Riding the Rails with the Vancouver Island Model Engineers
One of Victoria’s least known attractions is the miniature railway run by the Vancouver Island Model Engineers or VIME located at the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society’s Heritage Acres in Central Saanich. This fabulous little ride is a real treat for children of all ages.
The BC Rail Electric BCR6000 model locomotive crossing one of the bridges.
Part of the club facilities, including the roundhouse and some track, are visible from the Pat Bay Highway, but this belies the fact that the majority of the railway is hidden from view in the forest and includes over 1.2 km/ .75 miles of mainline track crossing bridges and trestles, runs through a tunnel and passes by a beautiful pond as it winds through the rain forest.
If you’re a train buff you’ll love the the layout which includes multiple rail lines, switches, working road crossings and you’ll see a variety of locomotives in action from the classic BC Rail BCR6000 fully electric locomotive to actual live steam locomotives which look and operate like the real thing with incredible detail!
Live steam locomotive with a full load of enthusiastic riders!
Prepping a steam locomotive at the roundhouse
Closeup of one of the model steam locomotives
Schedule
Since VIME is a private club and not a commercial tourist attraction, the trains are not running all the time. However, they do run on published dates where the public can enjoy rides with fees by donation. The trains do not run in the winter.
CHECK HERE FOR SCHEDULE INFORMATION
Location
Saanich Historical Artifacts Society’s Heritage Acres
7321 Lochside Drive, just off Highway 17 between Victoria and Sidney
Turn right at the traffic light at Island View Rd
Website
For more information or to contact VIME directly CLICK HERE
My family is coming to Victoria in June 2019 around 14-18th is the model train open during that time.
I was brought here as a very young person. My stepfather was a CP Conductor for many years and feel that without this experience and the possibility of my son not bring able to experience what you have would be a massive injustice. Our children need that sweet direction. I do can help to keep what you have going, going. please let me know. Such a special place.
Hi Christopher,
This is a special place … we love it! Unfortunately we have no control over when trains will be running again … it all depends on when Covid restrictions are lifted. For more information I suggest you contact VIME (Vancouver Island Model Engineers) https://vime.ca/
directly as they’re the ones running the trains. We are not affiliated with either Heritage Acres or the trains.
Cheers!
Linda