VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Some are calling the Rocky Mountaineer Alberta Train to Whistler during the Olympics a ‘marketing opportunity of a lifetime.’

Sandy Best with the The Lake Louise Ski Area says the our provincial government turned down an offer to run a train like this because of the costs. “At the end of the day, all of the world’s media and decision makers for travel are getting on an Albertan train to ride to a B.C. venue. And after they have enjoyed Whistler don’t get me wrong, its a killer mountain - awesome - can’t take away what they are doing, but the first thing they see in the morning and the last thing they see at night is Alberta.”

He also has been promoting tourism every step of the way. “The president of Mexicana Airlines is onboard. I would have to cut my right leg off, sell my children, do something insane, just to get 15 minutes with him. Here he is on the train, he is enjoying the scenery, Alberta food, Alberta hospitality; I get a chance to get to know him.”

Despite this, Best says the government of Alberta was criticized for spending the money to run this $7 million luxury train. For more information, take a look here.

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Railway Map Guide:British Columbia & Canadian Rockies