Discovery Centre Tour
DISCOVER Surrey’s Heritage Rail
Step into the past and discover Surrey’s Heritage Rail history on a behind-the-scenes guided tour.
This is a hands-on interactive experience for young and old alike. Learn the history of the Interurban as it used to run through Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Ring the bell, blow the whistle! Experience the motorman’s duties firsthand!
Go to our movie theater in Car 1207 and watch our video on the history of the BCER Interurban Rail system.
View the ongoing restoration of historic BCER (British Columbia Electric Railway) Interurban railcars. See the work up close, ask questions!
Experience the thrill of operating the Interurban using the Simulator. You become the motorman!
Fancy yourself on a wayside track gang? Operate our Quad Handcart and the Velocipede! These rail vehicles were used by railway service personnel (also known as gandy dancers) for railroad inspection and maintenance. Find out how it feels to propel yourself down the track!
When you’re worn out from working on the track gang, let us give you a ride on our Speeder which was used also for minor repairs and inspections. Chase the Interurban down the track and wave at it as it passes you on the mainline!
Take a tour and a train ride! You may wish to take a train ride before or after your tour. You are welcome to bring a lunch and use our picnic tables. Make an afternoon of it!
* Please note the ride and the tour are each priced and ticketed separately. If you would like to ride the train and take a tour please purchase tickets for each experience.
Tours are offered on our operating season days: Saturdays and Sundays starting May 6, 2023 through to October 1, 2023.
Tours are approximately one hour long.
1. First Tour: 10:00 am
2. Second Tour: 11:30 am
3. Third and Last Tour: 1:30 pm
Ticket Prices (plus GST)
Adults $10.00
Seniors & Students $10.00
Children 3-11 $5.00
Infants 2 and under Free
Tickets will be available online after March 2023
History of the Discovery Centre
- In August, 2011, the City of Surrey provided FVHRS with property at 5554 176 Street, the site for a new 3-bay car barn and home for the BCER Interurbans previously at the Sullivan Station car barn.
- The site underwent a complete change with old organics removed and a covering of structural fill ready for the construction of the new barn.
- In October, 2011 approval to start construction was received from the City of Surrey.
- On September 11, 2012, the final inspection was done and the Certificate for Occupancy signed.
Frank Horne Heritage Rail Discovery Centre.
On Saturday June 30th Surrey’s Heritage Rail took a major step forward in its evolution as an important heritage, educational and entertainment landmark, with the dedication of the Frank Horne Heritage Rail Discovery Centre.
The Discovery Centre was named in honour of a man who operated BC Electric Railway Interurban cars from 1946 to 1951, then went on to a 31-year career with the Great Northern Railway. On his retirement, Frank joined the fledgling Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society, and until his passing in 2012, worked on the recovery and restoration of 1225 and 1304 with the ultimate goal of putting them back into service. On open house occasions, Frank would arrive in his motorman’s uniform and greet and talk with people about the old days and the restoration project. During the week, the uniform was traded for work clothes which he wore to the shops to work on the restoration of 1225.
His keen interest in the success of the organization combined with his happy, approachable personality embodies the spirit of the adventure that lies within the new Discovery Centre for the kids of all ages to explore, learn about, and experience hands-on, their own heritage.
