Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum

The Cottonwood Express miniature railway is the signature excursion at the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum, offering a charming way to traverse the museum’s expansive eight-acre industrial heritage park in Prince George. Operating on a 24-inch narrow-gauge track, this “mini-rail” winds through a landscape dotted with over 60 pieces of full-sized rolling stock and vintage forestry equipment, providing passengers with unique perspectives of massive locomotives and the iconic 40-foot “beehive” burner that they wouldn’t get on foot. While the main museum is open year-round, the miniature train runs on a seasonal schedule.  Guests can settle into the open-air cars for a narrated journey that brings the history of the Grand Trunk Pacific and Pacific Great Eastern railways to life. The experience truly transforms during the winter holidays, when the train becomes the Christmas Express, carrying passengers through a magical “Celebration of Lights” where thousands of twinkling displays illuminate the historic rail yard against the snow.