Haunted, magical train rides are happening in Summerland next month

The Sorcery Express is giving humans the chance to ride the Summerland Steam Train alongside witches and ghosts.

Offering spooky rides down the Kettle Valley Railway was the idea of Heather Pescada, the director of the event.

“In the middle of the night I woke up and I was just like, oh my god Hogwarts Express,” she said. “So of course we’re changing all the names so we don’t get in trouble.”

The Kettle Valley Steam Railway. | Photographer: Dan Walton

There will be two departures each day of the Sorcery Express – the earlier trip is family friendly, and it’s recommended that passengers on the later ride are at least 13 years old.

Family friendly activities include entertainment from a magician and palm readings. Those rides will still be a bit spooky, Pescada says.

The scarier rides will have ghost stories and possibly even ghosts, she warns.

READ MORE: Ruins of historical KVR tunnel near Naramata may come back to life

Both rides will take guests through the KVR’s Alchemist Alley, the Putrid Pumpkin Patch and Wicked Woods, before offering them classes at the Summerland Secondary School of Sorcery.

Passengers won’t be getting off the train at the Trout-Creek-trestle turnaround point, however something special may be planned for that part of the ride.

The Sorcery Express runs from Oct. 21 to 23. Family Friend rides begin at 5 p.m. but two of the dates have already been booked solid. The 13-and-up rides begin at 7 p.m.

Some of the proceeds of the rides will support the Dry Grad fundraiser for Summerland Secondary School.

Tickets can be purchased through the Kettle Valley Rail website.

Heather Pescada is the witch behind the Sorcery Express. | Photographer: Dan Walton


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Dan Walton

Before joining the ranks of InfoTel, Dan’s byline could be found in newspapers in Penticton, Peachland and Oliver. Prior to his arrival in the South Okanagan, he first sharpened his chops as a reporter at a radio station in Brighton, Ontario, and then newspapers in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, and Invermere B.C.
From quilting competitions to crimes against humanity, Dan isn’t afraid to cover any topic. Always seeking out the best angles - whether it’s through the lens of his camera or the voices of his Interviews – he delves into the conflict and seeks out the humanity in every story worth telling.
Dan is always happy to hear from readers. To get in touch for any reason he can be contacted at (250) 488-3065 or dwalton@infonews.ca.