By Ed Stozek
For the Herald
A recent full-page advertisement in The Winnipeg Free Press announced two VIA tour dates departing Winnipeg in early July, “to ride the rails, to see the arrival of the Belugas of Churchill” and also to experience the wildlife, natural wonders and man-made attractions of the region.
Limited to 18 spaces per tour, a choice of two packages were offered at $3,395 or $3895 per person based on double occupancy for the seven-day, six-night excursion.
The price included rail travel, transfers, hotel stays, heritage attractions, all meals on the train, and breakfasts and dinners in Churchill.
During the stay at Churchill, off-train accommodations for three days and two nights were provided at a centrally-located hotel.
An arctic char welcome dinner and a possible stop at Thompson on the way back were also scheduled.
From 1936-1975 tourists utilized the Canadian National Railway for an excursion in early July to Churchill. Typically, 200 to 240 excursionists boarded the 17-car train consisting of 10 sleepers, two entertainment coaches, two dining cars, one lounging car, and quarters for the crew. The excursion was very popular, especially with American tourists, and starting in 1954 a second tour was added in August.
As advertised in the 1969 CN brochure, “It’s a vacation to pique your pioneer spirit and still pamper you in CN ‘traveling’ comfort. A new and different land passes by your private train between Winnipeg and Hudson Bay. You pioneer in comfort, the recreation car is the meeting place for movies, singsongs and parties with your fellow adventurers.”
In 1969 a package price of $229 per person landed a lower berth on the 33rd annual six-day tour. The passengers boarded the train at Winnipeg, left the city at 10:05 a.m. on Friday morning and arrived at Dauphin at 2:30 p.m.
“A brass band and practically the whole town turns out to welcome the CN Hudson Bay Explorers with a civic reception. After the party there’s a motor trip using cars donated by local citizens around the rich farmlands and lakes that surround Dauphin.”
Dauphin’s hospitality was always in full force during the three-and-a-half hour stop. On one trip, three Mounties in full dress met the train as the Dauphin Boys Band played “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Welcoming speeches and presentation of honourary citizen certificates were included in the formal part of the programme. The tourists then enjoyed cake, cupcakes, ice cream and refreshments served by the ladies of the I.O.D.E. at the Tourist Park. In case of inclement weather, provisions were made to use the Town Hall. As the train pulled away from the station at 6 p.m., the brass band played, “Au Revoir.”
The next stop occurred at Flin Flon when the train arrived at 9:30 a.m. the next morning. Festivities included an afternoon picnic at Phantom Lake with some tourists paying to go fishing, as this event was not included in the package price. An evening planned activity included an hour-and-a-half slide show at the Flin Flon Community Hall depicting life in the far north. The train left Flin Flon at 11:00 p.m.
The train arrived at Thompson on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. The tourists visited the church of their choice and then explored the town. After the train left Thompson at 7 p.m. it passed through Gillam, the Kettle Rapids and arrived at Churchill, the “historic, romantic gateway to the North,” at 2:30 p.m. Tours included a visit to a large grain elevator and other landmarks. If the tourists wanted to visit the ruins of Fort Prince of Wales, arrangements were made to pay for the boat ride as this was not part of the package price. On Monday night the itinerary included a dance party.
The train left Churchill on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. and arrived at The Pas at 4:30 p.m. the next afternoon where the tourists spent several hours sightseeing at their last official planned stop. The train left for Winnipeg at 7 p.m. and arrived at its destination at 9:30 a.m. the next day.
The popularity, cost and the itinerary for the current 2023 excursion has dramatically changed since the previous ones offered from 1936-1975.
“All aboard!”
