Christmas Express FAQ

Christmas Express tickets can be purchased online only through the BC Forest Discovery Centre website. Tickets go on sale November 2, 2026.

Tickets are for a specific train time, so please select your preferred date and departure time carefully when booking. Due to high demand, tickets sell out quickly. We recommend having an alternative option ready when booking.

The Christmas Express runs on:

• November 27–30
• December 3–7
• December 10–14
• December 17–20
• December 22–23

Trains run every 30 minutes, with the first train at 4:00 p.m. and the last train at 9:00 p.m.

The BC Forest Discovery Centre is a not-for-profit organization, and the Christmas Express is one of our major fundraisers for the year. As such, train tickets are a special event admission and memberships do not apply.

Christmas admission is $20 for adults/seniors/youth, $18 for children ages 3–12, and free for children 2 and under.

Please note that toddlers must have a ticket booked even if they are free.

After your tickets are purchased, you will be sent 2 emails. One is a receipt, the other a booking confirmation with a QR code.

You will need the QR code to check in at admissions when you arrive. You will then be issued boarding passes for the train. We recommend taking a screen shot of the QR code to facilitate check-in.

Christmas Express tickets are non-refundable, except where the BC Forest Discovery Centre cancels the event or a specific train time. Should this occur, you will be notified and a refund will be issued. No action is required on your part.

Because this is a timed event, please make sure you select the correct date and train time before completing your purchase.

Yes! The Christmas Express is a rain, shine or snow event. Please come prepared for Vancouver Island weather and dress appropriately. Most exhibits and activities are indoors, but rain jackets, warm layers and suitable footwear are recommended as going outdoors will be necessary to get to the train and between locations.

The BC Forest Discovery Centre cannot be held responsible for weather conditions, road closures, travel advisories, etc. Please be aware that as this event is being held during a winter month, any of these conditions may occur, and refunds will not be issued. Also note that winter tires are required if travelling on the Malahat for the event.

In the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions on our site, schedules may need to change. Please follow our social media pages for updates before travelling.

Please arrive to the admissions desk at least 15–20 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

If you miss your scheduled train, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to board a later train, as trains may be fully booked.

Arriving early is the best way to ensure a smooth and stress-free Christmas adventure!

Yes! Free parking is available on site at the BC Forest Discovery Centre.

Parking can become busy during popular Christmas Express evenings, so we recommend arriving early and allowing extra time to park, check in and make your way to the train.

The Centre is located at:
2892 Drinkwater Road, North Cowichan, BC

It is just off Highway 1 in North Cowichan.

We recommend arriving 20-30 minutes before your scheduled train departure. This gives you time to:

• Park your vehicle
• Check in
• Visit the washrooms
• Get your family organized
• Enjoy some of the Christmas activities before boarding

Yes! We recommend coming early if you are booked on a later train, especially the 9:00 train as the site closes shortly after the last train arrives back at the station.

We suggest planning for a minimum of 1 hour to enjoy all the activities before or after your train ride.

For the Christmas and Halloween events, the Centre asks that guests leave their pets at home because of the high volume of visitors. Certified guide and service dogs are permitted.

The train, main entrance, exhibit hall, schoolhouse, concession and walking paths are wheelchair accessible. Designated accessible parking is available. As wheelchairs must be loaded on the train first, please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to boarding.

The BC Forest Discovery Centre is committed to being accessible to everyone. We gladly accommodate designated caregivers. To help us best support your visit, please contact the Centre in advance so we can arrange the details.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase during the event in the concession. Guests can enjoy refreshments while taking in the Christmas activities. Menu items include:

• Hot Chocolate, coffee, tea
• Cold water, pop and juice
• Hot Dogs
• Chili, chili dogs
• Popcorn, Chips
• Mini Donuts

Yes, there are many wonderful restaurants in our community. However, please allow enough time to enjoy your meal, as they are often very busy on the nights of the Christmas Express.

For ticket questions or assistance, contact the BC Forest Discovery Centre at:

• 📞 250-715-1113
• 📧 info@bcfdc.ca