PORT ALBERNI TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
The Spooky Hollow Express: A night ride on Alberni Pacific’s haunted diesel
A short, after-dark run on Alberni Pacific Railway’s historic diesel locomotive through haunted tracks — this guide explains what to expect on the Fright Edition.
The Spooky Hollow Express: A night ride on Alberni Pacific’s haunted diesel.
As daylight thins over Port Alberni, Alberni Pacific’s historic diesel locomotive sheds its daytime skin and becomes the Spooky Hollow Express: Night Train. The Fright Edition is a deliberately eerie, after‑dark run along haunted tracks where shadows, ghosts and even the legendary Headless Horseman may appear, a spine‑tingling theatrical spin on a short, historic train ride.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Historic diesel pulls the night run
The experience centers on Alberni Pacific’s vintage diesel locomotive, repurposed for an atmospheric night ride that leans on the train’s historic presence to amplify the frights.
An evening transformed into haunt
As the sun sets the route is staged as a haunted corridor: staged shadows and ghostly figures punctuate the short run to create a deliberately chilling tone.
Characters and legends on the line
The production leans into local lore and theatrical scares—shades, apparitions and the possible appearance of the Headless Horseman are part of the Fright Edition’s promise.
What the day feels like
What the ride feels like
The Spooky Hollow Express is a compact, intentionally spooky night excursion: passengers board at the Alberni Pacific Railway and, over the course of the short run, the engine and the route are staged with lighting and characters so that the ordinary landscape reads as haunted. It’s a theatrical, spine‑tingling spin on a heritage train ride designed to deliver quick, concentrated scares.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this night train suits — and who should sit this one out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The attraction runs at night as a Fright Edition; the complete outing is a short evening ride with an overall duration of about 40 minutes.
Dress for an evening outdoors on and around the train; specific gear requirements are not listed in the briefing.
All departures assemble at the Alberni Pacific Railway boarding area.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Spooky Hollow Express: Night Train?
The full Fright Edition outing runs roughly 40 minutes in total.
Where do I meet for boarding?
Boarding and departure take place at the Alberni Pacific Railway.
What ages is the ride appropriate for?
The experience is recommended for ages 9 and up.
Will I encounter characters like the Headless Horseman?
The Fright Edition uses staged characters and legends—shadows, ghosts and the legendary Headless Horseman may make an appearance during the run.
How scary is the Night Train?
The production is explicitly designed as a spine‑tingling, theatrical night ride intended to startle and entertain riders.