Celebrate the 2010 Winter Olympics on the Royal Hudson Steam Train

Here’s your chance to ride on a classic steam locomotive when the Royal Hudson steam train visits White Rock on Monday Feb 8,making a special passenger trip from Vancouver, returing the following day. Stop overnight and enjoy the hospitality of this beautiful waterfront community before heading back to Vancouver. Take in the special festivities in White Rock which include the 2010 Olympic Torch community activities as well as the bit of the White Rock Winter Festival.

The Royal Hudson is an ex CPR Hudson type steam locomotive that once worked the rails between Vancouver and Revelstoke until it was retired, after 16 years of service, to the scrap  yard. In 1974 she was restored for a proposed rail museum but the plans were never completed.  In 1974 the BC Provincial Government bought her and the same year she made her first run to Squamish from North Vancouver.  It was the start of a new beginning as the only steam locomotive in North America working on a regular schedule run over mainline rails.  She even travelled as far south as California and Eastern Canada.

Eventually she was retired to her new home at the West Coast Railway Heritage Parkin Squamish.  But she’s making a special run to White rock to participate at the White Rock Winter Festival and Bite the Rock events.  You can travel with the train on either Feb. 8 or 9 (or both).  One day tickets include motorcoach in the reverse direction to make a full round trip each day.  Tickets are on sale through West Coast Rail Tours.  or phone 604-542-1011. Tickets are $125 for a one way trip, with return transportation by bus, or $250 for a round trip on the classic steam train.  If you wish to book accommodations of B&Bs and hotels in White Rock, visit here 

In Squamish at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, there’ll be unique events throughout the 2010 Winter Olympics.  The PGE Car shop will be transformed into the Canada Club, open every day Feb. 11 – Feb. 28 from 2 pm to midnight.  Come and enjoy a beverage, snack and cheer on Canada’s athletes as their competitions are beamed via satellite TV feed.  The Heritage Park exhibits and mini rail rides will operate as usual for the whole family, daily 10 am – 5 pm.

PHOTO from Wikepedia

2 places are mentioned in this post!

1. White Rock, BC
2. West Coast Railway Heritage Park

View Details on the Map

Click on the place name to learn more

Close