Western Railroad Discussion > Canada: Maps and Timetables

We want to railfan at some CP and CN lines in Alberta and BC. Is there something like the US Altamont press timetables with sidings, radio frequencies available for Canada?

Addtionally we are looking for detailed topographic maps like the De Lormes ? If yes where can we buy them usually?


Regards

DRGW5401

By yourself a copy of 'Canadian Trackside Guide 2005'. Apart from estimated number of trains on a particular route, it will tell you everything you might ever want to know about all lines in Canada. Its about the thickness of a paperback book. Go to http://www.bytownrailwaysociety.ca/sales.htm to buy a copy.

John

railfan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Buy yourself a copy of 'Canadian Trackside Guide
> 2005'. Apart from estimated number of trains on a
> particular route, it will tell you everything you
> might ever want to know about all lines in Canada.
> Its about the thickness of a paperback book. Go to
> http://www.bytownrailwaysociety.ca/sales.htm to
> buy a copy.
>
> John

The only way to go. Train symbols, rosters, radio frequencies, time tables, sched, more.........

If you don't have time to order one by mail, click on the "stores & hobby shops" for places to buy it. I've bought it at Central Hobbies in Van, seen it at Kelly Kaboose in Kamloops, and Trains & Such in Calgary.

I've been unable to find an atlas like DeLorme. As close as I've found is British Columbia Recreational Atlas. http://www.recreationalatlas.com/
It will do a pretty good job. I saw it at several BC Visitors Centers three weeks ago.

An Atlas showing just railroads is Canadian Railway Atlas
http://www.railcan.ca
It works well with the Canadian Trackside Guide, section 14, Railfans guide.

You can get maps like USGS maps in the US. Printed by Department of Energy, Mines and Resources Canada. These maps may not have been updated in a few years but for the most part they will get you there.

Try International Travel Maps in Vancouver. 345 West Broadway, Vancouver BC, V5Y 1P8. http://www.itmb.com

In Prince George there is a map store a half a block from the VIA Station/Prince George Visitors Center. Stand at the VIA door and look south. It is 1/2 block on the right. They have a complete selection of maps for the northern part of BC.

I find that BC is so large that a map store in one corner of the province probably won't carry maps for the far corner. (or may be out of stock) Stop and inquire for local map stores. BC has Visitors Information Centers in EVERY town. Stop and see what they have.

The Fraser River Canyon and Thompson River Canyon are direction running on the CN/CP. From Abbotsford/Huntingdon to Basque. (near Ashcroft) CN west/south, CP east/north.

Take money. Three weeks ago the price of gas in Kamloops was was $1.039/L CDN. That is about $3.20-3.25/Gal US. It is a loooooong way from Edmonton to Prince Rupert and Calgary to Vancouver. In Chetwynd it went up $.04/L overnight.

For the first time ever I was asked for a Birth Certificate going into Canada. Be prepared. That has been routine coming back.

jb

PS: The topo maps I have say they are by the Department of Energy, Mines, and Resources. The British Columbia Recreation Atlas has an index to them. There they are called the National Topographic System of Canada. In 1:250 000 and 1:50 000. It will take 6 or 7 of the 1:250 000 to do the Rockies to Prince Rupert, CN. Four or 5 to do the Rockies to Vancouver, CN & CP.

Also at the Visitors Centers are Accommodation Guides. They will give you an idea of what is available at the crossroads 400 miles ahead.