Alberta Prairie Railway Tours Ride Along

Sorry, we’ve been away. A number of…let’s call them “problems”…conspired to keep us from posting new content for the last few weeks, and it simply killed us to do so, but we’re back kicking and screaming. And here to celebrate this return, a special post. Come tag along with the Team as we take in a most wonderful adventure, one that you can do too and with the entire family, a ride on Alberta Prairie Railway’s tour train out of Stettler Alberta. It’s pure unadulterated awesome.

Rolling along it’s a leisurely excursion through scenic countryside to the community of Big Valley where like us you’ll partake in a yummy home made meal prepared with love, included with your ticket. And with time to spare you’re encouraged to wander the the historic town and take yourself back in time. So much to see! Then reboard the train and it’s more good times till you find yourself back from where you started. The time will just fly past.

The train departs from the Stettler Station, under the shadow of the towering P&H grain elevator (which you can tour), in the southeast corner of town. Arrive early as it can get busy. Then take your seat in one many historic rail cars, some of which date back close to a hundred years. Get comfy and lose yourself while watching the world pass you buy. We take our positions, one in the locomotive, one patrolling the train and both taking it all in to the best of our abilities.

And with the last passengers having boarded it’s departure time. At the throttle today is engineer Jimmy, whose gruff appearance belies his soft spoken personality. What a treat to accompany him on this journey. As we roll along he speaks of his time on the railway long ago, his adept hand on the controls. It’s a steady 24kmh or 15mph – railways still use imperial measurements and probably always will.

Greetings from engineer Jimmy.

The train rocks gently as we skirt the city of Stettler. Soon we’re out in the plains, passing field and pasture and pond. Watch for deer by the tracks and hawks circling overhead. Daydreaming comes easy.

Back in the train the fun’s already begun. There’s wandering musicians to entertain and a chance to chat with a character from Canada’s past, the legendary plainsman Gabriel Dumont. His noted marksmanship skills could come in handy…word is there’s bandits in the area.

Some folks just sit taking in the pastoral countryside, whereas others roam about, many finding their way to the open air car. All around it’s smiles and lively conversation, many just lost in the moment, kids squealing with delight, some adults too and so many photos captured. Click, click, click! Take a train ride like they did in years past and for an afternoon picture yourself a time traveller.

Leading the train is a General Motors Diesel “GMD1” made in London Ontario. Dating from 1958 it once worked for Canadian National Railways mostly roaming the company’s lightly built prairie branches. Since the APRT line is ex-CNR and was one of those lesser lines of minimal construction, there is a good chance this engine could have travelled these very rails in the past. It’s one of several locomotives that can lead the tour train which can include steamer #41, laid up on our visit awaiting a part, but hopefully soon to return to service. Interestingly a number of GMD1s, all built in the 1958-1960 period mostly for the CNR, are still hard at work some sixty years after being built. They made them well back then.

A look at the controls shows an overwhelming array of levers, switches and gauges only a few of which we understand the purpose of (even though many are labelled). Jimmy works them as though an extension of his hand.

Crossroad after crossroad and rolling plains, it’s a scene from a postcard. Up high, it’s the endless sky.

At Warden, a little picturesque station. The original here, at this former junction, was much larger and is of course long gone. And down the tracks, a workshop where steamer #6060 “Bullet Nose Betty” resides while undergoing a restoration. We got to visit this giant beast the day before and will post an article about it down the road. Out back of the building, the massive tender awaits its turn in the shop. A couple of the sidings here are used for the unloading of silicates (frac sand) and this freight business helps underwrite the tour train operation. It’s ain’t cheap running a railway.

While the line appears to be grade-free, here and there a little dip has the locomotive digging in it heels and pulling hard. Clickity-clack, that hypnotic beat. Over there old farm equipment, and that way, what was a town but now an empty field. There’s little in the way of civilization to be seen and not a lot of folks live out this way. A bit of history from Jimmy. Look to the right for the foundations of an old water tower.

Back in the train, the fun’s showing no signs of stopping. Scenery, music, so many friends, some old some newly made. Here the magic of train travel works for all, young and old, short and tall, big and small and it shows on their faces. Chat up the cheerful staff – they’re pleased to answer any questions and are quick with a smile. Be sure to get your ticket punched by a conductor – that’s a keepsake.

And we roll along.

The train slows…wait, what’s that sound? Gunplay?! We’re done for…it’s a train robbery! “Cough up some dough hombre, or it’ll be curtains”, comes a voice from behind. It’s the Reynolds Raiders roaming the train unchallenged and demanding cash. Who will save us?

Then out of nowhere comes Gabriel Dumont, here to save the day! A few well placed shots and he sends them packing and licking their wounds. Still, they get away with some loot.

Word is the desperadoes latter had a change of heart and donated their ill gotten gains to a local children’s charity instead of blowing it on whisky and card play. Let’s hope they keep on the straight and narrow.

