The little town of Parksville, on the east coast of Vancouver Island, not far from Nanaimo and Qualicum Beach, is well known as one of the island’s dominant cultural hubs. And among the places that shape this reputation, the local museum is by no means the least significant.

From Thursday to Monday, the doors of Parksville Museum are open to visitors, and every week there is something interesting happening here. Sometimes it is a concert at the historic Knox Church, located on the museum grounds, or a performance in the Parksville Museum Courtyard. At times, it is an event as part of a broader initiative or festival, such as the Salish Coast Music Festival, whose next edition is coming up soon, September 3–7, 2026, or the Storyteller Festival. And sometimes, it is one of the local recurring events that have already become an integral part of Parksville’s cultural calendar.

Railway Day is one such occasion — this year marking its eighth annual gathering of everyone with an interest in railway history, model trains, and the island’s railway heritage. This year's event took place on Sunday, August 23 — a true family celebration that brought together children aged up to 120.

Guests could take part in a railway-themed scavenger hunt, watch steam and energy demonstrations by Nanaimo Science, explore detailed model railway layouts and chat with their creators, as well as browse and purchase rare vintage models and other railway treasures. And, of course, there was the museum’s exhibition in Craig’s Cabin, dedicated to the history of the E&N Railway. And, as an added bonus — food trucks, live music by "Back Porch Banjo", and a screening of "Rocky Mountain Express".

Atmospheric, cosy, family-friendly, and welcoming, Parksville Museum is one of the pillars upon which Terra Benevola (Friendly Land) rests — a place one wants to return to again and again. And, no doubt, there will be many more occasions to do so.