by jp1822
Seems I am doing more vacations and train travel in Canada now than in the United States!
I am thinking about taking the Hudson Bay train from Winnipeg to Churchill and back.
When is the best time to take this train? I won't be able to do a summer trip on the Hudson Bay - as I already have a summer trip to Western Canada booked!
The other main peak period I think was late September to mid-November? I booked a preliminary reservation for late October. Course, for my return I am on a wait list for a sleeper. I think I'll start out from Toronto on a Saturday and then do a same day transfer in Winnipeg to the Hudson Bay train out of Winnipeg. Will spend time in Winnipeg on the return - mostly due to train scheduling.
Some questions:
1. Does the Hudson Bay mostly use the Chateau sleepers now - even in peak period? Are the Northern Spirit Cars ever used? I see them on the side tracks up their in Winnipeg when I pass through but that's it. My trip northward on the Hudson Bay enabled me to get a triple bedroom (I have a travel companion!)?
2. During peak period do they add a dome Park Car or Skyline Car - or does the diner double as lounge and diner? VIA booking agent said they add a Park Car in the peak seasons, but I have not heard that before.
3. Any suggestions for the route?
4. Any suggestions on "must see" in Churchill or lodging (not on a budget for lodging - something that is top of the line for that area).
5. I think I'll spend about three full days in Churchill - will this be sufficient? Unfortunately, time will be taken up with the return trip via train to Winnipeg.
6. Is there any plane service from Churchill to Winnipeg - and is it reliable? I am waitlisted for a return sleeper. Wondering if I should just fly black to Winnipeg. On the return I'll likely spend an overnight in Winnipeg before heading back home to the East Coast.
Any info - most appreciated!
I am thinking about taking the Hudson Bay train from Winnipeg to Churchill and back.
When is the best time to take this train? I won't be able to do a summer trip on the Hudson Bay - as I already have a summer trip to Western Canada booked!
The other main peak period I think was late September to mid-November? I booked a preliminary reservation for late October. Course, for my return I am on a wait list for a sleeper. I think I'll start out from Toronto on a Saturday and then do a same day transfer in Winnipeg to the Hudson Bay train out of Winnipeg. Will spend time in Winnipeg on the return - mostly due to train scheduling.
Some questions:
1. Does the Hudson Bay mostly use the Chateau sleepers now - even in peak period? Are the Northern Spirit Cars ever used? I see them on the side tracks up their in Winnipeg when I pass through but that's it. My trip northward on the Hudson Bay enabled me to get a triple bedroom (I have a travel companion!)?
2. During peak period do they add a dome Park Car or Skyline Car - or does the diner double as lounge and diner? VIA booking agent said they add a Park Car in the peak seasons, but I have not heard that before.
3. Any suggestions for the route?
4. Any suggestions on "must see" in Churchill or lodging (not on a budget for lodging - something that is top of the line for that area).
5. I think I'll spend about three full days in Churchill - will this be sufficient? Unfortunately, time will be taken up with the return trip via train to Winnipeg.
6. Is there any plane service from Churchill to Winnipeg - and is it reliable? I am waitlisted for a return sleeper. Wondering if I should just fly black to Winnipeg. On the return I'll likely spend an overnight in Winnipeg before heading back home to the East Coast.
Any info - most appreciated!