Limited time offer: Book by 25th September 2009

This fantastic offer allows you to sit back and relax and experience one of Canada’s most exciting three-hour rail journey – the Whistler Mountaineer – a breathtaking train trip between North Vancouver and Whistler in Glacier Dome.

Until 25th September, 2009, book a Rocky Mountaineer two-day rail journey or vacation package, and receive a round-trip journey onboard the Whistler Mountaineer train for FREE, plus a CA$50 Rocky Mountaineer souvenir credit.
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Railway Map Guide:British Columbia & Canadian Rockies

WHISTLER, British Columbia — As I ride to the top of Whistler Mountain in a gondola, I see mountain bikers stirring up dust clouds beneath me. To my left, a zip-liner streaks past me between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

Not far away — though out of my sight range — I know skiers are plying their summer sport on Blackcomb’s glacier, and below me, golfers are enjoying what many, including Golf Digest, say are the best courses in Canada. (The bears think so, too; they often show up on the fairways).

This little mountain town is a perpetual motion machine. But the most popular sport, by the numbers, is the one I’m practicing: rubber-necking. Whatever brings you to Whistler, you’ll wind up gaping at the mountains, trees and rivers.

That’s what makes the Whistler Mountaineer the perfect way to get to the village. The train trip takes three hours, when you can drive it in about two, but who wants to be concentrating on curves instead of the landscape? So my husband and I booked the Mountaineer for the trip up and, a day later, back.

As the trip starts, one of our car’s two guides pours mimosas so we can toast our trip. We’re then served breakfast: fresh fruit, a cheese omelet, Canadian bacon, potatoes, coffee and juice. Thus stoked, we stare out the window.

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By Helen Anders, statesman.com, >>> continue reading

WHISTLER MOUNTAINEER GIVES CANADA’S HOTTEST MUSIC STARS A ROCKIN’ RIDE ON THE RAILS

~ 2009 JUNO Awards Gift Bag includes Whistler Mountaineer ticket between Vancouver and Whistler, BC ~

Vancouver, British Columbia (February 26, 2009) – Canadian music fans could find themselves seated next to the likes of Sarah McLachlan, Simple Plan and Nickelback onboard the Whistler Mountaineer this season. The three-hour train trip between Vancouver and Whistler is one of a few BC items to be included in this year’s coveted JUNO Awards Gift Bag, given exclusively to the show’s host, presenters and performers. The 2009 JUNO Awards event is held in Vancouver, BC on Sunday, March 29, 2009 and the “swag” bag contains a return train trip for two onboard the Whistler Mountaineer Glacier Dome, valued at $600.

It is rock star treatment all the way with the Whistler Mountaineer, which travels along BC’s famous Sea to Sky Corridor between Vancouver and Whistler. The journey begins on the red carpet and continues with a morning mimosa and the ultimate in personalized service in the exclusive Glacier Dome. For an up close view of the stunning waterfalls, sparkling Pacific waters and snow-capped mountain peaks, musicians and fans alike can visit the train’s open air Heritage Observation Car. Canadian music stars also hear fascinating commentary of the region and are served a hot gourmet breakfast and scrumptious afternoon tea.

The 2009 JUNO Awards, Canada’s preeminent music awards show will air on CTV on Sunday, March 29, 2009 from General Motors Place in Vancouver, BC. The show will be hosted by Russell Peters and will feature a star-studded line up of artists who will perform, including Sarah McLachlan, City and Colour, Nickelback and Simple Plan.

The Whistler Mountaineer is owned and operated by Rocky Mountaineer Vacations and has been in service since 2006. In addition to the four spectacular rail routes that travel through British Columbia and Alberta, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations also offers unique Canadian vacation packages. Since its inception in 1990, the company has grown to become the largest privately owned passenger rail service in North America and has hosted over one million guests onboard. In 2007, the Rocky Mountaineer train was honoured with a World Travel Award as “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train” for the third consecutive and named by National Geographic as one of the “World’s Greatest Trip.”

Contact:
Nancy Dery
Media Relations & Communications Specialist
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations
(604) 606-8419
ndery@rockymountaineer.com
www.rockymountaineer.com

For more information, images and story ideas visit: www.whistlermountaineer.com

Source Link:  News Bureau/media

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Railway Map Guide: British Columbia & Canadian Rockies

The award-winning British Columbia and Canadian Rockies Railway Map Guide is the definitive reference to the spectacular passenger railway routes across British Columbia and western Alberta. This full-colour souvenir map guide follows the present and historic mileposts of the legendary passenger railway routes of Canada’s rugged, mountainous far west. These are the historic railways that opened Canada’s west to settlement. In this map you’ll find:

• Rocky Mountaineer, and VIA Rail routes;
• Realistic 3-D perspective maps for instant orientation;
• Extensive charts of cities and towns along the way, highlighting distances between communities and other important information;
• A speed table to help you determine the speed of the train.

