Train to Whistler
 

I am going to Whistler on business in late June. I will fly into Victoria with my wife while my son flys into Vancouver from Alaska on the same day. We are considering spending the night in Vancouver then taking the train to Whistler. My son will be leaving Whistler before us so again he can take the train. My question - is this a better idea than car rental or other transportation? Suggestions for loding in Vancouver. Other comments or suggestions/

I am curious as to why you would be flying into Vic instead of Van. From Vic. you have to get to Sydney for the Ferry which will cost you and the trip to Twassen (sp) is about 1 1/2 hrs, I believe. (someone who lives closer can probably give you exact times). I think you can also take a ferry right to Vancouver but am not sure. The Victoria airport is not all that far from the ferry terminals but I would suggest that if you are planning on spending the night in Vancouver, fly directly into Vancouver and save yourself the hastle and expense of the ferry (albeit a lovely trip). <BR> <BR>Anyone else have suggestions?

I chose to go to Victoria because it was significantly less expensive than flying into Vancouver. Although my trip is business related, I also try to mix in a little pleasure and I understood that although the ferry adds 1 1/2 hrs to our trip, it is supposed to be a beautiful ride. My real question is if the train experience is worth the additional time or if I should allocate that time to something else. Any more input is appreciated.

The train to whistler can be a beautiful relaxing experiance. It usually is composed of two or three Bud cars and the views from the water side, (i.e. left going north - right going south), can be spectacular if there's not low clouds. <BR> <BR>the main disadvantage of the train is it's times, (I think they leave very early in the morning on the run to Prince George) and the station which is a few clicks from the Whistler town centre. <BR> <BR>The buses on the other hand run virtually every hour and leave you right in the heart of Whistler. The views are virtually the same - the train views are less obstructed by trees - and I believe are much less expensive. <BR> <BR>So, unless you are a rail buff I would go with the bus. You definately don't need a car in Whistler unless you want to travel farfrom the village.

Gary - can you provide any more detail on the buses to Whistler that you have referenced in your Post. We are visiting Canada in Sept and have planned to visit Whistler for a day. My research has only uncovered train or Grayline bus tours to Whistler, as well as 'shuttle' runs from the airport to Whistler, which I had assumed ran more frequently during the Winter ski season. As you commented, the train for Whistler leaves early, returns late, whereas the Graylines coach leaves later and returns earlier - I do not think the time actually spent in Whistler itself is that extensive, so apart from the commentary enroute (of some interest to us, having not been to Canada before) I am wondering if do it yourself is better?

David, there asre a number of bus lines that regularly travel from the Central Bus depot in Vancouver to Whistler/Blackcomb but the one I believe has the most frequent runs is Maverick Coach Lines which can be accessed at www.maverickcoachlines.bc.ca and Perimeter Transportation at www.perimeterbus.com. I'm surprised that Gray Line has just one sceduled trip daily. Anyhow try thos first two and Maverick is probably has the most frequent trips - at least that's the one I see most often there.

Sorry Louise, I now find that Maverick has discontinued their scheduled runs and sold the rights to Greyhound which has departures every three hours in the summer from 8AM to 8Pm. that combined with Perimeter which has 7 daily summer departures from the Airport with some depot stops is the total scheduled bus runs during the summer. But I would guess that's sufficiant. <BR> <BR>I don't know if the driver provides commentary, (probably does on Perimeter because they cater to tourists), but in fact the scenery speaks for itself and the few notes of interest like Brittania Beach and Squamish you can probably get info from a guidebook. Sorry about the confusion.