Railway Days

Turntable Demonstration

This is your once-a-year chance to watch our authentic 1907 turntable swing the steam locomotive around. It’s a captivating glimpse into railway history, so don’t miss it!

• Where: Behind the Railway Roundhouse
• When: 11:30 – 11:50 a.m., 12:30 – 12:50 and 1:30 – 1:50 p.m.

Speeder Demonstrations

Spot the Fairmont Railway Car on Heritage Park’s tracks. Learn the fascinating history behind this speedy maintenance vehicle from our knowledgeable railway experts.

• When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Live Music Performances

Tap your toes to fiddle tunes from the Prairie Mountain Fiddlers, railway folk music from Barry Luft and early 20th century music from the Dixie Kings. They’ll be performing throughout the day, with Barry Luft playing an additional set in the Burns’ Barn.

• When and Where:
  • 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. throughout the Village.
  • Barry Luft performs from 11 – 11:45 a.m. at Burns Barn.

Diesel Engine Cab Tours

Climb aboard our brand-new diesel-electric train engine — the first new engine to join our fleet in 50 years. Step inside for a guided tour and discover what makes this new addition to our historic railway so unique. Tours run throughout the day during Railway Days.

• Where: Near the Railway Car Shop
• When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Water Tower Demonstration

Watch a steam-era tradition in action. See our skilled crew replenish the locomotive’s water supply at the Railway Water Tower, just as railway workers did over a century ago.

• Where: Railway Water Tower
• When: 3 p.m.

LEGO Displays

Stop by Innovation Crossing to enjoy incredible LEGO replicas of Heritage Park’s iconic buildings. Find your favourite landmarks in miniature, and look out for some special surprises too.

• Where: Innovation Crossing 
• When: 10 a.m. – 5  p.m.

Handcar Rides

Hop aboard our historic handcar and experience the fun of manually powering it along the tracks. Make memories as you pump your way down the line.

• Where: Near Railway Car Shop
• When: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Please note: For safety, guests under the age of five are only allowed on the handcar for photos.

Kids Railway Challenge

Calling all young railfans! Explore fun, educational train-themed activities throughout the Park. Complete them all for a chance to win exciting prizes.

• Where: Get started at Midnapore Station, and complete the challenge throughout the Park!
• When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Hobo Camp

Step inside a genuine Hobo Camp and discover hobo culture. Decode their secret language hidden across the Park, listen to authentic hobo tales and enjoy lively campfire tunes.

• Where: Midnapore Station
• When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Telegraphy Demonstrations

Witness the magic of telegraphy as operators send messages without ever stopping a train. Visit Midnapore Station, Laggan Station or Shepard Station to see a live telegraph in action, and even send your own telegram.

• Where: Midnapore Station, Laggan Station and Shepard Station
• When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Railway Presentations

Hear compelling stories from railway historians and experts. Informative panels and engaging talks bring Canadian railway history to life.

• Where: Burns Barn
• When:
  • Doug Coats, Calgary’s Railway Story: 12 – 1 p.m.
  • Terry Gainer, My Life at the Banff Railway Station: 1 – 2 p.m.
  • Doug Coats, Ride This Train: 2 – 3 p.m.

Cab Tours of Engine #2018

Climb into the cab of Engine #2018, the “Old Goat,” and see what it was like to be a real train engineer at the controls of this mighty steam engine!

• Where: Behind the Railway Roundhouse
• When: 11:50 – 12:20 p.m.

Model Train Displays

See impressive model train displays by local railway enthusiasts. From detailed scenery to intricate locomotives, find out why model trains are beloved by all ages. Discover them at different locations across the Park.

When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: Canmore Opera House, Railway Roundhouse, Innovation Crossing, Basement of Famous 5 Centre of Canadian Women, Upstairs in the Wainwright Hotel.

CPKC Mini Train

Check out CPKC’s fun mini train that will be on-site for the weekend!

• Where: Gunn’s Dairy Barn
• When: Only happening on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.

Hooping Demonstration

Catch the excitement as we show how telegraph operators “hooped up” train orders and messages to moving crews — all without the train ever stopping!

• Where: Midnapore Station, Laggan Station and Shepard Station
• When: Throughout the day

Reenactor Camp

Meet World War One and Victorian characters in their camp at the front of the Celebration Field, on the train and at the train stations!

• Where: Celebration Field, Midnapore Station, Laggan Station and Shepard Station and throughout the Village
• When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Discover the Roundhouse Like Never Before

Friday, Sept. 12, 2025

In celebration of Railway Days, join our Chief Engineer and train crew on a exclusive 90-minute behind the scenes tour of our Railway Roundhouse and engine room! You’ll learn all about our collection of railway artifacts and get the chance to ask the experts your burning questions on all things rail-related. Light refreshments will also be provided. Get tickets today!

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CPKC

CPKC is the combination of two historic railways – Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS). Today, they are CPKC and have created the first and only transnational rail network in North America. Drawing on their strong foundations and heritage, CPKC moves essential goods across their 20,000-mile network to support economic growth throughout Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

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