Name: Railway Museum of British Columbia
Address: Canada

The West Coast Railway Association (WCRA) is a registered non-profit society and Canadian charity dedicated to preserving and interpreting the railway history of British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1961, it operates the Railway Museum of British Columbia in Squamish, one of the largest railway heritage collections in Canada with over 90 pieces of restored historic locomotives and rolling stock. The museum offers immersive exhibits, educational programming, and heritage train rides that demonstrate how railways shaped western Canadian communities and their economies.

Key Activities

WCRA’s core activities include:

Operating the Railway Museum of British Columbia on a heritage park site that recreates a mid-20th-century railway town with historic buildings, tracks, and engines.
Hosting seasonal and special events such as the North Pole Express, family-oriented train ride experiences during the holiday season.
Offering membership options with benefits like newsletters, voting rights at meetings, and sometimes combined museum passes.
Supporting volunteer involvement for museum operations, event staffing, restoration projects, and guest services.
Operating the Locomotive 374 Pavilion in Vancouver, showcasing the historic train that pulled the first train into Vancouver in 1887.

Visitor Information and Experience

Visitors to the museum can:

Explore indoor and outdoor exhibits including the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre, historic buildings, and interactive displays.
Enjoy rides on multiple restored trains, including mini-rail and historic passenger cars during open seasons.
Attend model train and hobby shows, festivals and educational events throughout the year.

Strengths and Considerations

WCRA provides a tangible way to learn about regional railway history and offers engaging experiences for families, rail enthusiasts, and tourists. Its volunteer base contributes significantly to operations, enhancing community involvement. However, seasonal hours vary and some attractions (like North Pole Express) require advance bookings.