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The vast majority of the posts to this thread are related to eastern lines. I would like to talk a little about the western part notably BC Rail, Skeena, and Malahat. A couple of years ago my wife and I attended the APTA convention in Las Vegas. After the convention we took the circle tour on BC Rail. True to fashion American Airlines would not let us change our Dallas-Las Vegas RT ticket to include a flight to Vancouver so we flew back to Dallas then on to Vancouver. Talk about negative customer service. The next day we went to the BC Rail station in North Vancouver for the last run of their circle tour. The train consisted of five Budd RDCs as far as Lillooet where three of the cars were turned to return to Vancouver. Saw the new "rail buses" on the siding that were to begin providing the only access to some of the First Citizen towns around Seton and Anderson Lakes. Salmon were spawning in the Frazer river and it was quite a sight to see them jumping in the streams. The first night we stayed in Prince George arriving after dark. The next day we went to the VIA station to catch the Skeena to Prince Rupert. The only marr on the trip was a car derailment on the CN line and we were bussed to Smithers where we boarded the Skeena. Not a total loss as the best scenery is west of Smithers. Rode in the dome car and had a wonderful view. Meals were served at our seats on all trains. Arrived in Prince Rupert at sundown. The ride along the fjord that the Skeena empties into was teriffic. Had two days to explore Prince Rupert which included a harbor cruise around the island. We then took the BC ferry Queen of the North to Port Hardy on the northern end of Vancouver island. Overnighted there and were bussed to Courtney-the railhead of the E&N railroad. Crossed over several lumber railroads on the bus ride to Courtney. The next day we took the Malahat to Victoria. The Courtney daily. Scenery was great along the E&N, although the grass was getting a little high between the rails. Spent two days in Victoria, one of my favorite towns. Stayed in the Empress and overlooked tha harbor. The tour included a visit to Buchert Garden which is heaven for anyone who likes plants. Been there several times. Like all good things it came to an end as we took the bus across the sound and on to Vancouver airport and the flight back to reality. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who likes mountains, rivers, trees,or trains. But, alas, it can never be repeated as BC Rail dropped passenger service one week after our trip. We were on their last tour and it will live in our hearts and minds for ever. There is a glimmer of hope. I have heard that a tourist line is considering running passenger trains over part of the old BC Rail line.
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