The Royal Hudson steam locomotive #2860, now on display at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, is definitely bringing people to Squamish. Drive in visits to the Heritage Park are up 50% over 2001 levels in the months of June and July, 2002 and interest in the locomotive and the new displays about Royal Hudsons are receiving solid votes of approval. The new Royal Hudson history exhibit in the station is complemented by continuous videos showing the famous locomotive in action over the years.

Also new for the summer is the Golden Jubilee Exhibit, now set up in our new "Big Top". The display is courtesy Canada Place Corp., where it was used for this year's Canada Day celebrations in Vancouver. Come and learn about Queen Elizabeth II's reign, and have fun playing the interactive quiz games. The big top itself is a new 40' x 60' tent that was acquired by the Heritage Park in anticipation of the Royal Hudson excursion trains for this year. It is being put to good use, and now provides the Heritage Park with a large covered area for special events of all types.

As for fundraising for the restoration of the Royal Hudson, it's on to Plan B after the planned excursion train was scuttled by insurance costs. A "Save the Royal Hudson" excursion is now operating with a heritage bus, bringing tourists to the Heritage Park five days a week, albeit in much smaller numbers than the train would have attracted.

But, there will now be a very special fall trip - a nine-day all inclusive rail tour of British Columbia - operated as a fundraiser for the Hudson. This will be a fabulous trip, departing Saturday, September 7, and travelling over BC Rail's lines to the far north of the Province. Using WCRA's vintage locomotive and open observation car along with BC Rail's coaches, the train will offer superb wildlife views, scenery and unique experiences. The tour will include travel, meals, overnight hotel / motel each night, transfers and entertainment. And, you can even board right in Squamish! For more details, drop by or call the Heritage Park, or visit the web site www.wcra.org

Lastly, a note that Sunday, August 18 will be our annual Mini Rail Days. If you're a fan of our little trains that travel around the Park, this is not to be missed. There will be several visiting "Guest Engines", including some live steam, for everyone to enjoy and ride behind. The event runs regular hours all day and this extra attraction is included in our regular admission and train ride prices.

Summer is happening at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park.