26 December 2009

Royal Visitor on Roll

The Royal Hudson last visited White Rock in 2007.

White Rock British Columbia - White Rock is on track for a celebration in February, when the Royal Hudson steams into town for the first time in three years.
 
The classic 1939 locomotive and its vintage rail cars will carry passengers from Vancouver to White Rock on 8 Feb 2010 and make the return trip the following day.
 
The visit will coincide with the White Rock Business Improvement Association's "Bite of the Rock" dining event promoting special menus at local restaurants and Tourism White Rock is encouraging train passengers to stay overnight at the city's bed and breakfasts and hotels before returning to Vancouver.
 
The visit also coincides with the Winter Olympic torch relay, scheduled to pass through the city on 9 Feb 2010.
 
Tickets ($125 one way with bus return, $250 for a round trip) go on sale in January through West Coast Rail Tours.
 
Mayor Catherine Ferguson said 275 seats will be available on the train. "If it sells out, they'll look at adding extra cars," she said.
 
"Without the participation of Burlington Northern Santa Fe and the West Coast Railway Association this wouldn't be happening," she added.
 
"I'm expecting this to really put a spotlight on White Rock and bring a lot of people to businesses on Marine Drive, it's a really good thing for the city."
 
Alex Browne.