The Railway Map Guide covers everything you’ll need to know along the way, including railway signals and signs. It identifies 300 points of interest and over 200 majestic mountains (some visible from the train). Find rivers and their tributaries, tunnels, bridges, snowfields, glaciers, and much more!

The British Columbia and Canadian Rockies Railway Map Guide truly captures the essence of the enchanted landscape of Canada’s far west. Whether you travel by train, by car, or in your armchair, whether you are a visitor or a local commuter, this souvenir map guide will bring local geography to life.

Expectations of a slow winter prompted layoffs of nine workers

Gray Line West has cut back its tour schedule and laid off nine of its 119 Victoria staff, citing a challenging tourist season and expectations for a slow winter.

The company, which operates year-round sight-seeing tours and charter coach services in Victoria, Calgary and Banff, said the prospects of a lean winter forced its hand.

“We have put into effect a reduced business model in Victoria. The tourism industry is facing some challenging times and the forecast is for tourism revenue to decline in Victoria,” said Ian Robertson, executive director of corporate communications for the Armstrong Group, which owns Gray Line West and other operations such as the Rocky Mountaineer train.

“For us, at winter season it’s a particularly challenging time for tourism, and to continue with a full operation is not financially viable.”

The result is a reduction in the number of coaches on the road and tours the company will run through the city on any given day.

Robertson said they won’t be eliminating any particular tours — they offer grand city driving tours, attraction loop tours and trips to Butchart Gardens, among others — instead opting to reduce the number of options and times people can take them.

The layoffs affect management and maintenance positions. There will be no reductions or layoffs at any of Gray Line’s other operations.

Robertson also quashed rumours Armstrong Group was putting the Gray Line West division up for sale.

“We are always looking at opportunities, but the mandate we have given to Victoria and our operations in Banff is to develop a strong business plan for growth, and we continue on that track,” he said.

Armstrong Group bought Gray Line in 2005 as a complement to its other tourism businesses.

“We saw it as a fit with the Rocky Mountaineer train and Whistler Mountaineer, so it was a natural fit for our overall tourism strategy,” he said, noting the Victoria operation could expand again if the need arises.

“Certainly if the indications are that we are going to have a strong tourism season in summer, we would look at increasing our workforce and offering more tour options,” he said.

aduffy@tc.canwest.com

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – Experiencing a world-class train trip is more attractive now than ever before. With the recent decline of the Canadian dollar, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations’ spectacular rail journeys are even more appealing to U.S. visitors. Guests experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies while traveling by train between the coastal city of Vancouver, British Columbia and the Rocky Mountain destinations of Jasper, Banff and Calgary, Alberta.

In addition to taking advantage of savings up to 20% in the exchange rate by booking in Canadian currency, U.S. travelers could get even more bang for their buck if they book the Rocky Mountaineer Vacations’ Early Booking Bonus before January 15, 2009. The Early Booking Bonus rewards couples with a Fairmont Hotel & Resorts gift card of up to $600 in value when booking a qualifying vacation package of six nights or more departing during the 2009 season.

Great vacation options for the 2009 season include the new Escorted Rail Tours packages. Onboard the exclusive Escorted Tours Lounge, guests have the opportunity to mingle, browse our library and enjoy onboard entertainment features such as wine tastings, photography, natural history and storytelling. All Escorted Rail Tours packages include delicious hot breakfast and lunch selections, transportation, accommodations and welcome and farewell dinners. For food and wine lovers, the Taste of the West package offers a gastronomic odyssey. This seven-night/eight-day journey features sumptuous Western Canadian cuisine along with wine pairings in world-class destinations such as Victoria, Vancouver and Banff. This exclusive culinary experience continues onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train, where travellers dine on regional dishes that celebrate the distinctive character of Western Canada.

The Rocky Mountaineer operates on three different routes between Vancouver or Whistler, British Columbia and the beautiful destinations of Jasper, Banff and Calgary, Alberta. There are more than 70 different vacation packages built around the Rocky Mountaineer two-day, all daylight train trip such as classic rail vacations, full circle journeys and escorted tours through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

For additional information or to book your 2009 Rocky Mountaineer vacation and save, contact your local travel professional or Rocky Mountaineer Vacations directly at (800) 665-7245, or visit www.rockymountaineer.com

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations offers unique Canadian vacation packages and four spectacular rail routes through British Columbia and Alberta. Best known for the world-acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer train, a two-day, all daylight rail journey through Canada’s West and the Canadian Rockies, the company also offers trips onboard the Whistler Mountaineer train, a daily three-hour experience between North Vancouver and Whistler, BC.

Since its inception in 1990, the company has grown to be the largest privately owned passenger rail service in North America and welcomed its one millionth guest in 2008. In 2007, RMV was honoured with the World Travel Award as “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train” for the third consecutive year and named by National Geographic as one of the World’s Greatest Trips.