We are pleased that you are considering West Coast Rail Tours to guide you on a "trip of a lifetime" to the far north of British Columbia with this exciting option. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore most of BC Rail by chartered train. This tour will take you off the beaten track where only freight trains run into the remote wilderness of northern British Columbia. Fantastic scenery will unfold mile after mile with some photo stops included (where time and railway line traffic permit). We will take you up the remote branch lines of Tumbler Ridge and Dawson Creek. This is also a great journey for photographers and those wanting to experience early B.C. history. This year's tour is more relaxed and has more opportunities to explore and enjoy these remote scenic towns. This is the planned itinerary for the all rail option only. One way train / one way motorcoach options also available. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Guests with special diet requirements are welcome and will be catered to if they let us know at least two weeks in advance regarding what is necessary.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner: - are included in the package price where shown for each day.
Day 1. Saturday Sept. 7:
Depart North Vancouver at 8:00 AM with our chartered train for the run north along Burrard Inlet and Howe Sound to Squamish. Next are rugged Cheakamus Canyon, the Whistler Ski Resort area, and the Pemberton Valley; then we skirt Anderson and Seton Lakes before arrival in Lillooet. This is a good chance to see the Coast Mountains in daylight. After a brief stop to walk along the platform we continue on for the dramatic climb along the banks of the Fraser River and its awesome Canyon and into Cariboo country. We overnight in 100 Mile House. (B-L-D)
Day 2. Sunday Sept. 8:
Departing Exeter, (100 Mile House) we run to Quesnel and stop at its excellent museum for a visit. Then it's through the remainder of the Cariboo region to Prince George. After arrival we visit the Forestry & Railway Museum. Overnight lodging in Prince George. (B-L)
Day 3. Monday Sept. 9:
Our train departs Prince George at 9:00 AM and travels north on freight-only lines to Wakely and there, turns east on the Tumbler Subdivision to the village of Tumbler Ridge. We cross the Rockies through two long tunnels. We will arrange a guided wilderness walking tour. Following dinner, a slide show presentation "Tumbler Eco Tourism" will be presented. (B-L-D)
Day 4. Tuesday Sept. 10:
Today we board the train at 9:00 AM departing Tumbler Ridge traveling west on the freight-only electrified trackage. We join the main line and head north, crossing the massive Canadian Rockies again, at Pine Pass, and follow the rivers down to Chetwynd. Here we branch off to Dawson Creek arriving for a stay in a comfortable hotel late evening. (B-L-D)
Day 5. Wednesday Sept. 11:
This is our layover or "flex day" in Dawson Creek. Some possible activities include:
- morning bus tour to Beaverlodge Centennial Museum across the border in Alberta
- afternoon bus shuttles to museum, art gallery, town, Mile "0" of the Alaska Highway, Walter Wright Pioneer Village and Louis Dreyfus Inland Grain Terminal with locomotive "Mighty Peace".
- optional ride on our train (dep. 9:00 AM) to Chetwynd for lunch, museum tour, chain saw carvings and return to Dawson Creek (5:00 PM) (subject availability and surcharge) (L-D)
Day 6. Thursday Sept. 12:
Our train leaves Dawson Creek at 9:00 AM for Chetwynd stopping at the dramatic East Pine and later, the Peace River crossing for photo stops. We should arrive in Fort St. John at 3:00 PM giving ample time to enjoy the hotel pool and do some shopping. In the evening a slide show will be presented by our local railway association member. (B-L)
Day 7. Friday Sept. 13:
We board the train today at 8:00 AM for Chetwynd then return along the main line through the Pine Pass and into Prince George arriving at 7:00 PM (B-L)
Day 8. Saturday Sept. 14:
We leave Prince George at 9:00 AM and continue through Cariboo country to Exeter arriving late afternoon for our transfer to 100 Mile House and a comfortable hotel. (B-L)
Day 9. Sunday Sept. 15:
We continue southbound by rail out of Exeter at 8:00 AM and again cross the Cariboo Plateau into the awesome canyon of the Fraser River. At Lillooet we have a chance to walk along the platform before the run back to North Vancouver, arriving late evening. (B-L-D)
We strongly recommend the purchase of cancellation and travel interruption insurance as fares paid less than 45 days before departure are non-refundable. As agents for RBC Insurance Services we can quote on various coverages to suit your needs.
FARES:
- All Rail CDN $2,995 (US $1,949)
- Rail / Motorcoach CDN $2,195 (US $1,450)
- Single Supplement, Cdn$505 (US$329)
Includes: Meals as noted in itinerary, accommodation, transportation, entertainment, museum admissions, gratuities,
all provincial and federal taxes.
