Recommended Ages 9+ • 25 Minutes • A Frighteningly good time!
Board The Spooky Hollow Express in Port Alberni for a 25-minute night ride filled with ghosts, shadows, and the legendary Headless Horseman. This thrilling haunted train journey through British Columbia’s enchanting forests offers a spooky spin on local history.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
25 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; no physical exertion required
Wildlife
History
Port Alberni’s railway dates back over a century and was vital for transporting timber and goods across Vancouver Island.
Conservation
The Alberni Pacific Railway operates under sustainability principles, minimizing emissions by using vintage diesel engines responsibly and protecting surrounding forests.
Alberni Pacific Railway
Recommended Ages 9+ • 25 Minutes • A Frighteningly good time!
Alberni Pacific Railway is a heritage railway based in Port Alberni, British Columbia. The organization operates a historic diesel locomotive that offers seasonal themed excursions, most notably the Spooky Hollow Express during the Halloween season. The Spooky Hollow Express runs as two distinct departures: The Spooky Hollow Express: Night Train (Fright Edition) and The Spooky Hollow Express: Day Train.
The Night Train presents a spook-focused evening ride with haunted trackside scenes and theatrical scares, while the Day Train provides a family-friendly, decorated seasonal ride suitable for children and adults. Both departures use Alberni Pacific’s diesel locomotive and rely on themed decorations, seasonal atmosphere, and onboard presentation to create the experience. The Night Train includes heightened fright elements and the possibility of encounters with characters such as the legendary Headless Horseman as part of the show.
Alberni Pacific Railway focuses on preserving rail heritage while creating community events and seasonal attractions in Port Alberni. The railway’s Halloween offerings are presented as special, limited-time experiences coordinated around the season, with distinct daytime and nighttime formats to accommodate mixed audiences. Passenger safety, clear signage, and family-appropriate programming for the Day Train are emphasized as part of the event design. As a Port Alberni attraction, Alberni Pacific Railway’s Spooky Hollow Express combines historic rail equipment with themed entertainment to deliver a seasonal Halloween train experience.
Visitors are encouraged to check official schedules and booking details before attending. Themed trains provide a curated seasonal entertainment option for Port Alberni residents and regional visitors and families.
Location
Port Alberni, BC
Based in Port Alberni, British Columbia
Trains Offered
2 Halloween trains
Day and Night Spooky Hollow departures
Seasonal Events
Halloween season
Limited-time themed train rides
Experience
Historic diesel locomotive
Heritage rail equipment in service
Choose Day Train for family fun or Night Train for frights — check schedules and book early for the Halloween season.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure at Port Alberni Train Station to ensure smooth boarding.
Bring a Camera
Capture eerie moments and ghostly sights during the night ride to make unforgettable memories.
Dress Warmly
Evenings can get chilly on the train, so layers are recommended especially in fall and winter.
Wheelchair Accessible
The train offers a wheelchair lift—contact a ticket agent if you require assistance when booking.
Warm Jacket
Keep comfortable during cool evening temperatures on the open train cars.
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Camera or Smartphone
Essential for capturing the spooky scenes and ghostly figures throughout the ride.
Comfortable Shoes
Comfortable footwear makes boarding and exiting the train easier.
Flashlight
Helpful for safely navigating around the station and boarding areas after dark.
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