posted
This Summer I plan to take the Coast Starlight, and will go from L.A. to Seattle, hopefuly, this time, I will be able to ride the Cascades, last time, I was not so lucky. I would like to see the inside of the Talgo set, and also post the photos on the board, not only that, but also want to go to Canada to see the Trains there, went to a Station there when I was little, and would like to return, As long as I am planning this trip still, I wanted to ask a question to any Canadian residents who post on this board, Any good places to see VAI Trains? I havent been to Canada in a very long time
------------------ JONATHON D. ORTIZ
[This message has been edited by JONATHON (edited 05-25-2004).]
Posts: 989 | From: DIAMOND BAR CA. U.S. | Registered: Nov 2003
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posted
Well I am not Canadian, nor do I live in Canada, but I have traveled on the VIA system. If you want to see passenger trains - I think your only chance is to hang around the Vancouver Station. Not sure on an exact spot though - will leave that for someone else to answer.
There's a servicing facility east of the station complex. The only VIA passenger train that serves Vancouver is the tri-weekly Canadian. They may have some extra cars around if the Canadian is not around when you are there.
VIA's trains are great - they have taken care of their Heritage equipment with tender loving care. One of the best trips I have ever taken was touring Canada and using VIA as my transportation link.
You could also try and get over to Victoria (ferry from Vancouver or Seattle) - although it is descent journey from these points. In Victoria Via operates a single Budd RDC train from Victoria up to Courtenay.
Hope you get to take this trip to the Pacific Northwest!
posted
If you have time I would highly recommend going from Vancouver to Victoria. You can catch the Pacific Coach Lines Bus right from the same station Amtrak and VIA use in Vancouver.
The bus goes on the BC Ferry (which is like a 90 minute mini-cruise.....scenery is superb) and then ride the VIA RDC railiner. It's a rarity and the trip is nice. My wife and I did this just last month.
------------------ David Pressley
Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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