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Michael Portillo is back with another railway adventure on Great Canadian Railway Journeys! Starting on Monday the 14th of January at 6.30pm on BBC Two, Michael journeys his way through the hotspots of Canada.
Following successful careers in journalism, broadcasting and politics, Michael has a keen interest in steam trains leading to the launch of the popular documentary series, Great British Railway Journeys. Michael has since progressed to railway systems overseas such as Europe, India and the United States. Whether you are an avid railway expert yourself or simply have an appreciation for travel Michael has something for everyone in ten episodes, starting in Halifax, Alaska and ending in Calgary, Alberta.
Combine a breath-taking journey on the Rocky Mountaineer and a luxury Alaskan cruise at fantastic prices for 2019. You too can experience the adventure exclusive to Rocky Mountaineer passengers, and witness Canada in its rugged natural habitat from the comfort of a relaxing train journey, before embarking on a cruise through mysterious and stunning Alaska, with lots to see and do. See our blog - What can be seen on an Alaska Cruise? to find out more.
Episode 1, Monday 14th of January, 6.30pm, BBC Two
In the first episode of the brand new series, Michael begins in Halifax, Alaska. We join him on a railway journey through a maritime province, discovering an 18th-century British citadel with recreations of the Scottish soldiers, through to a Victorian dock still in use by the Royal Canadian Navy. Michael learns the art of building an Arctic Patrol vessel, and of a tragic explosion in Halifax that devastated the north of the city.
Episode 2, Tuesday 15th of January, 6.30pm, BBC Two
Next is Pictou, Nova Scotia; Michael discovers the Scots that battled an 11-week journey across the Atlantic to settle in New Scotland. With him, we witness the stunning replica of their 18th-century ship, Hector. He visits Edward Island to meet a resident most will know and love, Anne of Green Gables in her record-breaking musical.
Episode 3, Wednesday 16th of January, 6.30pm, BBC Two
Aboard the Ocean, a passenger train from Nova Scotia to New Brunswick, Michael admires the world’s biggest tide at Hopewell Rocks and takes part in a pow wow with the Elsipogtog First Nation in traditional attire. We uncover the history of an ambitious railway built to move ships between the Bay of Fundy and Northumberland Strait.
Episode 4, Thursday 17th of January, 6.30pm, BBC Two
The journey presses on to Quebec city, first passing through to the fishing village of Neguac, New Brunswick, where farmers provide the seafood market with up to 15 million oysters a year. Michael continues to Miramichi and boards a night sleeper train for 400 miles on to the city.
Episode 5, Friday 18th of January, 6.30pm, BBC Two
The charming Train de Charlevoix, a 125km rail cruise, takes Michael along the historic St Lawrence River to La Malbaie. What was once a train built to carry pilgrims is now transportation for tourists to the Murray. We join Michael as he visits 19th-century houses, swaps rail for sky in a seaplane, and fishes in a remote lake over the Laurentian Mountains for a well-earned dinner.
Episode 6, Monday 21st of January, 6.30pm, BBC Two
In Vancouver, British Columbia, Michael joins the Canadian Pacific Railway Engine, a historic train that connected the nation from the Atlantic to the Pacific. We fast-forward to the modern Vancouver Skytrain which takes Michael around the bustling city, with views of the harbour and the mountains. Michael is persuaded to try his hand at ice hockey, a firm favourite in Canada.
See our blog - 5 Things to do in Vancouver to find out more about this incredible city.
Episode 7, Tuesday 22nd of January, 6.30pm, BBC Two
On the Pacific Coast of North America, Vancouver Island is abundant with British history and heritage for us to discover. In Victoria, Michael visits the residence of Emily Carr, a famous artist who portrayed the culture of the indigenous people. Finally, he contributes to the carving of a 36-foot tall totem pole.
Episode 8, Wednesday 23rd of January, 6.30pm, BBC Two
Immersed in the wilderness, we learn how to deter a bear before hopping on the transcontinental railway with the first stop in Mission City, famous for its gold rushes. The past unfolds through accounts of First Nations families torn apart by assimilation. Then we enter Kamloops, home of the First Nation's people for 10,000 years. With over 150,000 black bears in British Columbia, Michael soon comes face to face with two hungry orphaned cubs.
Episode 9, Thursday 24th of January, 6.30pm, BBC Two
Most interesting is the time aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, a renowned journey which was named ‘World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train’ at the World Travel Awards. Taking the First Passage to the West, Michael travels the intricate route from Kamloops towards Banff. The Rocky Mountaineer is the only passenger train to use this track, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for its guests. Through domed glass windows, the sights truly are special; this train allows you to get up close with bears, deer, elk and eagles, as well as witness glorious waterfalls all over the mountains. After a visit to the luxury restaurant car, Michael reaches the Banff Spring Hotel, built by the Rocky Mountaineer company.
See our blog - Chelsea's Rocky Mountaineer Adventure to find out more about this incredible experience.
Episode 10, Friday 25th of January, 6.30pm, BBC Two
Last but certainly not least, the railway journey continues to Calgary. Experiencing the lifestyle of a cattleman, Michael joins Bar U Ranch and learns how the transcontinental railway changed the cattle business. On board the ‘C’ train, we venture to Calgary Petroleum Club, then join a festival hosted by the city where Ukrainian culture thrives.
Discover more of Canada’s rich history and abundant wilderness through Alaska Cruises featuring the Rocky Mountaineer this year. Witness the vast glaciers and ice fields of Alaska, and experience once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters. Bring your camera because the hosts aboard the Rocky Mountaineer are experts in Canadian culture, delicious cuisine and photo opportunities, while every cruise provides unique excursions, such as helicopter rides with glacier treks and whale watching.
