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2018 Schedule
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April |
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February |
You can also decide to view all trips of a particular type:
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The Polar Express |
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PUBLIC
TIMETABLES
Alberta Prairie reserves the right to substitute trips to different destinations
and to use
alternative locomotives in cases of mechanical failure. Train robberies
are
scheduled on all (A) excursion with meals, (B)
special event, (D) Newfoundlander,
and (C) APST Limited excursions. Train robberies are not part of the
entertainment on (E) Murder Mystery, and (T) Teddy Bear Special
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 alphabetic characters (A) to (T) refer to the excursion type and the fare structure for that trip. If you click on these letters the fares for that trip will be displayed.
Saturday, May 19 - Season Opener to Big Valley
(Diesel) (A)
Saturday, May 26
- Country Dinner to Big Valley
(Diesel) (A)
SOLD OUT
Departs Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler
7:25 p.m.
Sponsored by Metalex Metal Buildings Inc - Stettler
Wednesday, May 30 - School Special to Big Valley (Diesel)
(S)
First of two trips developed specially for school classes.
The price is
right for students, teachers, and family adult supervisors. Includes
lesson plan, lunch, and guided tours of historic
sights in Big Valley.
Departs Stettler 10:30 a.m.
Returns Stettler 3:55 p.m.
Thursday, May 31 - School Special to Big Valley (Diesel) (S)
Special pricing makes this trip an attractive year-end
outing. See and
experience pioneer railway travel and learn about how the West was
settled by the railways. Includes lesson plan,
lunch, and guided tours
of historic sights in Big Valley.
Departs Stettler 10:30 a.m. Returns Stettler 3:55 p.m.
Sunday, June 17 - Father’s Day Special to Big Valley
(Diesel) (A)Sun
day, June 24 - Country Dinner to Big Valley (No. 41 Steam) (A)Friday
, June 29 - Adults Only Senior's Special (No. 41 Steam) (G)
Saturday, June 30 - Country Dinner to Big Valley (No. 41 Steam) (A)
The outstanding Rod Miller collection of hand-tools is
one the largest
and best of its kind in North America. Be sure to spend some
time at the
new tool museum building south-west of the Big Valley station. Trip
includes
buffet-style Alberta roast beef meal and on board entertainment.
Departs
Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 7:25 p.m.
Sponsored by Gwen Stenberg - Stettler
Sunday, July 1 - Canada Day Special
(No. 41 Steam) (A)
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
buffet-style Alberta
roast beef meal at Big Valley.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m. Returns Stettler
4:25 p.m.
Sponsored by Savage Panda Flowers – Stettler
Friday,
July 6 - Teddy Bear Special to Big Valley (Diesel)
(T)
Children 10 & under accompanied by adult and teddy bear ride
free.
Children are invited to join in a teddy bear promenade just before departure
on the return trip. Everyone receives a prize. Includes entertainment
specially for the children and
buffet-style Alberta roast beef meal plus
hot
dogs for the children, but no train robbery.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m.
Returns Stettler 4:25 p.m.
Sponsored by Lawlor Jewelry - Stettler
Thurs., July 12
- Country Dinner to Big Valley (No. 41 Steam) (A)
Friday, July 13 - Country Dinner to Big Valley
(No. 41 Steam) (A)
Mine payroll on board increases danger of being hit by bandits.
Includes
time to visit Jimmy Jock Boardwalk, restored station,
rail car museum,
roundhouse and elevator interpretive centres.
Includes buffet-style Alberta
roast beef meal.
Departs Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler
7:25 p.m.
Sponsored by Heartland Bowl - Stettler
Saturday, July 14 - Live Steam, Vintage Car Show & Steak BBQ
(B)
You will
feel the heat and smell the coal burning as model steam engine
enthusiasts come together to display their fascinating creations. Working
early gasoline pump engines, antique machinery and vehicles, and one
of a kind creations also featured. Pull on your boots and
cowboy hat and
dine on barbecued steak, chuck wagon beans, baked
potatoes, and tossed
green salad. Complementary beer
with supper.
Entertainment on train and
at the barbecue. Guaranteed train robbery.
Departs Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler
7:55 p.m.
