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VIA Rail resumes passenger service to Churchill
Previously mentioned here that Hundon Bay Rail no longer operates between The Pas and Lynn Lake, MB. The line is operated by Keewatin Railroad now but only between The Pas and Pukatawagan, MB. This is a First Nation railroad. The mixed train still operates as far north as Pukatawagan but this is a hard rail fan trip as there are no overnight accomodations at Pukatawagan I am told and the train is northbound one day and southbound the next. This is indeed, a mixed train on which conditions are a bit shall we say, wild. This train primarily serves the local residents.
This Railway and the Polar Bear Train out of Cochrane Ont carry the local natives along with their dogs, pets, canoes and what ever is available for transporting all in the cabin with us tourists , it makes for a travel experience like no other, If you have not taken either of these trains you are really missing an incredible journey. Bring your Camcorder with lots of film, and aa few packs of smokes to trade for good camera shots, you won!t regret it.
I’m glad to read that service has been restored. Now I hope that the Ocean and the Canadian will continue to run and with a daily schedule.
That´s good news. I was affraid that Via would use the bad track condition, as an excuse, to discontinue the train. Like they did with the Chaleur.
Accomodation in Pukatawagan is really the biggest problem for doing that line.
Does anyone have an idea??
Frank Sprenger
PS. Was there no picture of The Hudson Bay? Just this Toronto to somewhere south west train
To; Frank Sprenger, Pukatawagan is on the Lynn Lake Sub and as for accomodation just ask the conductor to stop any where , bring your tent and your grub and maybe a gun for protection { bears , wolves, etc and a warm sleeping bag and the rent is FREE and enjoy yourself in the Canadian North.
The Chaleur was discontinued not only because of poor bridge & track conditions, but mainly because of low low ridership, NO Profit . As for the Churchill line It carries alot of grain to the Ports at Churchill for Export to Europe and the Middle East, The biggest problem with the northern track is that it was built on Muskeg which is frozen ground , and the ground does thaw in the summer months, thus derailments.
To; Frank Sprenger, Pukatawagan is on the Lynn Lake Sub and as for accomodation just ask the conductor to stop any where , bring your tent and your grub and maybe a gun for protection { bears , wolves, etc and a warm sleeping bag and the rent is FREE and enjoy yourself in the Canadian North.
Pukatawagan is on the Lynn Lake Sub, and there is lots of Free Accomodation just ask the conductor to stop anywhere he will , bring your tent and sleeping bag and your grub and lots of mosquito and black fly spray. You will really enjoy The Canadian North, and just maybe you might see the Northern Lights at night. A journey to remember.
Thank You very much for this info. Also, I didn´t know that it is allowed to put my tent almost anywhere.
For my self, the best case is, to stay somewhere near the station. As I want to finish the line
Thanks again
To; Frank Sprenger, My suggestion would be to look for accommodation in Churchill Manitoba, end of the line, as there is a motel there, and a snow buggy to visit the Polar Bears, . Look it up on the Internet and make a reservation in the motel as it is quite busy when the Polar Bears are in looking for the Seals on the ice. Good luck Frank. Make your reservation conditional on your arrival by Via Rail
To; Frank Sprenger, My suggestion would be to look for accommodation in Churchill Manitoba, end of the line, as there is a motel there, and a snow buggy to visit the Polar Bears, . Look it up on the Internet and make a reservation in the motel as it is quite busy when the Polar Bears are in looking for the Seals on the ice. Good luck Frank. Make your reservation conditional on your arrival by Via Rail