The Alberni Pacific Railway on Vancouver Island offers journeys from the city of Port Alberni to the McLean Mill National Historical Site as well as several specialty trips throughout the year. A restored 1929 Baldwin ex-logging locomotive pulls the train. The journey takes about 35 minutes each way. Tours operate Thursday through Sunday during the summer season, with morning and afternoon departures. The railway offers options to visit the Chase and Warren Winery, which offers wine tastings and guided winery tours. Winter highlights include trips to the McLean Mill Christmas Village and a Santa Run. Charters with sleepover options are also available. Boarding is at the 1912 CPR Station.
Alberni Pacific Railway
Kingsway Avenue at Argyle Street
Port Alberni, BC V9Y 7L6
1-250-723-1376
alberniheritage.com
Via Rail Canada offers train service throughout the country, including Vancouver Island. Departures from Victoria Station allow visitors to journey all the way to Courtenay on the east side of the island, a four-and-a-half-hour trip through coastal landscapes and towering evergreens. Visitors can access dozens of small towns such as Qualicum Beach and Chemainus along the way, and there is a regularly scheduled stop in the popular city of Nanaimo. Outdoor enthusiasts can also disembark to hike the Pacific Rim National Park or the West Coast Trail. In Courtenay, attractions include the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre, the Sid Williams Theatre and several outdoor adventure opportunities. The train leaves from Victoria as early as 8:00 a.m.
Victoria Station
450 Pandora Ave.
1-888-842-7245
viarail.ca/en/trains/rockies-and-pacific/victoria-courtenay
West Coast Rail Tours provides a way to experience a four- to five-day rail journey on Vancouver Island with free pick-up at major hotels in Vancouver. Guests are taken to Nanaimo and transferred to the Malahat Dayliner train in Courtenay. The journey includes rail, a trip on a coastal supply vessel and nights in hotels along the way. Excursions offer sightseeing in the Pacific Rim National Park, visits to a lighthouse and trips to several small villages. Meals and all transfers are included.
West Coast Rail Tours
PO Box 2790 Stn Terminal
Vancouver BC, V6B 3X2
1-800-722-1233
wcra.org/tours/pdf/VIWCitin.pdf