Sponsored by Tom's Boot Shop & Repair - Stettler
Sunday, July 15 - Live Steam
& Vintage Car Show (41 Steam)
(A)
Second day of annual Live Steam Show and a great opportunity to
see
working live steam models, pump engines, and antiques up close and
operating. Includes entertainment and buffet-style meal featuring
Alberta
roast of beef.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m. Returns Stettler
4:25 p.m.
Sponsored by Stettler Dodge Ltd.
Friday, July 20 - Country Dinner to Big Valley (41
Steam))
(A)
Don't be surprised if
bandits show-up. We have been having a bunch
of trouble with the notorious
Reynolds Raiders over the last few years and
try as they may the railway police
seem baffled as to how to catch them.
And yes! You should be safe while
visiting Jimmy Jock Boardwalk, the
little town within a town. Includes buffet-style roast turkey meal.
Departs
Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 7:25 p.m.
Saturday, July 21 -
Country Dinner to Big Valley (41 Steam)) (A)Thurs., July 26
- Country Dinner to Big Valley (Diesel) (A)
Friday, July 27 - Country Dinner to Big Valley
(No. 41 Steam) (A)
Don't be surprised if
bandits show-up. We have been having a bunch
of trouble with the notorious
Reynolds Raiders over the last few years and
try as they may the railway police
seem baffled as to how to catch them.
And yes! You should be safe while
visiting Jimmy Jock Boardwalk, the
little town within a town. Includes
buffet-style Alberta roast beef meal.
Departs
Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 7:25 p.m.
Sponsored by Ampko Electric – Stettler
Saturday, July 28 - Country Dinner to Big Valley (No. 41 Steam) (A)
The outstanding Rod Miller collection of hand-tools is
one the largest
and best of its kind in North America. Be sure to spend some
time at the
new tool museum building south-west of the Big Valley station. Trip
includes
buffet-style Alberta roast beef meal and on board entertainment.
Departs
Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 7:25 p.m.
Sponsored by Prairie Junction RV Resort - Stettler
Sunday, July 29 - Country Dinner to Big Valley (No. 41 Steam) (A)
Mine payroll on board increases danger of being hit by bandits.
Trip
includes
on-board
entertainment,
buffet-style meal featuring
a
chef’s special potato
salad,
sliced
turkey, ham and beef
plus time to visit Jimmy
Jock
Boardwalk,
restored
station,
rail car museum, and roundhouse
and elevator
interpretive centres.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m.
Returns Stettler 3:55 p.m.
Fri.., Aug. 3 - Old-Time Family Picnic Special (No. 41 Steam)
(A)
Bring Grandma, Grandpa & kids and enjoy old fashioned family
picnic,
and what would a picnic be without oven-fried chicken and potato salad.
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 Brennan Auto Body Repair - Stettler
Saturday, Aug. 4 -
Newfoundlander Special (No. 41 Steam) (D)
Sunday., Aug. 5
-
Country Dinner to Big Valley (No. 41 Steam) (A)
Don't be surprised if
bandits show-up. We have been having a bunch
of trouble with the notorious
Reynolds Raiders over the last few years and
try as they may the railway police
seem baffled as to how to catch them.
And yes! You should be safe while
visiting Jimmy Jock Boardwalk, the
little town within a town. Includes
buffet-style Alberta roast beef meal
and on board entertainment.
Departs
Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 7:25 p.m.
Mon., Aug. 6 - Rail Fans Special to Big Valley (No. 41 Steam)
(A)
This is Alberta Prairie's annual event showcasing 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 back to Stettler. Includes
buffet-style Alberta roast beef meal.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m. Returns Stettler 5:10 p.m.
Sponsored by J.T. Auto Body Ltd. - Stettler
Friday, Aug. 10 -
Country Dinner to Big Valley (No. 41 Steam) (A)
The development of
the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame to the south
of the Railway Car Museum is a great
addition to community's
many attractions
and well worth a visit. Spend
some time looking at
the railway related
artifacts in the station while you are in the area.
Trip
includes buffet-style roast turkey
meal.
Departs Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 7:25 p.m.
Sponsored by ATB Financial - Stettler
Sunday, Aug. 12 -
Country Dinner to Big Valley (No.
41 Steam) (A)
Don't be surprised if
bandits show-up. We have been having a bunch
of trouble with the notorious
Reynolds Raiders over the last few years and
try as they may the railway police
seem baffled as to how to catch them.
