We spent the morning with Thomas! Such fun! The West Coast Railway Association, up in Squamish, collaborated with Sir Topham Hat to bring Thomas to town for the first two weekends in June. We were on Thomas’ first drive this morning. I strongly recommend the early morning time slot; the crowds are at a minimum and the kids are able to enjoy the host of activities set up throughout the park.
When we arrived we raced onto Thomas and enjoyed a great 30 minute ride. If you are able to get in the passenger car immediately behind Thomas, do it! The door is left open and the kids can enjoy hearing Thomas’ whistle and seeing his steam fly by the windows. During the ride, a photographer travels through the passenger cars and the kids are given a multitude of paper-treats (e.g. stickers, colouring and activity books). Over the PA system, stories about Thomas, as well as music, help create a special atmosphere.
After our ride, we stopped to have our picture taken with Thomas. After that it was into the Roundhouse to check out the indoor activities. There is a big eating area and the folks at West Coast Railway Association very kindly organized a number of food trucks to be on site. You don’t need to worry about packing your own lunch; everything you could need is ready for you!
There is a huge Gift Shop inside the Roundhouse; our kids managed to convince us they desperately needed yet another train. There has to be a maximum number of trains children feel they must own; ours haven’t yet reached that number.
Make sure you proceed through the Roundhouse and into the Imagination Station. A ton of kid activities await: temporary train tattoos; Thomas and friends colouring pages; 4 wooden-track train tables; 4 LEGO tables; 4+ train tracks with motorized trains; and a performance venue. Oodles to do and enjoy! Before you depart for the day, take time to ride the miniature train around the train park. Say hi to the tiny Thomas pulling the train ride.
West Coast Railway’s Day with Thomas runs this weekend (June 1 & 2nd) and next weekend (June 8 & 9th). Tickets are still available for some of the time slots (others are, understandably, sold out).
