Posted on 05/13/2010 7:24:22 AM PDT by Willie Green
Enjoy breathtaking scenery without the winding roads and gnarled traffic
On a sunny and clear day, is there any scenery in the world more breathtaking than the towering mountains and sparkling waters that surround you as you travel up the Sea to Sky Highway?
However, throw in bumper-to-bumper traffic and unexpected delays and the journey can be less than relaxing.
Well, what if you could slow down and really enjoy that beautiful scenery without the worry of the car in front or behind you and the twists and turns of the highway? What if you could actually relax and make the travelling portion of the trip a highlight? Well you can. Take the train! The Rocky Mountaineer Whistler Sea to Sky Climb to be exact.
The best of what BC has to offer
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the B.C. based, family owned business has grown to become the largest privately owned passenger rail service in North America and has welcomed more than one million guests onboard from around the world. The company's goal from day one has remained the same-"provide the most spectacular and unforgettable travel experiences in the world." And trust me, they make good on this promise.
The train route, one of four offered by Rocky Mountaineer, follows the famous Sea to Sky corridor, beginning its journey in North Van, it travels 118 km through Howe Sound, Squamish and the Cheakamus Canyon ending its three-hour ride in Whistler.
During this trip you will most definitely see some of the most spectacular natural backdrops B.C. has to offer: old-growth forests, rocky cliffs, waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and the sparkling Pacific coastline.
The Whistler Sea to Sky Climb operates Thursday through Monday from mid-May until the end of September. Take the family and make a day of it, travelling there and back in the same day or split the trip up and stay a day or two in Whistler.
There are two experiences offered onboard the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb. In Whistler Dome Service, you ride in a custom-built single level glass dome, which offers panoramic views of the passing scenery. When travelling northbound to Whistler you will be served a delicious breakfast in your seats and when travelling back to Vancouver a classic afternoon tea service is offered. Onboard Attendants will also provide you with a detailed commentary of the region. Trust me -even seasoned Vancouverites will find this interesting!
The second experience is Whistler Classic Service, which takes place in a traditional but updated 1950's rail coach. A light meal and beverage service is provided on both northbound and southbound departures.
Though there are two kinds of services to choose from, everyone has access to the open-air Heritage
Observation Car. I highly recommend this when travelling through scenic areas such as the Cheakamus Canyon. You'll get the best photos! This antique rail coach was originally constructed in 1914 by the Canadian Pacific Railway and allows for even closer views of the stunning scenery. The train will even slow down for what they call "Kodak moments" so you can take some clear photographs along the really gorgeous parts of the ride.
Just in time for Summer Planning
Now you're probably thinking that an experience like this would break the bank, right? Not true! And to top it off, just in time for summer holidays, Rocky Mountaineer is offering lower rates for B.C. Residents at $159 ($89 for children 2-11 years) round-trip for groups of four or more in Whistler Classic Service. For groups of less than four, prices begin at $179 per person round-trip. For an additional $90/adult ($60/child aged 2-11), guests can upgrade to Whistler Dome Service. Local residents may take advantage of this exclusive, limited time offer from now until May 31, 2010 and bookings are valid for travel during the 2010 season. What an amazing offer-another perk of living in B.C.!
I love trains. Especially unsubsidized trains, paid for exclusively by the people who choose to ride them.
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Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year,
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Dang it. This means I missed out on this during my last trip to Vancouver.
I won’t make that mistake again!
(I tell my Canadian relatives that the USA made a major mistake when
we didn’t take possession of Vancouver, BC. And I guess it’s out of
the question to try to exchange trade them Seattle for Vancouver.)
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