HOW DO I GET TO CHURCHILL, MANITOBA BY TRAIN?
TRAVEL TIPS, VEHICLE STORAGE AND PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
TAKE THE TRAIN TO CHURCHILL- Well, the train kind of runs on time now… of course, on-time just means that VIA eventually added eight hours to the schedule! The average train trip is about 44-46 hours from Winnipeg. Economy fare (one-way) is about $190.00 if you book seven days in advance.
Train Schedule for Winnipeg-Churchill, Manitoba
Useful Information for VIA Rail Hudson Bay Line
WINNIPEG – CHURCHILL RETURN – Normally… Budget travellers, booking seven days in advance, can travel for $370-400 CDN on VIA Rail Economy Class. Roomettes are available (an additional $400 CDN or so…) but are usually booked well in advance during peak tourism seasons. There is also the opportunity to book a roomette once the journey has begun. Your best option is just to ask one of the VIA employees and see what happens. Don’t rely on this option but its worth a shot if you would like a bit of privacy…
THOMPSON – CHURCHILL RETURN – Normally… The ‘Bay Line’ is a bit more reasonable than the 44 hours from Winnipeg. This overnight trip is a great introduction to the north. The dining car temporarily becomes a moving community hall as locals from the communities of Pikwitonei, Ilford and Gillam return from shopping and visiting in Thompson. After Gillam, the ride is quiet with northern lights often decorating the sky. At $130 (seven-day advance), this is an affordable and attractive option – or at least, it used to be until gasoline reached $1 plus…
The drive to Thompson is also quite enjoyable. The 762 km (474 mile) stretch from Winnipeg to Thompson is paved with gas stations at least every 200km. The average trip runs approximately 8-10 hours so you pretty much have to leave a day early with the new VIA schedule. If you are ahead of schedule, stop at Pisew Falls, one of Manitoba’s nicest wilderness areas.
You can store your vehicle at McCreedy Campground just northeast of Thompson (towards the airport). They will provide a ride to the train station and pickup, nice folks. Can’t remember the phone number though…
| SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR CHURCHILL TRAIN TRAVEL
40 winks at 4 mph… A travel pillow and blanket (and earplugs) are mandatory for economy class!!! For some reason, the train can range from sauna hot to goosebump cold. A nightcap is optional but be prepared nonetheless… Books Are Fun and Make You Smart… Bring a book or two or four…if you finally want to tackle War & Peace – seize the moment!!! An IPod is also quite helpful… Double Your Pleasure…Get seats that face each other. If its crowded, find a partner in crime or one will be assigned to you (of course, it’s an easy way to meet new people…) Met up with A Gambler…The dining/ lounge car is always interesting. Residents from Pikwitonei and Ilford hop on at Thompson and the dining car becomes a big gambling house and gossip room for a few hours. Bar service is also available until 10:00pm (and ABSOLUTELY NO LATER if the wrong employee is on board). Plus thanks to our modern society, it is now smoke-free all the time! (although there are smoke break if the right employees are on board). And speaking of board… it’s a change of scenery if you’re a little bored… Stretch Your Legs… Take the opportunity for a walkabout in The Pas, Thompson, or even Gillam. VIA personnel are helpful and will let you know how long the stop lasts. The layover in The Pas is now three hours or so…! Healthy Snacks For Healthy Minds… There is decent food onboard and not overly expensive but snack food is relegated to chips and chocolate bars. Bring some veggies!!! Bring Some Shoes…It is now mandatory to wear shoes when walking around the train – bring some sandals, crocs or slippers. |
