The Alberta Prairie Railway — Steps From Your Site
A 1920 steam locomotive, a staged train robbery, a prairie buffet in Big Valley — and the only place to sleep where the train itself can stop: our boardwalk.
A Working Piece of Prairie History
Since 1990, Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions has run vintage trains from downtown Stettler through open ranchland to the historic Village of Big Valley — one of Alberta's premier tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world.
- Real steam power Many trains are pulled by No. 41, a 1920 Baldwin steam locomotive — or a classic 1950s diesel.
- 3–6 hour excursions Round trips from Stettler with a full-course buffet meal at the destination and entertainment on board.
- The train robbery Expect the outlaw "Reynolds Raiders" to halt the train — the loot goes to children's charities, over $100,000 donated so far.
- Big Valley destination A restored 1912 railway station, roundhouse interpretive centre, St. Edmund Church, and the Jimmy Jock Boardwalk.
- May through mid-October Plus special runs — country dinner trains, live stage shows, adults-only evenings, and the Polar Express© at Christmas.
- Tickets via Alberta Prairie Fares and dates at absteamtrain.com — tickets are sold by the railway, not the resort.
Sleep Where the Train Stops
Prairie Junction has its own boardwalk on the line — with on-site loading and unloading for Alberta Prairie Railway guests. No other accommodation in Alberta can put you on a steam train from your own campsite.
- Board from our boardwalk On-site loading and unloading for railway guests — arrange it with Alberta Prairie when you book your excursion.
- Watch it steam past your firepit The line runs right beside the resort — the whistle is part of the soundtrack here.
- Walk to the depot The Stettler station is minutes away — no parking, no shuttle, no stress.
- Zero-drive train days Ride, feast, get robbed by outlaws, and stroll home to the sauna.
The Rail Weekend, Solved
Families pair a Polar Express© evening with a heated themed cabin and the wood-fired sauna. Railfans book a full-hookup site with trackside sightlines. Big Valley day-trippers use us as base camp — then finish at the private hydrotherapy spa. Winter train dates pair perfectly with winter camping — we're open when the Polar Express runs.
Steam Train Questions
Can I board the Alberta Prairie Railway at Prairie Junction?
Yes — Prairie Junction has its own boardwalk on the line with on-site loading and unloading for Alberta Prairie Railway guests. Arrange boardwalk boarding with the railway when you book your excursion tickets.
Where do I buy steam train tickets?
Tickets are sold by Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions at absteamtrain.com — fares vary by excursion. We're the place to stay; they run the trains.
When does the steam train run?
Main-season excursions run May through mid-October, with special dates — including the Polar Express© at Christmas — throughout the year. Check the railway's schedule for current dates.
How long is a steam train excursion?
Most excursions run three to six hours round trip from Stettler, including a full-course buffet meal at the destination, onboard entertainment, and — usually — a staged train robbery.
Where should I stay for the Alberta Prairie Railway?
Prairie Junction RV Resort — the only accommodation with its own boardwalk stop on the line, walking distance to the Stettler depot, with RV sites, four themed cabins, and a private hydrotherapy spa.