Location: 820 Railway Gate SW, Airdrie http://www.ironhorsepark.net/ map
Gordie’s review (6 years old): “I thought it was great. That’s all I have to say.”
Nicky’s review (3 years old): “I liked the flowers” [At the front gate]
Robbie’s review (6 months old): Robbie was able to ride with me in a front carrier
Ride Cost: $3 per ride. Kids under 2 ride free but must be accompanied by an adult.
Parking: free parking lot
Food Services: None
Age Range: All ages.
Stay Length: Around 30-90 minutes.
Season: Sundays from May long weekend until Thanksgiving weather dependent 11am-4pm.
Overall:
Iron Horse Park has been operating in Airdrie for a few years now offering rides on miniature (1/8 scale) trains. We checked it out last year at the beginning of August.
If you have a train fan in your family, a visit to Iron Horse Park is a must. My kids really loved it and it wasn’t too expensive either. I only wish we had gone sooner!
For some reason I had thought it was outside of the city, but it’s actually right in the middle of Airdrie. In addition to a few special dates, the park is open only on Sundays from 11am-4pm from the May long weekend until Thanksgiving.
You buy your train tickets inside the train station where you will also find the gift shop. You can buy tickets individually or in a book of 10.
You begin your ride at the back of the station.
The trains are big and strong enough for adults to ride too.
In addition to the ‘passenger’ trains, you will often also see short freight trains driven by one of the volunteers.
Iron Horse Park also has a few picnic areas that can be used for birthday parties, small family gatherings or other small groups.
The ride is a few minutes long and takes you through different kinds of terrain features. The ride is supposed to represent a ride from the Prairies to the West coast.
There are lots of tunnels, bridges and a ‘mountain’ at the far end.
There are picnic tables that you can use as well as a wooden train for the kids to play on in the centre area.
You can usually see another train go by while you are riding which is always fun.
The playground is relatively simple but is perfect for train related pretend play.
We had a fantastic time at Iron Horse Park and are looking forward to going back again this year. You can easily spend the afternoon there if you bring a picnic, walk around and go on a few rides but it also goes quickly enough that you can squeeze it into your day if you are short on time.
Hello,
I am trying to contact Dave & Pat who used to be involved with the running and maintenance of the train to tell them about a friend of theirs in England. If you know then could you pass on my e-mail address. Thank you
Fay Jones