EVERETT, Wash. — Anyone who’s thinking of taking the train to Vancouver, B.C., for the 2010 Winter Olympics might want to make a reservation now.

The two Amtrak Cascades trains that make a daily trip into Vancouver are already about 50 percent booked for the Olympics, which begin Feb. 12. Usually, trains don’t start filling up until two weeks in advance, said Vickie Sheehan, a spokeswoman for the state Rail and Marine Office. Read the full story

Source Link: Prince George Citizen

The classic tale The Polar Express has nothing on the real thing, a real train at Christmas time that takes kids out into the winter night to meet Santa. Once again the annual Via Rail Santa Train is set to roll. The ultra-popular tickets will soon go on sale and they never last long. This is the 12th year for the special Via Rail run and it has become one of the most hotly anticipated local events of the season.

Tickets for the enchanted train ride will be on sale at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Via Rail station. Long lineups have been the norm in the past. The price is $5 for children under 12 and $10 for anyone 13 and older. A maximum of six may be purchased at a time.

“The Salvation Army is grateful to the staff of Prince George Via Rail who donate their time, talents and trains to make this event possible,” said Barbara Croome, Salvation Army spokeswoman. “All proceeds from ticket sales and donations go to the Salvation Army Cheer Campaign. Many of our Prince George families will enjoy a brighter Christmas because of the caring and sharing of those who participate in our Santa Train tradition.”

Each trip is one hour, beginning and ending at the Via Rail station downtown on First Avenue. On Dec. 12 the train rolls out at 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; on Dec. 14 it rolls out again at the same times. Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance for each trainload of children and kids at heart.