Have you been lucky enough to catch a ride on the Polar Express?
Lat year we decided to surprise our children with a trip to Stettler to ride the Polar Express over the Christmas break. We didn’t tell them where we were headed or what we were doing so they would be surprised when we arrived. All we told them was that we had a long drive and they could wear their pyjamas.
We left our house while the sun was still up, but arrived at the train station shortly after the sun had set which made the whole experience more magical. As soon as we neared the station the children couldn’t stop shouting with excitement as they realized where we were.
We were early so we watched the train drop off the group riding before us and then pull away to set up again.
There is a small retail store on site with Polar Express paraphernalia (best to avoid with children as items are extremely over priced). There is a warming tent where we went and waited with some other people. While waiting, the Hobo came in and had a chat with the kids and joked around with them.
Shortly before our tour time we went out to the platform to watch the train arrive. There is a small skit performed once the train pulls in before we got to start loading on the train.
Our children couldn’t wait to climb aboard the train. The nice thing with this train is the benches can be flipped so we could all face each other during the ride.
The ride is about an hour in total. You go out for about 30 minutes to reach the North Pole. On the ride out, the crew members dance up and down the aisles, joke and visit with the passengers. They also serve hot chocolate with whipped cream. The Polar Express story was read out loud as we neared the North Pole.
The children were told to watch for the lit up trees on either side of the track that would indicate we were near the North Pole. Just before the North Pole you have to go through the portal, where bright lights are shining.
We may have missed the magic age a bit with our oldest when we reached the North Pole as she was a bit disappointed since some of the displays were mannequin heads on poles with a sheet draped over where the body would be. They did also have children dressed as elves dancing about as well. Our youngest, however, thought is was so cool.
The train does a pass of the North Pole where you get to see Santa in his sleigh and elves dancing and singing. The children are then asked to shout to the conductor to go back to pick up Santa.
Once Santa boards the train then you start on the train journey back through the portal to return to the station.
During the train ride back, music books are handed out so everyone can join in singing Christmas carols. Santa also comes and visits briefly with each child as he hands everyone the first gift of Christmas.
Overall our children really enjoyed it, but it wasn’t as magical as our oldest had expected. She is 8 1/2 years old. It was a fun way to kick off the Christmas break and get in the Holiday Spirit.
Stettler is located approximately 2 1/2 hours from Calgary. We drove there and back the same day, but many people on the train were opting to stay in Stettler over night and making a weekend of it.
If you plan on going we would definitely recommend you go with the 6:30 or the 7:30 time slot as going when it is dark out is much more magical.
Every guest is given a special commemorative mug to take home and each family was given a reusable bag to transport your mugs home.
While this may seem a bit early to already be talking about Christmas activities, tickets are on sale now, and hotels can book up fast this time of year.
Have you ridden the Polar Express? Where did you go?