And yes! You should be safe while
visiting Jimmy Jock Boardwalk, the
little town within a town. Includes buffet-style meal featuring
a
chef’s
special potato
salad,
sliced
turkey, ham and beef and on board entertainment.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m.
Returns Stettler 3:55 p.m.
Sponsored by Bond-O Communications – Stettler
Tuesday, Aug. 14 -
Girl Guides Charter to Big Valley
(Diesel)
Friday, Aug. 17 - Country Dinner to Big Valley (Diesel) (A)
Mine payroll on board increases danger of being hit by bandits.
Includes
buffet-style roast turkey meal, and
time to visit Jimmy Jock
Boardwalk, restored
station,
rail car museum, and roundhouse and
elevator interpretive centres.
2018 marks the 15 anniversary of the first Big Valley Free-mo Show and the
Calgary Free-mo group has been pulling modellers from all over Western
Canada and the United States. It is there hope to once again claim the
title as the largest show of its type in North America.
Departs Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 7:25 p.m.
Sponsored by Gitzel & Company Chartered Accountants
Saturday, Aug. 18 - Free-mo Trains Special (Diesel)
(A)
Each year modellers create and operate one of the largest
model train
layouts of
its type in North America.
Participants arrange modules, hooked
them
all up, level the entire thing to create around 350 to 500 feet worth of
bench work covering most of the entire surface of the Big Valley arena! The
target this season is 1,000 feet of bench work. Trip
includes visit to the
show organized by the Calgary Free-mo group,
entertainment, and
buffet-style Alberta roast beef meal.
Departs Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler
7:55 p.m.
Sponsored by Burmac Mechanical 2000 - Stettler
Sunday, Aug. 19 - Free-mo Trains Special (Diesel) (A)
This is the second day of 15th annual Free-mo trains show
organized by
the Calgary Free-mo group which was, in 2007, the largest of its type in
North America and 2018 may well be another record breaker.
Each
year
modellers create and operate
between
350 and 500 feet of bench
work
covering
almost the entire surface of the Big Valley arena. The target this
season is 1,000 feet of bench work. Includes
on-board
entertainment, and
buffet-style meal
featuring
a
chef’s special potato
salad,
sliced
turkey,
ham and beef.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m. Returns Stettler
4:25 p.m.
Thursday,
Aug. 23 - Country Dinner to Big Valley (No. 41 Steam) (A)
The development of
the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame to the south
of the Railway Car Museum is a great
addition to community's
many attractions
and well worth a visit. Spend
some time looking at
the railway related
artifacts in the station while you are in the area.
Trip
includes
buffet-style Alberta roast beef meal.
Departs Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 7:25 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 24
-
Country Dinner to Big Valley (No. 41 Steam) (A)
Mine payroll on board increases danger of being hit by bandits.
Includes
buffet-style Alberta roast beef
meal, and time to visit Jimmy Jock
Boardwalk, restored station, rail car museum, and roundhouse and
elevator interpretive centres.
Departs Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 7:25 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 25 -
Barbecued Ribs Dinner
(41
Steam)
(B)
Travel back in time
to the Village of Big Valley and see small town Alberta
as it once was. A visit to
roundhouse interpretive centre and fully restored
railway station a must
see
during stop. Includes on board entertainment
and buffet-style barbecued ribs, cold slaw, beans and baked potato meal
at Big Valley. Complementary beer and entertainment with your meal.
Departs Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler
7:55 p.m.
Sponsored by Stettler Flooring & Paint - Stettler
Sunday, Aug 26 - Highland Special to Big Valley (No.
41 Steam) (A)
Red Deer Legion Pipe Band will perform in Stettler and again in Big
Valley.
Includes
buffet-style Alberta roast beef
meal
plus all
the extras
offered on
most
Country
Dinner
excursions.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m. Returns Stettler 4:25 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 1
-
Country Dinner to Big Valley (Diesel) (A)
Mine payroll on board increases danger of being hit by bandits.
Includes
on-board
entertainment,
buffet-style Alberta roast beef meal, and
time to
visit Jimmy Jock
Boardwalk, restored station,
rail
car museum,
and
roundhouse and
elevator interpretive centres.
Departs Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 7:25 p.m.
