Whistler Mountaineer Fact Sheet
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| What: |
| Climbing aboard The Whistler Mountaineer provides guests with an exclusive look at some of the most spectacular views in British Columbia. Following the famous Sea to Sky corridor, this three-hour train experience is a link between two world-class destinations, showcasing Vancouver to Whistler, British Columbia. Not only will guests experience a relaxing and comfortable ride, they will also be privy to such scenic delights as cascading waterfalls, old-growth forests, snow-capped mountain peaks and brilliant Pacific waters from a unique train perspective. |
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| Where: |
The Whistler Mountaineer begins its journey in North Vancouver, B.C., and travels 118 km (73 miles) through Howe Sound, Squamish and the Cheakamus Canyon. Guests end their Whistler Mountaineer experience in the four-season resort town of Whistler, B.C., which in partnership with Vancouver, will host the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. |
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| When: |
The Whistler Mountaineer operates twice daily from May 1 through to October 16. Departing from North Vancouver at 8:30 a.m., the train will travel northbound and arrive in Whistler by approximately 11:30 am, giving guests plenty of time to spend the day exploring Whistler Village and all that the area has to offer. Southbound departures are scheduled to leave Whistler at 3:00 pm and arrive in Vancouver at 6:00 pm. Guests can opt to take the train in one direction or as a return trip on any day they choose.
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| How: |
Travellers can enjoy a trip on the Whistler Mountaineer as part of Whistler Escapes, which offers eight different holiday packages. The unique train trip can also be booked online with the Whistler à la carte program, which allows guests to choose their own transportation, attractions and accommodations. The Whistler Mountaineer links with the Rocky Mountaineer’s new Fraser Discovery Route and will offer a two-day, all daylight rail journey between Whistler and Jasper, Alberta with an overnight stop in Quesnel, B.C.
While guests will choose between two experiences when travelling on the Whistler Mountaineer train, everyone will enjoy the Heritage Observation Car. This unique rail coach was originally constructed in 1914 by Canadian Pacific Railway and allows for even closer views of the breathtaking scenery.
Glacier Dome Experience
An adventure in true comfort with panoramic scenery, exemplary service, in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. The custom-built single-level glass dome coaches will give each guest a front row seat to the endless array of spectacular views. Those travelling northbound to Whistler will be served breakfast at their seats while on the southbound departure to North Vancouver, a classic afternoon tea will be offered. In each 68 seat Glacier Dome coach, two friendly Onboard Attendants will provide a detailed commentary of the region.
| Adults: |
One way: $185 CDN |
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Round trip: $309 CDN |
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Children:
(2-11 years) |
One way: $135 CDN
Round trip: $219 CDN |
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Coast Classic Experience
Large picture windows, assigned seating and extended legroom in a traditional 1950’s remodelled rail coach environment are just some of features offered onboard Coast Classic. One of the highlights of this train trip is the individual attention and colourful, interpretive commentary provided by a dedicated Onboard Attendant. A light meal and beverage service will be provided on both northbound and southbound departures.
| Adults: |
One way: $110 CDN |
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Round trip: $199 CDN |
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Children:
(2-11 years) |
One way: $60 CDN
Round trip: $109 CDN |
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| Sights: |
Travelling northbound, the Whistler Mountaineer begins its journey by passing under the Lion’s Gate Bridge. Views of downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park can be seen as the train hugs the scenic waterfront of West Vancouver’s most exclusive residential neighbourhoods. With a quick ride through Horseshoe Bay, the eastern shores of Howe Sound come into view. Stunning scenery of the Coast Mountains rise steeply to the right and the sparkling Pacific Ocean flows to the left. Nearing the town of Squamish, the impressive cascade of Shannon Falls and the spectacular dome peak of Mount Garibaldi, rising 2,678 metres (8787 feet) are in full sight. Around the bend, the Whistler Mountaineer climbs a steep grade through Cheakamus Canyon, where the river below tumbles through a craggy gorge. Another highlight en-route is Brandywine Falls, which can be seen before the train reaches its destination of Whistler B.C., a year-round resort town renowned for skiing and outdoor activities. |
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| Who: |
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations offers year-round vacation packages to the most unique regions of Canada and four spectacular rail routes through British Columbia and Alberta. Best known for the world-acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer train, a two-day, all daylight rail journey between Canada’s West and the Canadian Rockies, the company also offers trips onboard the new Whistler Mountaineer train, which is a daily three-hour experience between North Vancouver and Whistler, B.C. Since its inception in 1990, the company has grown to become the largest privately owned passenger rail service in North America and in 2008 will welcome its one millionth guest onboard the Rocky Mountaineer. In 2006, RMV was honoured with a World Travel Award as the “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train” for the second consecutive year. Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, one of Canada's leading tourism providers, is a proud partner of Gray Line West motorcoach operations in Banff, AB and Vancouver, Whistler and Victoria, B.C.
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Rolling
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The Whistler Mountaineer train initially uses a combination of two custom-built, single-level, glass dome coaches for Glacier Dome service and three traditional rail coaches from the existing Rocky Mountaineer fleet for Coast Classic, with a capacity of about 270 guests.
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