leeann

has anyone gone on the royal hudson train/boat tour to squamish? thoughts?

April

I hope someone answers because I was thinking of taking it also. Maybe in early August.

Tom Ryan

Hi leeann, <BR> <BR>The Royal Hudson steam train is part of BC Rail, and departs from the BC Rail station in North Vancouver, about a 20 minute drive from downtown Vancouver. The train departs about 10.00 am and travels along Howe Sound to the logging town of Squamish, arriving about Noon. It's a beautiful ride, especially if you sit on the water side of the train....(left side going to Squamish, right side coming back. The train also has an open window car, which is lots of fun for camera buffs (and smokers). <BR> <BR>Once in Squamish, you have time to walk around town, grab a quick bite, or take a side-tour to Shannon Falls, or the Railway Heritage Museum (or some name like that). <BR> <BR>Then, you can either return on the train, or board the MV Britannia and sail south on Howe Sound to Coal Harbour, very close to downtown Vancouver. (You can also take the boat North, and the train South. <BR> <BR>Contact either BC Rail for the train portion, or Harbour Tours for the boat/train or train/boat day trip. <BR> <BR>Also, BC Rail has the Pacific Starlight Express...a dinner train that runs along the same route, but only about half-way to Squamish (Porteau Cove). The train departs North Vancouver, and you enjoy dinner going North. Stopping at Porteau Cove for a little dancing, and then dessert/coffee on the return leg. I haven't been on this trip, but it is very, very popular. <BR> <BR>Both are great trips, but seasonal, so you better check to see when the trains start running! <BR> <BR>All Aboard ! <BR> <BR>Tom <BR>

leeann

thanks tom for your comments! i am currently debating whether to take the boat one way, and if so, which way. i'm not sure what different scenic opportunities i have with the boat. <BR> <BR>in addition,from the schedule i received, it looks like if i take the boat one way, i'll have only 1 1/2 hour in squamish, rather than 2 hours. is that enough time? 2 hours already seemed rather short to me. <BR> <BR>have you done this trip with the boat leg? <BR> <BR>thanks. lee ann

April

Thanks from me too Tom. One more question - is there a place to park ones car at the rail station in N. Van?

Tom Ryan

Hi Guys...sorry about the delay in my reply....yes, I feel 1 1/2 hours in Squamish would be enough (don't tell them I said that though.....) and there is lots of free parking, as the Royal Hudson stops right in town. Squamish is a great place, but it ain't that big. <BR> <BR>I also think the boat serves a light meal on board, but you had better check this ...... <BR> <BR>ttfn <BR> <BR>Tom <BR>