Sponsored by Richards Insurance Services – The Cooperators
Sunday, Sept. 2 - Teddy Bear
Special to Big Valley (Diesel)
(T)
Children 10 & under accompanied by adult and teddy bear ride
free.
Children are invited to join in a teddy bear promenade just before departure
on the return trip. Everyone receives a prize. Includes entertainment
specially for the children and
buffet-style Alberta roast beef meal plus hot
dogs for the children, but no train robbery.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m.
Returns Stettler 4:25 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 8 - Murder Mystery to Big Valley (No.
41 Steam) (E)
Complete package
includes steam-locomotive powered train excursion,
buffet style
Alberta roast beef
buffet meal and murder mystery. Performers
from
a professional
theatre company, play all
the
parts and you become part
of the play as
you attempt to solve the
mystery.
Starts out on the train
and finishes
up at the community hall in
Big Valley. May
not be
suitable
for children.
Departs
Stettler 2:30 p.m.
Returns Stettler 8:25 p.m.
Sponsored by Schwartz Home Building Centre - Stettler
Sunday, Sept. 9 -
Adults Only Senior's Special (No. 41 Steam)
(G)
No children please! Just for those who want to ride the train without the
bustle and excitement of 17 and under children. This trip offers all the
extras normally found on "County Dinner" excursions including
buffet-style Alberta roast beef meal, time for sight-seeing in Big Valley,
on board entertainment, and train robbery.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m. Returns Stettler 3:55 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 16 -
Country Dinner to Big Valley (No.
41 Steam) (A)
Don't be surprised if
bandits show-up. We have been having a bunch
of trouble with the notorious
Reynolds Raiders over the last few years and
try as they may the railway police
seem baffled as to how to catch them.
And yes! You should be safe while
visiting Jimmy Jock Boardwalk, the
little town within a town. Includes
buffet-style Alberta roast beef meal
and on board entertainment.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m.
Returns Stettler 3:55 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 22 - Fall Supper Special to Big Valley (Diesel)
(A)
Join us for one of our
best excursions of the year and dine on traditional
community fall supper.
Outstanding buffet-style meal features roast
turkey,
dressing, mashed potatoes
and gravy, garden fresh buttered carrots,
salads, and dessert. Watch out
for the bandits!
Departs
Stettler 2:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 7:25 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 23 - Country Dinner to Big Valley (Diesel) (A)
Mine payroll on board increases danger of being hit by bandits.
Includes
on-board
entertainment,
buffet-style Alberta roast beef meal, and
time to
visit Jimmy Jock
Boardwalk, restored station,
rail
car museum,
and
roundhouse and
elevator interpretive centres.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m.
Returns Stettler 3:55 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 28 - Fall Colours Special to Big Valley (No. 41 Steam) (A)
This is a once a year opportunity. Depending on the year
spectacular
colours can be seen all along the
tracks in the fall.
Usually 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 buffet-style
Alberta roast beef meal and on board entertainment.
Departs Stettler 11:00 a.m. Returns Stettler 3:55 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 29 - End of Steam Special to Big Valley (No. 41 Steam)(F)
This is your last
chance in 2018 to ride the train behind steam-locomotive
No. 41. Come and join us for buffet-style Alberta roast beef
meal,
on board
entertainment and
a fireworks display on both
sides of the train during
the return journey.
Departs
Stettler 3:30 p.m. Returns Stettler 9:05 p.m.
Or you can view Alberta Prairie's complete operating schedule for past
years:
2006
2007 2008 2009
2010 2011
2012 2013
2014 2015
2016 2017
Menu Options
Because of the nature of what it is we offer Alberta Prairie Railway is not able
to provide alternative menu choices. Over the years what we have found is that
guests find the buffet more than amble with lots of choices. In special
circumstances, and as an alternative to the meat dish offered, guests can
request a high-quality vegetable burger by pre-ordering at time of booking.
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.
THE POLAR EXPRESS CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
THE POLAR EXPRESS train cancellations will be accepted up
until departure. No refunds will be made once the train has left the station.
The Polar Express cancellations will receive a 50 percent refund of all monies
paid up until the date and time of departure and the return of unused tickets.
There will be no refunds after the fact.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
With the exception of THE POLAR EXPRESS trains 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
either Alberta beef, roast turkey or baked ham, 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 is included with your meal.