Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (January 17th, 2006) –The countdown to the unveiling of Canada’s newest tourist train, the Whistler Mountaineer has begun. On January 21, 2006, it will be exactly 100 days until Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, owners and operators of the award-winning Rocky Mountaineer train, premieres the Whistler Mountaineer. Linking the internationally renowned cities of Vancouver and Whistler, B.C., this highly anticipated new rail route will offer guests a daily, three-hour experience through some of British Columbia’s most spectacular scenery between May 1 and October 16, 2006.

“Vancouver and Whistler are extremely popular tourist destinations so we are honoured to introduce a new tourist train which not only connects the two cities, but provides guests with a truly unique experience,” says James Terry, Executive VP & C.O.O. of Rocky Mountaineer Vacations. “This is a tremendous opportunity to apply our successes with the Rocky Mountaineer train to the Whistler Mountaineer and showcase the best of B.C. to the world.”

With northbound and southbound departures, seven days a week, this new rail journey features stunning views of B.C.’s “Sea to Sky” region. Cascading waterfalls, sparkling Pacific waters and soaring mountain peaks can be found around just about every bend of this unique train trip. Travelling northbound, the Whistler Mountaineer will depart North Vancouver at 8:30 a.m. and arrive at its destination at 11:30 a.m., giving guests plenty of time to explore Whistler Village and the surrounding area. Southbound departures are scheduled to leave Whistler at 2:30 p.m. and will arrive back in North Vancouver at 5:30 p.m.

Not only will guests be in awe of the spectacular passing landscape, they will also be well looked after by Onboard Attendants who provide meals and fascinating commentary about the region. Two different types of experiences are offered onboard the Whistler Mountaineer: Glacier Dome and Coast Classic. The Glacier Dome is a single-level, custom-built dome coach complete with panoramic views and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. On the northbound departure, guests are served an impressive breakfast at their seats featuring crisp linens and fine china, accompanied by a delectable fruit plate and hot entrée. Southbound travellers will experience an afternoon tea, where finger sandwiches, petit fours and a selection of teas will be offered. Coast Classic features a traditional rail carriage environment with large picture windows and assigned seating. A light meal will be served at your seat when travelling in either direction. Access to a unique open observation car puts all travellers that much closer to the breathtaking scenery. Prices for a one-way trip starts at $99 CDN/$85 USD per person in Coast Classic or from $169 CDN/$145 USD per person in Glacier Dome. For children between the ages of 2 and 11 years old, the Coast Classic experience is offered at a rate of $49 CDN/$42 USD and $119 CDN/$102 USD for Glacier Dome, both of which are one-way fares.

Guests have the choice of customizing their Whistler Mountaineer holiday with Whistler à la carte or can book one of eight different packages under Whistler Escapes. The Whistler Mountaineer will also link with a new and third route for the Rocky Mountaineer train, the Fraser Discovery Route, which will open up B.C.’s interior to guests from across the globe. This new rail route launches on May 2, 2006 and will travel for two-days, during daylight hours from Whistler to Jasper, Alberta in the Canadian Rockies with an overnight stop in Quesnel, B.C.

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations offers year-round vacation packages to the most unique regions of Canada, including the world-acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer train, a two-day, all daylight rail journey between Canada's West and the Canadian Rockies. Since its inception in 1990, the company has grown to become the largest privately owned passenger rail service in North America and has hosted over 800,000 guests from around the world. There are now over 70 vacation packages offered, ranging in length from two to 17 days. The Rocky Mountaineer train operates from mid-April to mid-October (with select December departures) while a portfolio of non-rail holidays, under the umbrella of Spectacular Canada, is featured year-round. RMV was recently honoured with a 2005 World Travel Award, as “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train”.

Contacts:

Michelle Dunn
Manager, Communications
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations
(604) 606-7324
mdunn@rockymountaineer.com

Joan Bloom, Joan Brower or Brenda Urban
M Booth & Associates
(212) 481-7000
joanbl@mbooth.com
joanbr@mbooth.com
brendau@mbooth.com