BC Rail - More than a Romantic Ride on the Rails: The Whistler Northwind
Recapturing a glamorous bygone era
The romance of traditional train travel has been revived with the inauguration of BC Rail’s newest luxury service, The Whistler Northwind. Over its three-day journey, passengers from all walks of life, including railway buffs, nostalgic dreamers and love-crazed newlyweds are transported back to a glamorous bygone era. Like in days of old, worldly cares are left behind and precious memories are created during this leisurely rail ride as it winds from North Vancouver to the timber town of Prince George.
The Vancouver skyline creates an energized backdrop to the still waters that glisten in English Bay, and as The Whistler Northwind chugs out of the city limits it passes by multi-million dollar homes that are perched on view-boasting hillsides. It skirts the island-dotted Howe Sound shoreline and lives up to its nickname of being a ‘land cruise,’ then becomes one with nature as it treks inland, and brushes up against old growth cedars and gnarled arbutus trees.
Wrap-around domed windows frame the one hundred and eighty-degree, ever-changing panoramas, and although the images are comparable to any exhibit of finely painted masterpieces, there is nothing imaginary or unreal about them. The picture postcard scenes include mountain peaks that few will ever climb, historical townships of once-thriving copper mines, and funneling gorges that plummet far below the train’s airborne trestles.
As pleasing as these scenic treasures are, so is the ultimate pampering that extends to its luxurious interiors. Plumply upholstered armchairs aim to satisfy over the long haul, and spacious surroundings permit frequent stretches and walkabouts.
The train’s gently swaggering gait emits hypnotic suggestions and seduces the weary-minded into lullaby land, although it doesn’t appear to affect the equilibrium of the staff. They effortlessly maneuver the jostled aisles to meet whatever the need and deliver gastronomic creations as elegantly as in any fine dining establishment. Utilizing indigenous coastal ingredients, the onboard chef and his team of culinary magicians take the credit for satisfying the most discerning palate, and from within the refurbished vintage dining car and the mid-train lounge car, the fare is delightfully presented on English fine china. And as passengers divinely dine, the views roll by.
The first night stopover is year-round playground of Whistler, where posh accommodations snuggle up to the quaint alpine village, and under sunny skies the slopes host hoards of hikers and bikers. There are opportunities to stroll, shop and even hop on a gondola where riders are whisked to the snow-tipped peaks.
Then the following morning it’s “All Aboard” and time to roll on.
The laid-back pace quickly returns, the decadent service efficiently continues, and conversations with fellow passengers entertain along the way. While a railway buff shares his knowledge of the Whistler Northwind’s lavishly restored 1950 Pullmans and a nostalgic dreamer regales over its vintage décor, honeymooners listen half-heartedly, more engulfed with each other and the idea of sharing of this memorable journey.
The mingling continues as the gleaming coaches rumble past crystal clear lakes that host swimmers and boaters, and milky green ones that host glacial silt powder. When we pass townships along the way, kids and adults take time to give a wave, and everyone on board waves back. It’s a natural gesture, a long-lived tradition and one that will hopefully never be forgotten.
This happens to be our day for gold rush tales. In 1861, instead of hosting vacationing time-rich tourists, this same route was full of prospectors in search of their elusive dream. Today we also enjoy an ongoing picture show out the window as dense verdant forests and mountainous terrain transform to the Cariboo rolling hills sprawled with ranches and grazing cattle.
The pampering continues after disembarking for a night at The Hills Health Ranch where spa and massage treatments effectively rejuvenate and revive. For wanna-be cowboys, there’s also the wild west option while staying at BC’s oldest guest ranch, The Flying U, and either visit can be extended in order to fully satisfy the whim.
The final leg of this journey continues to bedazzle with historical tidbits and spellbinding vistas. As The Whistler Northwind thunders past family-owned cattle farms, passengers are reminded of how vast a ranching country it truly is.
Although the city of Prince George is the end of the trail, the memories will live on for all.
BC Rail
1311 West 1st StreetNorth Vancouver, BC Canada V7P 1A6
Phone: 1-800-663-8238 or 604-984-5236
Fax: 604-984-5632
E-mail: passinfo@bcrail.com
Website: www.whistlernorthwind.com
Author: Jane Cassie
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