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Whistler
Northwind: Behold the spectacular!
(Not
in service. Let's hope it returns)
by
Jerry W. Bird
When we attended the
official launch of BC Rail's Whistler Northwind
Summit Service. and what a happy occasion it was,
as this North Vancouver based railway joined the
big leauges of passenger travel, ranking amongst
such world class train trips as offered in
Switzerland or aboard the Venice-Simplon- Orient
Express. The scenery en route was always tops in
the world, now there's equipment and service to
match.
 As
the band played Duke Ellington and other great
tunes from the 40s, we watched as the fleet of
beautifully restored two tone vintage passenger
coaches and dining cars rolled in along the
landing. Later we had the opportunity of meeting
the railways new President and management team
(profiles to come), and all were impressed by the
high quality of service that marked the company's
history making entrance into the major leagues.
(See
Rail
Map ) BC Rail
currently provides daily passenger transportation
from its southern terminal, near my home (during
high schol years) on Pemberton Avenue in North
Vancouver, British Columbia to the Northern city of
Prince George via the popular Cariboo Prospector
train. The company operates a fleet of
self-propelled, air-conditioned Budd
cars.
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Whistler
Northwind's Summit Service guests enjoy the
benefits of a private rail-end Club Car that dates
back to 1939. This beautifully decorated lounge
includes an elegant service bar and complete sound
and video centre. An additional summer train, the
Whistler Explorer between Whistler and Kelly Lake
is used extensively by tour groups from overseas
and the United States. BC Rail also operates the
popular Royal Hudson steam train excursion from
North Vancouver to Squamish between June and
September. It is truly a classic piece of
machinery, definitely one of the most photographed
trains in Canada. I look forward to its friendly
whistle tooting its greeting as this historic train
passes by my favourite summer time haunt at West
Vancouver's Dundarave Beach. We never miss a chance
to wave hello to the passengers and crew.