First launched in 1995, Vancouver and British Columbia’s West Coast Express marks 30 years of service, and they want you to join in on the fun! On Saturday, November 1, 2025, they are hosting a special event to commemorate this important milestone and to show appreciation for the train, staff, and customers who have kept the West Coast Express rolling for three decades. Drop by the West Coast Express platform at Waterfront Station (601 West Cordova Street, Vancouver) between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to join the celebration!
What to expect at the celebration
They’ve got fun for the whole family at the West Coast Express 30th anniversary celebration! Enjoy prize giveaways, musical performances, a photo op on the West Coast Express locomotive, and a meet and greet with West Coast Express staff.
Kids can enjoy special West Coast Express colouring sheets, activity books, games, treats, and more!
Rumor has it a brand-new, exclusive TransLink Trading Card will be available for those who join the fun. Come early so you don’t miss out on the giveaways and photo ops! Don’t forget to tag your photos with #WCE30 on social media, they want to see your best train-side smiles!
Ride the West Coast Express to the party
They are even running a special West Coast Express train on Saturday, November 1 to take you and your family to and from the celebration! The train departs Mission City Station for westbound to Vancouver’s Waterfront Station at 9:00 a.m., and returns eastbound at 3:00 p.m. The full schedule is below.
Remember to tap your Compass Card – regular fares apply.
The train isn’t the only way to join the party! You can take other modes of transit, bike, walk, ride, or roll your way to the West Coast Express platform at Waterfront Station. The party runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Don’t forget your Compass Card! The celebration takes place on the West Coast Express platform at Waterfront Station – past the fare gates. You’ll need to tap in to join the fun.
| Station | Westbound Departure (A.M.) | Eastbound Departure (P.M.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mission City | 9:00 a.m. | 4:15 p.m. (arrival only) |
| Port Haney | 9:19 a.m. | 3:55 p.m. |
| Maple Meadows | 9:25 a.m. | 3:49 p.m. |
| Pitt Meadows | 9:29 a.m. | 3:45 p.m. |
| Port Coquitlam | 9:39 a.m. | 3:35 p.m. |
| Coquitlam Central | 9:45 a.m. | 3:30 p.m. |
| Moody Centre | 9:50 a.m. | 3:25 p.m. |
| Waterfront | 10:15 a.m. (arrival only) | 3:00 p.m. |
What is the West Coast Express and why riders love it
The West Coast Express is Metro Vancouver’s commuter train that helps riders cruise into downtown Vancouver without battling traffic or juggling bus transfers. Grab a comfy seat, sip your coffee and enjoy the scenic ride while the train does all the work.
It runs weekdays during rush hours: westbound into Vancouver in the morning and eastbound in the evening. It connects communities like Mission, Maple Ridge, and Port Coquitlam to Waterfront Station in the heart of downtown.
Inside, it’s a quieter, more relaxed ride. You’ll find spacious seats, quiet cars and room for bikes. It’s not a high-speed bullet train, but it’s smooth, scenic, and surprisingly chill, especially compared to Highway 1 at rush hour.
Think of it as Vancouver’s calm, scenic and slightly fancy way to commute.
For more details on the celebration, visit translink.ca/wce30. For information on the West Coast Express and the entire TransLink system including the SkyTrain and more, visit translink.ca.
