Train doesn’t work for sightseeing
Dear editor,
The proposal to bring back the train as an aid to tourism really doesn’t work. You get on the train in Victoria or Courtenay and you can’t get off. Buses are more efficient for sightseeing: they go along the highway, you can get off at a restaurant, motel or beach and sightsee, stay awhile and get another bus. There is no transportation from the train to the beach or a restaurant; there is not another train coming along to pick you up again.
On the train you would miss many of the sights tourists want to see and experience; Chemainus, Totems in Duncan, Ladysmith, the Community and Provincial Parks, the VIU Marine Centre in Deep Bay, eagles’ nests, salmon in the creeks and rivers.
When you get off at any stop you would need to rent a car somehow to sightsee.
It you are hiking or biking along the rail route you can stop anywhere you like and walk or bike to the nearest venue. Planning a hiking or biking vacation has become a very popular option. It would be keep bikes off of the highway and be safe for kids.
There are so many beautiful trails off of the rail line that you can access as well that not even many local people know about.
My husband and I walk the rail line to get to many of the local trails and beaches from Fanny Bay to Bowser. The forest is beautiful and you can even stop and get something to eat and cross salmon streams. A biking and hiking trail would be available for locals year round to get to work, to exercise and to enjoy the outdoors.
Let’s join Nanaimo in saying no to spending millions on the train and put it into the community needs here which are at a crisis point.
Judith Sears
Comox Valley
