The BC Electric Railway (BCER) has come a long way since its maiden voyage in 1910. Originally built as a connection between Vancouver and Chilliwack, primarily to serve residents and move goods, the railway linked Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley for four decades. The Electric Railway brought modern conveniences to the townships that we recognize today: Newton, Sullivan, Cloverdale, Langley, and Abbotsford, to name a few. Improvements in infrastructure and the growing popularity of cars contributed to the railway's final trip on September 30, 1950, but that certainly wouldn't be the last time a streetcar would make its way through Surrey neighbourhoods.
A handful of the cars that travelled across the BCER were kept intact and sprinkled throughout Metro Vancouver (one even being housed at the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa). Enter Surrey's Heritage Rail, originally known as the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society (FVHRS), which came together in 2001 to acquire, restore, revive and operate the remaining BCER Interurban cars. Sixty-three years after the BCER was retired, Surrey residents were aboard Car 1225 once more.
Surrey's Heritage Rail operates on weekends from May to September, departing from Cloverdale Station — a replica of the original 1910 station — located at Hwy 10 and 176A Street in Cloverdale. In 2026, the society celebrates its 25th anniversary, making this a particularly special season to visit.
Surrey's Heritage Railway offers two distinct experiences, each running on a different day of the week — so there's always a reason to come back.
From late June through August, Surrey's Heritage Railway transforms into an outdoor music destination. The Cloverdale Summer Music Festival brings live local musical performances to the station's outdoor patio every weekend, running from June 27 through August 30. It's a wonderful way to extend your visit — arrive early for a train ride and stay on for the music, or simply come for the afternoon atmosphere. Performers range from emerging local acts to professional musicians, all set against the charm of the historic Cloverdale Station.
Check the Surrey Heritage Rail events calendar for the full schedule and performer lineup.
History buffs and the mechanically minded can also tour the Carbarn and see the restoration process of fellow BCER cars up close. All tickets must be purchased online at fvhrs.org.
Location: Cloverdale Station, Hwy 10 and 176A Street, Cloverdale (behind the Clydesdale Inn)
Season: May to late September, weekends only
Heritage Rail Adventure: Saturdays — 10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3 PM
Sullivan Excursion: Sundays — 10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3 PM
Cloverdale Summer Music Festival: Every weekend, June 27 – August 30 (2026).