Vancouver 2010 Day 7 Trip to Whistler

Comments 10 by Rebecca Bollwitt

I was invited to hop aboard the Alberta Train yesterday, a luxury rail coach from North Vancouver to Whistler with double-decker cars and domed panorama roofs. The train experience is courtesy of Travel Alberta to showcase their Rocky Mountaineer route to the Rockies. There was plenty to do in Whistler this week and aside from Olympic events they were also hosted TEDx Whistler with a focus on sustainability.

However, before we even arrived in the mountain village, we had quite the journey on the train. I’ve taken the Rocky Mountaineer before but in the winter, and on the Alberta Train, it’s a whole other experience. Coasting past snow-capped mountains peeking out from the other side of Howe Sound, it was a blissful trip. Aboard the train we were served beverages, breakfast, and enough information about visiting Alberta (and the Calgary Stampede) to make me start pulling out the map book to plot a road trip.

Alberta Train

Alberta Train Alberta Train

Alberta Train Alberta Train

Alberta Train

Alberta Train Alberta Train

Alberta Train

We received a few goodies along the way including an iPod Touch pre-loaded with Travel Alberta videos, images, contacts, notes, and web bookmarks. If the decadent travel accommodation and swag wasn’t enough already, they also handed out ticket to watch the Olympic Alpine event over in Creekside. This threw a wrench into my plans to head straight to Whistler Village but I’m not sure I could ever pass up a chance to attend an Olympic event.

Whistler

It was amazing to see Lindsay Vonn of the USA do her first alpine run of the day and to mix and mingle with fans from across the globe out on the snowy spectator field. In the stands, flags of all colours flew proudly while cowbells rung and chants broke up spontaneously.

Whistler Whistler

Whistler

Whistler Whistler

DSCN3421

Whistler

Finally heading toward Whistler Village we walked around soaking up the scenery. The flame burned brightly in a lonely cauldron inside the celebration site, a set of giant Olympic rings made for great photo opportunities, and street performers were in their prime.

Whistler

Whistler Whistler

Whistler

Meandering through the cobblestone village thoroughfares you could really see a mix of locals (out walking with their ski-seasoned dogs) and international fans draped in flags or trading pins. We eventually made it over to the Garibaldi Lift Company where MuchMusic is filming their On Demand segment all day until the end of the Games.

MuchMusic On Demand - MOD

MuchMusic On Demand - MOD MuchMusic On Demand - MOD

With little time left to make it to back to the train we headed for the station only to realize that we were an hour early for the departure. Luckily there’s a small pub nearby so we lugged our bags over there for a pint before leaving the bubbling Olympic alpine mecca of Whistler. After a few minutes two ladies asked if they could join our table, which sat at least 6 but I was only there with John Biehler. We welcomed them to sit and we instantly got to talking.

“She’s an Olympian you know,” said Marj, a woman from Toronto, as she gestured to her friend. Fascinated, we inquired and indeed we were in the company of Eleanor McKenzie Miller who competed in the 100m and 200m races in the Helsinki Olympics in 1952. They were both beaming, “this is our second Olympics!” Here for the long haul and at least another week, these ladies were sure in a celebratory mood.


Photo credit: John Biehler on Flickr

Eleanor was glowing, wearing an Olympic scarf given to her by the City of Vancouver. Past Canadian Olympians were invited to take part in a dress rehearsal of the Opening Ceremony, standing in for the current Olympians. After performing this honor Eleanor received the scarf and she wears it very proudly.

Alberta Train

We didn’t have much time to stay and chat with the contagiously cheery BFF’s as we had to catch our train. Walking back to the train I knew I didn’t accomplish all I wanted to that day, or see all that I thought I could in Whistler. However, meeting Marge and Eleanor was an absolute highlight. This is huge part of what the Olympics are to me — meeting people. People with stories, with pride, and with an infectious spirit for the love of the Games.

Medal Count for Canada – February 18, 2010
Gold: 3
Silver: 3
Bronze: 1
View full medal count by country

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10 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. Keira-AnneFriday, February 19th, 2010 — 9:59am PST

    Thanks for posting a picture of a dog in the crowd. It kinda made my morning.

  2. Miss604Friday, February 19th, 2010 — 10:28am PST

    They also brought out some huskies after that. The cuteness overload was too much.

  3. Matt CollingeFriday, February 19th, 2010 — 11:45am PST

    That train looks awesome. Wish they would invite me.

  4. SandyFriday, February 19th, 2010 — 6:40pm PST

    Count me in if you do a road trip to Alberta! 😀

  5. Mom604Saturday, February 20th, 2010 — 8:26am PST

    It’s the fascinating people you meet from all over that make up a big part of the Olympics.

  6. Some great posts from Vancouver’s 2010 Olympic Bloggers – maseyMonday, February 22nd, 2010 — 10:29pm PST

    […] Vancouver 2010 Day 7 Trip to Whistler […]

  7. Eleanor MillerThursday, February 25th, 2010 — 9:42pm PST

    I Did so enjoy reading “your Day at Whistler” and I too enjoyed meeting with you and John. Marj and I went on for another 3 wonderful days at Whistler -attending Ski Jumping, Bob Sled and a Victory Ceremony. Just walking through the Village was so exciting seeing the atheletes coming off the hills from their events was certainly a bonus. I was so forturnate to be envited to The Canada Olympic house at Whistler where Olympic athelets met with their Parents and friends. Marj and I had fun meeting the Parents of our Super Canadian Olympians and other atheletes from previous Games. My daughter was with me for the first week of the Games in Vancouver and I have included here website so you can view her pictures Keep intouch Eleanor

  8. HezThursday, February 25th, 2010 — 11:25pm PST

    ^^LOVE THIS^^

  9. Travel Alberta via Rocky Mountaineer | Tyler Ingram Dot ComSunday, February 28th, 2010 — 12:18pm PST

    […] spirits. The views from the rails along the Sea to Sky are breath-taking. I am envious of John and Rebecca’s trip with Travel Alberta as they had a blue bird […]

  10. Vancouver 2010 The Final Tally » Vancouver Blog Miss 604 by Rebecca BollwittMonday, March 1st, 2010 — 4:43pm PST

    […] Vancouver 2010 Day 7 Trip to Whistler […]

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