The train whistle is blowing. The chugga-chugga-choo-choo of the city's favourite vehicle will be heard this weekend, back out of winter storage. The Little Prince rolls again around Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park.
"The Little Prince steam engine will return for the 37th season this Saturday," said Exploration Place CEO Tracy Calogheros. "This takes us back to 1978 when this little steam engine that could made its inaugural run on Canada Day. Wait, did we say 1978? We also said 37th season, didn't we? No, we're not bad at math. The Little Prince took a four-year hiatus from 2007-11 with a gasket leak. Well, it was built in 1912, what do you expect? So, be kind to those diligent engineers while they keep this little engine in top form and be understanding when it does go off the rails for repairs."
It's all systems go this weekend.
The train was polished and spruced up for its annual circles around the Fort George Railway line. The Little Prince operates Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays from 1-5:30 p.m.
A ticket to ride costs $3.50 for adults, $2.50 for children 2-18 (must be accompanied by an adult unless 13-plus) and for elders 60 and over, and $1 for children younger than two.
Season passes can also be purchased (those with last year's passes are asked to email info@theexplorationplace.com due to last year's weather disruptions). Weather will do that sometimes, said Calogheros.
"The train can't run in inclement weather. If you are unsure about the status of the train due to weather, please call us before coming down to the park: 250-562-1612," she said.
The weather and the day of the week has little effect on the second most popular thing at the Fort George Railway Station. The train is cool, but the ice cream is cold and ready. Locally made Frozen Paddle Ice Cream scoops out its treats seven days a week from 12-8 p.m.
