Historic Kamloops, B.C., steam train may soon return with a multi-city excursion

Kamloops' beloved steam locomotive may be back on new tracks by 2026 to run one of the world's longest steam-powered rail excursions. 

After talks of keeping the historic train off the rails to be displayed in a museum, a new board of directors at the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society is taking things in a new direction, with the goal of returning the locomotive to operation. 

"This train has touched the hearts of so many of our residents and visitors from around the world," said Jordan Popadynetz, director of rail operations for the society.

"We're just trying to bring her back to life and give that opportunity again."

The locomotive, also known as "2141" or the "Spirit of Kamloops," had operated shorter rail tours around Kamloops since 2002, but went out of commission in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Now, Popadynetz said, the society is planning to develop a multi-town, captivating excursion for locals, visitors and train enthusiasts alike. 

He said CN Rail has approved the train to run on its tracks — pending the passing of certification standards — between Kamloops and Vernon, a round trip of about 240 kilometres. 

The full trip would take just over eight hours, stopping in other towns, like Armstrong, along the way. 

"I think the pride and joy Kamloops will feel when the Spirit of Kamloops pulls into these communities is going to be overwhelming," Popadynetz said. 

History of the Spirit of Kamloops

The 2141 locomotive was constructed along with 25 others and is the only survivor of its class, according to the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society. 

It was used as a CN Rail-operated freight and passenger train, transporting people and cargo across the country between 1912 and 1958. 

After its career came to an end, the train was set to be demolished on Vancouver Island, but the mayor of Kamloops at the time, Jack Fitzwater, saved it from such a fate by purchasing it in 1961. Popadynetz said the mayor wanted to commemorate the importance of the railway to Kamloops' history. 

It was on display at Riverside Park in Kamloops for 33 years and became an iconic fixture in the city, Popadynetz said. 

In 1994, the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society formed to restore the train and get it running, a goal that eventually came to fruition in 2002. 

Over the next decade and a half, the train would carry thousands of passengers on short trips within the city limits, including ghost train rides in the fall and Christmas-themed tours in the winter. 

"It brings back childhood memories for me and I want to give the kids of Kamloops that again," said the society's president Sheila Minton. 

Before the new board of directors took over, the society had begun the process of moving the train into a museum, amidst the pandemic. 

But Minton said having the train up and running on longer excursions would be good for the city, bringing in more tourism revenue. 

"It would be a major tourism attraction to Kamloops, it could draw from all over," she said.

Popadynetz said the train is in "marvellous" shape, but needs a full inspection of the boiler — which the group is currently fundraising for. 

He said with their strategic plan in place, the train should be ready to welcome passengers on its new journey by 2026.