Olympic spirit hits the rails

DOC POW

- Feb. 19/10

As I type this, the world is a very comfortable, relaxing place. I am sitting aboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train travelling from Whistler to Vancouver in style with country music star, Aaron Lines strumming a pretty stellar instrumental. He is here to help the province celebrate Alberta Day and they are doing it in style with the transfer from one Olympic site to the next – linking Vancouver to Whistler.

The train’s been rebranded for the month by the Alberta Government and is travelling as the Alberta Train – and we were here for the party.

A slice of Alberta

The provincial government’s mission was simple: to provide an opportunity for travellers from all over the world to experience a little piece of Alberta while they are here for the Olympics. They did it through a few means, including utilizing the latest in technology supplying iPod touches for guests loaded with content on what keeps the province one of the world’s top spots.

Of course Calgary, Alberta was home to its own Olympics back in 1988, the last time Canada held these games. To celebrate that moment, Travel Alberta welcomed two-time gold medalist, Katarina Witt on the train with us.

“The hospitality and the friendliness of the people is what I remember best,” said Witt during our interview. Witt has been in Vancouver and Whistler as a journalist for ARG German TV – a broadcast rights holder – Germany’s NBC.

The experience doesn't stop here

Chief executive officer for Travel Alberta, Bruce Okabe asked Witt what her impressions were of the Alberta Train.

“It’s a very great thing to be able to sit back and relax while on a train like this,” she said.

The perfect ride to the perfect place; I couldn't imagine riding into Whistler any other way. It’s not just during these Olympics that you can do this, the Rocky Mountaineer offers up the experience any time.