entertainment
and Alberta roast beef buffet meal.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m. Returns Stettler
4:55 p.m.
Sponsored by Gitzel Krejci Dand Peterson Chartered Accountant
Bring Grandma, Grandpa & kids and enjoy old fashioned family
picnic,
and what would a picnic be without oven-fried chicken, potato salad, and
buttered corn on the cob. Games for the children and entertainment for the
adults are featured.
Departs Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 7:55 p.m.
Sponsored by Sobeys - Stettler
Ever wonder who these people are who call themselves Métis?
This is
your chance to visit a hivernant, meet the people of the plains in their
colourful sashes and Hudson's Bay coats, and see their handicrafts.
Trips includes beef buffet,
entertainment, sight-seeing and robbery.
Departs Stettler 2:30 p.m.
Returns Stettler 7:55 p.m.
Sponsored
by Savage Value Drugs - Stettler
This is Alberta Prairie's annual event showcases railway
equipment and
locomotives. Highlight will be a photo roll-by featuring steam-locomotive
No. 41 and visit to historic railway town. Locomotives and other rail
equipment on display and open to public. This trip is really a "Country
Dinner" with an added feature. Locomotive No. 41 will pull train to Big
Valley and Mountain
class No. 6060 will pull back to Stettler.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m. Returns Stettler 4:55 p.m.
Sponsored by Battle River Sports - Stettler
Each year modellers create and operate one of the largest
model train
layouts of
its type in North America.
Participants arrange modules, hook
them
all up, level the entire thing to create around 500 feet worth of
bench work covering almost the entire surface of the Big Valley arena! Trip
includes visit to the show organized by the Calgary Free-mo club,
entertainment, and a roast beef buffet supper.
Departs Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 8:25 p.m.
Sponsored by Dynamo Electric - Stettler
This is the second day of 7th annual Free-mo trains show
organized by
the Calgary Free-mo Club which was, in 2007, the largest of its type in
North America and 2010 may well be another record breaker.
Trip
includes visit to the show, entertainment, meal,
and train robbery.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m. Returns Stettler
4:55 p.m.
Sponsored by Heartland Glass - Stettler
Red Deer Legion Pipe Band will perform and do march past in Big
Valley.
Includes roast beef buffet meal and all the other extras offered on most
Country Dinner excursions.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m. Returns Stettler 4:25 p.m.
Sponsored by Jude’s Liquor Store - Stettler
This is a once a year opportunity. Depending on the year
spectacular
colours can be seen all along the
tracks at this time in the fall.
Usually
all of the brush, trees, grasses
and fields have turned to bright gold,
orange
and reds, and are wonderful
to see up close and away from the highways.
Includes Alberta roast
beef buffet meal and on board entertainment.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m. Returns Stettler 3:55 p.m.
Sat., Sept.
25 - End of Steam Special to Big Valley (Steam) (A)
This is your last
chance in 2010 to ride the train behind steam-locomotive
No. 41. Come and join
us for roast beef buffet meal, entertainment and
a fireworks display on both
sides of the train during the return journey
to Stettler.
Departs
Stettler 3:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 9:05 p.m.
Join us for one of our
best excursions of the year and dine on traditional
community fall supper.
This outstanding buffet meal features roast turkey,
dressing, mashed potatoes
and gravy, garden fresh buttered carrots,
salads, and home made pie. Watch out
for the bandits!
Departs
Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 7:25 p.m.
PUBLIC TIME TABLES
Alberta Prairie reserves the right to substitute excursions
to destinations other than those shown in this schedule and to use alternative
motive of power in case of mechanical failure.
RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED
Reservations can be arranged by phone using MasterCard
or VISA. Although we can usually accommodate passengers without reservations,
we do sell out and a reservation guarantees seating.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
Cancellations will be accepted up until 24 hours prior
to departure. No refunds will be made with less than 24 hours notice. Cancellations
received less than seven (7) days prior will be issued a voucher of equal
value for a future trip. With less than five (5) days notice, it may not
be possible to seat passengers with their group. Please try to reserve
the required number of seats with original booking.
RECOMMENDED TRAVEL TIMES
A leisurely drive from Calgary will take approximately
three hours and, from Edmonton, two and one-half hours.
ALBERTA PRAIRIE COUNTRY DINNERS
Dinners are buffet style, served at the hall in community
named and are prepared by the people of that community. Meals usually include
Alberta beef, potato, roll, salad, vegetables and dessert.
FINE RAILWAY DINING (Winter Excursions only)
Dinners include a five-course meal with a choice of three
different entrees, wine and entertainment.
Back to the Alberta Prairie Home Page