Back at the beginning of June Rose and I and Barb (my mother in law) had the opportunity to travel on the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb. It's part of the Rocky Mountaineer Company.
I have driven the Sea to Sky highway so many times in the last two years, I've lost count. For a while there I commuted from home to Whistler at least once a week sometimes more. Driving might have been quicker, but it's certainly not as fancy.
The station in North Vancouver is more of a platform. We were grateful it wasn't raining because there really wasn't a lot of shelter. Fitting a train load of guests under the tent or the little hut would have been amusing though.
Our train manager for the day was Wade. Wade was on our training trip back in April, and he's usually on a different route to us, so it was fun to see him again. Wade and the crew called the all aboard, and we pulled out of the station on time.
Travelling northbound we were seated in the Dome service. A single level coach with big panoramic windows, nice wide seats and lots of leg room.
Our morning begain with the safety announcement (just like on airplanes), a toast, hot towels and breakfast.
Breakfast was an omlette and bacon with fresh fruit and a hot cup of tea. And was much needed after our hurried late start from home this morning. Barb sat back and relaxed, while Rose and I explored.
On the Whistler service they have an open air heritage observation carriage. We spent quite a bit of time in here.
Drinks are complimentary in the Dome service, but only Barb could partake. As Rose and I are staff, we have to be available in an emergency situation (even when we're not working and travelling as guests), so we couldn't drink. We tried to tell Barb, she had to drink our share as well, but as it was still morning, one glass it was.
One of the things I like about travelling on the train is the number of people that come out on their balconys or stand at their windows to wave. Everyone's happy to see you.You don't get that when you're driving. Normally they're honking their horns, or a giving you a not so friendly wave involving fists and a few choice words.
Passing under the Lions Gate Bridge and over the Capilano River we are on our way. Through the Horseshoe Bay Tunnel, past the ferry terminal and into the beautiful Howe Sound.
When you drive the Sea to Sky Highway, you get glimpses of the scenary, or you can stop at the pullouts but for the most part you are concentrating on driving. On the train you can just soak it all in. Some of the highlights include Porteau Cove, Britannia Beach, Squamish, Mt Garibaldi and Brakendale
We tried to pick out climbers on the Stawamus Chief but it was so cloudy and we couldn't see any.
When you drive to Whistler you don't get to see much of the Cheakamus Canyon. But from the train it's spectacular.
From the road you can walk up to Brandywine Falls. On the train, you go right over the top. The Falls were named after two surveyor groups who bet on the hieght of the falls (60 metres/195 feet). Once group bet brandy against the other group's wine.
3 and 1/2 hours after we left Vancouver we arrived into Whistler Station at Nita Lake. There are buses that transfer you over to the village, where you can roam at will, ride the Peak to Peak Gondola, visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, talk a walking tour or book a glacier flightseeing tour.
For the majority of guests the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb is a day trip. Travel up in the morning, spend a few hours in Whistler and then ride the train back. Although there are a few, like us, who break up their trip and spend a night or two in Whistler. We spent a night in Whistler and took the train back the following afternoon. We travelled home in the Classic Service.
If we'd have thought about it more and there had been the availability we would have traveled to Whistler in the Classic Service and home to Vancouver in the Dome Service. Why? Mainly for the food. In the Classic Service the meals are all prepacked and drinks are $6.00. The meal in the afternoon was a sandwich, nothing wrong with it, just fairly standard. We missed afternoon tea in the Dome. It was too early in the morning on the way up to enjoy much in the way of alcoholic beverages, whereas in the afternoon Barb might have had a glass or two more of wine with her tea.
So Dome or Classic? The staff are great in both. The open air coach means all round views from both services, but the glass domed roof is nice. Our personal preference was for the Dome service. You'll have a great trip whichever you choose.