Buddy the Train at Railway Museum of BC

Related to the Day Out With Thomas event from years ago, Buddy and Friends is a train-themed children’s festival at the Railway Museum of BC in Squamish.

In 2026 the event happens on the weekend of May 2nd and 3rd. Other events at the same museum at other times of the year include the Sea to Sky Model Train & Hobby Show in spring and the North Pole Express at Christmas. The same organization also hosts the Engine 374 Train Anniversary Celebrations in May, but at Vancouver’s Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown.

(Note: The train engine in the above photo is the Royal Hudson 2860 Steam Locomotive which is permanently on display at the museum. It was built in 1940. The train people get to ride on during the festival in May is the BC Rail Budd Diesel Rail Car BC-21 which is one of two operational units at the museum. Budd is more modern than the Royal Hudson, but still around 70 years old.)

For details about the Buddy & Friends event, either continue reading or visit the wcra.org website.

Buddy & Friends Train Festival in Squamish

Up until a few years ago, there was an annual Day Out With Thomas event at the Railway Museum of BC. It was a festival where children and their families could see the blue train from the world-famous children’s story, Thomas the Train, and actually ride in a real train car behind it. There were other fun, family-friendly activities at the event too.

Today, Thomas the Train is a real train that looks like Thomas the Train. It tours North America visiting train museums and other locations. In 2024, Thomas the Train was unavailable for the event in Squamish, due to a scheduling conflict. The event happened anyway, however, but without Thomas. It has been happening ever since, but now as “Buddy and Friends”, where kids get to ride and learn about “Buddy” instead of Thomas. Buddy is a black train which also has a lovable personality and is lots of fun.

Note: The Railway Museum of BC is run by the West Coast Railway Association. The same association also runs the Engine 374 Pavilion which is a smaller, but still very interesting train museum at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Vancouver in Yaletown.

For full details about the Buddy & Friends event, click Railway Museum of BC.

Thomas the Train at Railway Museum of BC — Thomas the Train (from years ago)

Where & When Does Buddy & Friends Take Place

Buddy and Friends takes place annually over the first weekend of May, so on May 2nd and 3rd in 2026. The festival is held at the Railway Museum of British Columbia, located at 39645 Government Road in Squamish. The museum grounds provide plenty of space for outdoor activities, performances and train experiences.

Gates normally open at 9:30 am with activities and train rides running throughout the day. Full details about the event’s hours in 2026 are to be confirmed.

Admission Prices

Last year Buddy and Friends cost $20 per person, plus taxes and online fees. The price was the same for all ages, although group rates were available for packages of at least 20 tickets.

Admission will likely cost the same again in 2026, although exact details are to be confirmed.

For tickets and more details about the event, visit the wcra.org website.

What to Expect at the Buddy & Friends Event

During the Buddy and Friends Festival, visitors can examine train displays and learn about railway history while enjoying a fun atmosphere. Everyone can ride the historic BC-21 Budd Rail Diesel train. The museum’s Mini-Rail Train navigates around the museum grounds as well, with rides lasting about 20 minutes. Big Red, the classic railway track speeder, is also likely open to explore over the weekend.

The event features live entertainment too, with past performers ranging from singers and comedians to storytellers and jugglers. Last year’s lineup included Norman Foote, Roxy Lewis, Mike Battie, Beverley Elliott, My Sister Maria, Ira Pettle, and of course, appearances from Buddy himself. Interactive workshops and activity zones ran throughout the event last year, and will likely again in 2026.

West Coast Railway Park Trains — Railway Museum of BC

About the Railway Museum of BC

The Railway Museum of British Columbia is a fabulous educational venue. It’s designed to look like an old railway yard, complete with both indoor and outdoor attractions.

There’s a miniature railway, a variety of heritage trains, and plenty of interesting artifacts to admire. The museum also allows visitors to step inside historic buildings and learn about railway systems from the 1900s.

Other events that take place at the museum include the Sea to Sky Model Train & Hobby Show in March and the North Pole Express in November and December.

Note: