Rocketing to Rupert on "The Skeena" (And by Ferry to Vancouver Island)
Last edited Sun Apr 5, 2020, 10:35 AM - Edit history (1)
Last summer my wife & I took a ride on "The Skeena" - VIA Rail Canada's train that operates through the Northern British Columbia Rockies on a 2-day journey from Jasper, Alberta to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, via Prince George, BC, where an overnight stop-over is made (passengers can overnight in one of the local hotels).
The train is often ironically referred to by it’s unofficial moniker – the "Rupert Rocket" and is classified as a remote essential service by the Federal Government of Canada.
Interesting fact: Prince Rupert, on the Northern British Columbia coast, is only 40 miles from Alaska!
From Prince Rupert, we took the BC Ferry 'Northern Expedition' on a 16 hour day cruise to Port Hardy, BC on the northern tip of Vancouver Island and from there rented a car and drove to Tofino on the west coast of the island.
Though the weather didn't always co-operate and the train was late due to a huge amount of freight traffic (it was scheduled to arrive in Prince Rupert at 8pm on the second day, we didn't arrive until 4am the next morning) the trip was very enjoyable.
For those cooped up at home listening to the endless depressing news about the pandemic, we thought we might once again offer a little distraction & share a few pics from our website at: https://northamericabyrail.info/
Hope you enjoy!
VIA Train #5 - The 'Skeena' - at Jasper, AB being readied for departure to Prince Rupert, BC.
Jasper VIA Rail Station
Onboard the westbound Skeena departing Jasper, AB
The westbound Skeena travelling along Moose Lake
Mount Robson, highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, 12,972 ft. Summit is only visible on average 16 days per year.
Coach seating on VIA Rail's Skeena
Scenic dome section in Park car on VIA Rail's Skeena
Bullet Lounge in Park car on VIA Rail's Skeena
Travelling through the Rocky Mountains, Harvey, BC
Travelling through the Rocky Mountains, Dunster, BC
Onboard the Skeena in the Rockies west of McBride, BC
By train along the Fraser River
250 meter tunnel west of McBride, BC
Onboard the Skeena in the Rockies & along the Fraser, west of McBride, BC
View from rear of train crossing Hansard Bridge over the Fraser River
Prince George, BC, VIA Rail station
Onboard the Skeena running along Fraser Lake
Lunch in Touring Class on the Skeena
Along the Endako River
Onboard the Skeena along Burns Lake
Burns Lake, BC, station stop
Onboard the westbound Skeena east of Houston, BC
Meet with a CN ballast train near Telkwa, BC
Onboard the westbound Skeena at Smithers, BC, VIA Rail Station
Coast Mountains west of Smithers, BC
Onboard the Skeena departing Smithers, BC
Hudson Bay Mountain & Kathlyn Glacier
Crossing a trestle in Bulkley Canyon at dusk
Entering a tunnel in Bulkley Canyon at dusk
Prince Rupert, BC, VIA Station & Ferry Terminal
View from Highliner Plaza Hotel, Prince Rupert, BC
Outside cabin on the BC Ferry 'Northern Expedition' headed from Prince Rupert, BC to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island
Island and mainland-bound ferries passing each other
Cruising BC's inside passage
View from Glen Lyon Inn, Port Hardy, BC
Canadian Forest Products steam locomotive on display at Woss, BC
By rental car through Vancouver Island. Cameron Lake, BC
By rental car through Vancouver Island. Kennedy Lake, BC
Pacific Sands Hotel, Tofino, BC
Beach at the Pacific Sands Hotel, Tofino, BC
Totem Pole, Tofino, BC
Harbor, Tofino, BC
Pacific Terminus, Trans Canada highway, Tofino, BC
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What a beautiful trip.
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful photos!
And for the generous compliments!
Have a great rest of the weekend.
