Best of Western Canada - Day 8: Prince George to Prince Rupert via the Skeena Train

Day 8: trip of a life time as we board the Skeena Train for a spectacular scenic rail journey through the majestic Coast Mountains and alongside the mighty Skeena River, known as the 'River of Mists', down to the rain forests of the Pacific Coast. The route retraces the ancient Native Indian trading routes and the paths of the earliest fur traders. From the trains observation dome you can spot bald eagles, mooses, black bears and other wildlife. The train arrives at fishing port of Prince Rupert in the evening, where we stay for two nights.

Day 8: Prince George

We got up early and was one of the first to make it to breakfast, as we did not want to fall into the same trap as others the previous night with with dinner. Had big cooked breakfast then got on the coach for the short journey to the railway station.

We boarded the train in the Totem De-Luxe section if the train. (The Totem De-Luxe was the free upgrade if you booked early with Archers Direct and worth it for the panoramic views and more comfortable seats basically the first class section). In all honesty there was not a lot of difference between first class and standard class, apart from the panoramic carriage in first class and the seats and furthermore you was able to roam through any carriage and a lot of the time most people was in the observation dome.

You could upgrade if you wished but that would have cost another CAN $250 each. Besides if you sit in the observation dome you get a better view. For smokers, there was a little section of the train where one could light up for their nicotine fix.

On the train we get served breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is refreshments for sale too. You get charged for alcoholic and soft drinks. Tea, Coffee and water is complimentary. One thing the Canadians dont have is lemonade yet they have Sprite, technically though Sprite is made from lime so I guess they're correct.

Skeena Train outside Smithers, Inside the Skeena Train

We made one stop at Smithers where we had a 10 minute break. Once back on the train it was direct to Prince Rupert. On the train ride wildlife that people saw was a moose, wild black bears and bald eagles.

Sunset from the observation dome: Skeena train, See if you can spot the face on the wall, Sunset and view from the hotel room

We eventually arrive at Prince Rupert where we meet back with the coach driver and check into the Crest Motor Hotel, 222 1^st Ave, West, PO Box 277, Prince Rupert. In this hotel we got the room with the jacuzzi bath looking over the harbour (something to do with our honeymoon). We would rate this hotel 4 stars, the bar has a very good selection of beers and beverages, and a nice balcony to enjoy the views, with an outdoor heater.

The Jacuzzi bath at the Crest Motor Hotel

After a few drinks at the bar we retire ready for a good day of excursions planned for tomorrow.

The next day

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Related Links

Day 1:
UK to Vancouver

Day 2:
Vancouver
Chinatown, Gastown, Grouse Mountain, Capilino Bridge

Day 3:
Vancouver to Vernon
Okanagan Lake, O'Keefe Musuem

Day 4:
Vernon to Banff
Glacier National Park, Yoho National Park

Day 5:
Banff
Helicopter Ride, Gondola, Sulphur Mountain

Day 6:
Banff to Jasper
Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, River rafting

Day 7:
Jasper to Prince George
Maligne Lake, Mount Robson

Day 8:
Prince George to Prince Rupert
Skeena Train

Day 9:
Prince Rupert
Seaplane, Pike Island

Day 10:
Prince Rupert to Port Hardy
Inside Passage Cruise

Day 11:
Port Hardy to Victoria
Cumberland, Chemainus

Day 12:
Victoria
Chinatown, forbidden city tour

Day 13:
Victoria to Vancouver

Day 14:
Vancouver
Granville Island, Gastown

Day 15:
Vancouver to UK
and conclusion of tour

Guestbook
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Other links:

Cheester's w00tw00t homepage
Hesperia Isla Margarita Hotel Review
Advent laptop 6520 review