york durham heritage railway

Popular holiday trains in Ontario abruptly cancelled and they're not offering refunds

A popular holiday railway in Ontario has announced its train rides were being cancelled with a strict no-refund policy, and customers are furious. 

York-Durham Heritage Railway is well-known for its holiday-themed train rides, such as its North Pole Light Up Express Train Ride, which serves up chocolate milk and cookies while you take in the journey's scenic views. 

Last weekend, the railway posted an announcement, stating that due to mechanical issues, all their events train rides will be postponed until further notice.

Lots of customers were expecting a magical festive journey, and asked for refunds since the next available dates were taking after the holiday season. 

However, the railway posted an update to their Facebook page, writing that as a charity, they have a strict no-refund policy. 

"Due to the mechanical problem - all events for the past days have had to be postponed. Our small team have been working around the clock; to rebook or try to make work 7,000 passengers for our events," the railway's management wrote. "We are a nonprofit, registered charity with the government - and as a part of our terms and conditions we do not issue refunds but credits for future use."

The railway also revealed that they've been working tirelessly to respond to over 4,000 emails and phone calls, despite having a team of four staff. 

Instead of the promised holiday rides, the railway announced they would be offering a modified event, which is a walk through of their enchanted historical facilitiy. 

"Over 5,000 lights are covering our yard and some of the largest nutcrackers in Canada. Your family will receive a gift from Santa, a story from Mrs. Clause and elves along the way guiding them through," the update reads. "While we know it's not a train ride, it's still a premium experience." 

In regards to the strict no-refund policy, the railway stated that no manager or department director could authorize refunds or donations as per the terms and conditions of being a registered charity. 

"Imagine for us a small non-profit that we have had to cancel trains in our busiest season after being closed and trying to recover from a tornado," the railway's management wrote. 

The railway has promised its customers that it will rebook affected guests for a future date, but asks for patience and understanding due to the amount of requests. 

Lead photo by

BCG Durham


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Travel

Camp 30 in Ontario is an abandoned facility used for prisoners of war during WW2

3 attractions in Ontario ranked among most breathtaking landmarks in Canada

Canada now publishes air travel complaint decisions online

Flight with 164 passengers returns to Toronto after 'control issues' with plane

These are the 5 longest flights you can take from Toronto

Toronto will soon have a new direct flight to an ancient European city

Canadian explains why she prefers being back home after 11 years living abroad

This spooky abandoned tunnel in Ontario is an epic photoshoot destination