Get ready for a ride-along!

The bandits dispatched, roll into Big Valley, not just a meal stop (and is the food delicious!) but a community you’re encouraged to explore. Eat your share then take in the historic train station, a vintage grain elevator, roundhouse remains, the little blue church along with numerous museums and gift shops. And chat with period-costumed locals, train staff and fellow passengers. Just wander about and soak up the ambience and revel in what is an experience you’ll not soon forget. Train days the sleepy town springs to life then on the rolling party leaving goes quiet again. We’ll be visiting Big Valley again soon, and will be doing a new piece on the town itself and all its attractions, a guide on what to see and do when there.

Stuff to see while here…
Prairie Sentinels – Big Valley Alberta.
Big Valley Alberta CNoR Roundhouse.
St Edmunds Church Big Valley.

Back on the train everyone’s full and happy. The ride’s not over, not by a long shot. There’s still miles to go. Relax, watch the world pass and let any problems of the world melt away. An “ahhh” moment, a most magnificent adventure and one that’ll last with you for a long, long time. Roll into Stettler full of memories. Years from now you’ll reminisce on just how absolutely epic it was.

The line you’ve been travelling was built by Canadian Northern Railways in the years 1911-1912. Less than a decade later the CNoR, who had a huge network of track in the west, was amalgamated into Canadian National Railways, who continued to operate this branch into the 1980s before selling it to short line operator. In the late 1980s that firm, Central Western of Stettler (now defunct) started what would become the APRT who eventually took over the line exclusively. Tour trains operate mostly spring to fall, with some in the off season, typically on weekends but sometimes other days too. If you’re interested in taking a trip, go here: Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions. We highly recommend it and had a blast photographing this piece.

Passenger cars rostered by Alberta Prairie Railway Tours according to a recent Canadian Trackside Guide include: #1001 “Glen Sutton” 1921, #1002 “Tracy” 1931, #4627 & #4628 1930, #5080 1924, #5082 “Lonestar” (lounge car) 1924, #6603 1923, #6740, #6741, #6744 and #6744 “Val Royal” (a diner) all relative newcomers from 1952, #7279 the oldest from 1919. Cars have varying lineages some coming from the CNR, some CPR with a few coming by way of the US. Also on the train is a 1950s built caboose and the popular open air car. The consist can change from trip to trip and this list is just a rough guide. We didn’t keep an exact inventory of the ones on our train…we were having too much fun! These old cars ride smooth with a gentle rocking while in motion.

They’re saying…

“I’ve always had a yearning to travel as you do, and just explore, but that didn’t happen. Your stories and pictures help fill that void. Please don’t stop doing what you do. I know I speak for many. Happy trails to you!” Jan Cooper.

Another one to ride…
Twilight Train @ Aspen Crossing.

The view from a locomotive…
The Railway.
A day with the Battle River Railway.

If you wish more information on what you’ve seen here, by all means contact us!

Date of adventure: June, 2019.
Location: Stettler & Big Valley AB.
Article references and thanks: Alberta Prairie Railway Tours & Staff, Rich Graydon, Canadian Trackside Guides, Canadian Northern Society.

Plainsman Gabriel Dumont and friend.

Now the journey’s about to begin.

Meanwhile in the locomotive.

Taking in the passing scenery.

Heading out into the prairies.

This oldie would shadow the train for a while.

Punched tickets will become treasured mementos.

Rolling along at a relaxed pace.

There it is again.

A meet and greet with a legend from Canada’s past.

They handle a little freight too.

The tender from Steamer #6060.

Warden’s little station.

Time for refreshments.

The old engine digs in its heels and smokes it up.

Destination Big Valley and a fine roast beef dinner.

A quiet moment.

Prairies and ponds, a setting most serine.

Dragging the shutter gives the illusion of speed.

Photo ops abound.

Helpful staff, courteous & friendly.

The railway man may look gruff & mean…but has a heart of gold.

Bandits!

Soon to be seen on a wanted poster.

Hands up…

Whatcha doing?

Greeters in Big Valley.

About to “run around” the consist.

Always happy to pose for a photo.

General Motors Diesel London Ontario.

A switch is thrown.

You can tour the elevator.

Our conductor is always quick with a smile.

Connie’s been spotted.

In the museum of vintage tools.

You may get a tour of the locomotive.

Wheels and rails.

Today’s onboard entertainment.

An adept hand on the controls.

Yield…no stop!

A section of track lined with trees.

A steady twenty four clicks (15mph).

For those who say we only see the back of your head.

Locomotive dates from the 1950s.

A curve allows us a good view of the train.

Hanging in the open air car.

Throttle and brake.

Frac Sand helps pay the bills.

A friendly wave.

Almost home and back there Stettler’s Grain Elevator.