Families in Port Alberni hopped aboard the Alberni Pacific Railway this weekend as the historic steam train hosted its annual Easter excursion on the local waterfront. The heritage railway operated 40-minute scenic rides on Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4, 2026, with departures at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. each day.
The train, powered by the restored 1929 No. 7 Baldwin steam locomotive, is currently running along the waterfront between 1st Avenue and Roger Street. While the train is back in action following extensive volunteer-led boiler repairs that allowed it to return to service in late 2024, it is not yet traveling to the McLean Mill National Historic Site. That longer route has remained out of service since July 2018, when the vintage locomotive suffered mechanical issues.
The railway operates under an agreement with the City of Port Alberni and is managed by the Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society. The train travels through the unceded traditional territories of the Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations. Looking toward the future, a report released in March 2026 by the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District rail working group has recommended expanding the service back to McLean Mill and beyond, potentially incorporating Indigenous programming and new pathways for community use.
Tickets for the Easter event were $13.50 for adults aged 18 to 64, $11.50 for students and seniors, and $8.50 for children aged 3 to 11. Children two and under can ride for free.
