Vintage train recaptures golden era of rail travel www.cprtours.com NEW YORK -- Royal Canadian Pacific unveiled its expanded 2001 schedule of luxury rail tours today, including exclusive golf and fly fishing excursions through the Canadian Rockies. Royal Canadian Pacific, operated by Calgary-based (CPR), will build on last year's successful inaugural season by running 18 scheduled tours on board vintage rail cars between May and October 2001, as well as several private charters. The new program was introduced today at a conference of North American travel writers in New York City. Royal Canadian Pacific begins the season on May 17 with its signature Golden Crowsnest Excursion. The tour takes a maximum of 24 guests on a magnificent 650-mile loop through Banff National Park, the Columbia River Valley, Crowsnest Pass and southern Alberta. The journey recreates the romance of rail travel by combining dramatic scenery with luxurious accommodation and a unique view of Canadian history. Royal Canadian Pacific's new season also features its first six-day fly-fishing tour on July 19. Guests will travel off the beaten track to some of North America's best fishing spots, while enjoying the old-world luxury of this rare train. The four-day Royal Clubhouse Golf Tour, leaving Calgary on August 24, will transport guests in style to some of the finest golf courses in western Canada - including the Banff Springs, Greywolf in Panorama and Lethbridge's Paradise Canyon. Guests dine and sleep on board exquisitely restored early 1900s rail cars that once hosted celebrities such as Sir Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth. The train is powered by 1950s diesel electric locomotives repainted in heritage CPR livery. "The response from guests in our inaugural season was phenomenal," said David Walker, Royal Canadian Pacific's Managing Director. "Something very special happens when people board this train. They quickly forget everyday stresses and are swept away by the scenery and surroundings. When they leave the train, they take away stories they will tell for the rest of their lives." Royal Canadian Pacific this year welcomes the arrival of Morgan Burgess, Royal Canadian Pacific's new Manager, Operations and Hospitality. Burgess brings 15 years of international hospitality experience to Royal Canadian Pacific, where he will ensure every guest enjoys the train's superior service and renowned cuisine. Royal Canadian Pacific's fleet of vintage CPR business cars is expanding as well. The recently refurbished N.R. Crump provides an additional six en suite staterooms, all beautifully restored with inlaid walnut paneling and many modern conveniences. It will be joined next month by the Strathcona, the 1927 business car currently being refurbished in Calgary. "We are always looking at ways to improve this unique Canadian travel experience," said Walker. "New products, expanded accommodations and our trademark attention to detail mean guests will be constantly surprised and delighted by what we can offer on board the Royal Canadian Pacific." CPR is the railway that united Canada in the 1880s, bringing settlers to the country as it carried out construction of the first cross-country rail link from Montreal to the Pacific coast. The railway travels through some of the most spectacular scenery in North America.
How long does the season run for? With the cab of the 2816 at the BCR shop now I expect to see the 2816 by the end of summer. I would love to see it on the head of the royal Canadian, double heading with one of the F units would be neat too. (www.wcra.org) shows a pic of the BCR Consolidation doubling up with CPR 4069 F Unit. Happy Railroading! Dane N.
