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arts-culture

Arts & Culture

Immerse yourself in McBride's rich art and culture scene. Explore local galleries, discover unique crafts, and experience vibrant community events. From historical landmarks to artistic expressions, celebrate creativity and heritage, offering a cultural journey.

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McBride Heritage Railway Station
Whistle Stop Gallery
Valley Museum & Archives
Dunster Station Museum
Dunster Store

McBride Heritage Railway Station

Over 100 year old operating train station, central focal point in McBride, housings Visitor Information Centre

Build in 1919 by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, the picturesque station has historical and architectural significance with distinctive features unique to construction of the time. The station houses McBride’s Visitor Information Centre, a bustling café, a beautiful gallery selling locally made arts and crafts and hosts VIA Rail Passenger service several times a week. The station is open to visitors 7 days a week.

The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway company laid out the McBride townsite in a standard GTP design with the station as the focus of Main Street, flanked by two parks, and it remains the same to this day. The present station was completed in 1919 on the sturdy foundations of the original, which was lost to fire in 1918.

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For decades, particularly before the construction of Highway 16 connecting McBride to Prince George and Jasper, meeting the passenger train was major entertainment for residents. The station was where one went to collect mail, ship milk and cream, pick up supplies, send a telegram, have a warm meal at the 24-hour Beanery Restaurant, or just catch up on town gossip.

Much of the ground floor of the station has been renovated along 1920 lines with locally grown and milled wood. The station is a gathering place for community members and visitors alike and accessibility improvements at the station, planned for 2025, will make this bustling landmark even more welcoming.

  • Phone: 250-569-3366
  • Address:1000 1st Avenue (Main and 1st Avenue)
  • Hours: 7 days a week, 9am-5pm

Whistle Stop Gallery

Located in McBride’s Historic Railway Station, the Whistle Stop Gallery features an amazing variety of original, local artwork created by more than 80 members of the non-profit Whistle Stop Gallery Society. The Whistle Stop Gallery is a Northern Routes cultural attraction–your assurance of a quality cultural experience.

Members have worked hard to bring arts and culture into the Robson Valley, as evidenced by various public art projects including murals, benches and banners, artistic fire hydrants and participation in various cultural festivals and events.

  • Phone: 250-569-2758
  • Address: 1000 1st Avenue (Main and 1st Avenue)
  • Website: Whistle Stop Gallery
  • Hours: 7 days a week, 9am-5pm

 

the whistlestop gallery

Valley Museum & Archives

Located at close to McBride’s Welcome Arch,  the Valley Museum & Archives collects, preserves, restores and displays records and objects of scientific, educational, historical and cultural value associated with the area. This welcoming space hosts 4-6 unique shows every year, sponsors art workshops, lectures and features local artists. Pop in to see what’s on display in the museum, check out heritage farming and logging equipment, view historic-image murals and more.

  • Phone: 250-569-3000
  • Address: 521 Main Street
  • Website: Valley Museum Archives
  • Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11am-4pm
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Dunster Station Museum

The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway station at Mile 72 was completed in 1913 and was the centre of commerce, communications and transportation for local residents for decades. The station was saved from demolition by local residents keen to preserve it’s history for future generations. The station was relocated a short distance and extensive renovations began in 2015. 102 years after its original construction, the Dunster Station was reopened as a museum and a place to celebrate the past and embrace the future.

  • Address: 8281 Dunster-Croydon Rd. (30km East of McBride)
  • Website: Dunster Station Museum
  • Hours: June-September, Wed-Sun noon-4pm
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Dunster Store

Only 30 km from McBride, the Dunster General Store and Post Office are located in “downtown” Dunster, across from the Dunster Station Museum and next door to the Dunster Schoolhouse. Established in 1918, the store sells groceries, gas, feed, housewares, hardware, and just about anything else locals may need. Visitors to the community will also find t-shirts, postcards, and a selection of local goods (from fresh produce in season to books and CDs produced by residents to various craft items). And if you’re just looking for something to eat or drink, we have very good coffee, sausage rolls and samosas baked fresh daily, and penny candy (well, most of it costs more than a penny, but not much) for those who can’t help themselves.

  • Phone: 250-968-4488
  • Address: 8281 Dunster-Croydon Rd.
  • Website: Dunster Store
  • Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 11am-3pm
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