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Caption: The street address for the Churchill, Manitoba railway station is 1 Mantayo Seepee Meskanow.
Once arriving passengers have detrained and been picked up by their respective lodging shuttles, the onboard crew has finished their arrival chores, and the VIA maintenance personnel have the wayside HEP connected through the lead locomotive, it gets pretty quiet at this location.
For this photo, I am standing in the middle of the street without a vehicle in sight, so my less than stellar photographic skills are not interrupted once during my picture taking time on this particular morning.
The early sunrise and late sunset in Churchill offered lots of opportunity to capture a plethora of views of the station and other interesting sites in town during my three day stay.
The Canadian Government has recognized the station as a "Recognized Federal Heritage Building" since June 2000.
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A very nice scenario, trains still arrive and depart the station and the building structure is actively being used.
Great shot.
It certainly looks quiet, but I’m sure when it gets closer to train time, there is much more activity. Appreciate seeing the street side of this historical station. Question – is there a ticket agent on duty before train departure and can you check baggage to be carried in the baggage car ? Is there any restocking the train or do they carry enough food, drinks, supplies for the trip back to Thompson or Winnipeg?
Thanks for posting, John
Yes, vehicle and pedestrian traffic picks up quite a bit an hour or so before train time at Churchill.
VIA occupies very little space inside the station. It is 95% utilized by Parks Canada, both down and upstairs. There is a long wood bench in the waiting area for passengers, and the VIA ticket agent has a small area behind the counter (in with Parks Canada personnel) to issue tickets, and check baggage. They carry enough food, drinks, linens and supplies for the return trips. I travelled in Sleeper Plus Class and had all the amenities needed on both legs of the journey. The same linens were used on the bed for the two nights, but I had a fresh shower kit (towels, shampoo, & soap) each morning. There is no full-size kitchen/diner on the Churchill run, but there is a chef on board preparing a hot breakfast and dinners each day in a mini-kitchen in the Skyline car. Lunch was a selection of sandwiches and microwave meals at varying costs. Breakfast is $13 daily and dinner is $18 daily with drinks being extra. It is a wonderful train trip (adventure) from Winnipeg to Churchill and return (remember this is a life-long railroader typing) and I plan to do it again sometime. The 10 mph slow orders sometimes go on for miles & miles but in my book they just add to the enjoyment of the trip. The stops along the way at Canora, The Pas, Thompson, Gillam, and other locations are quite enjoyable. One thing VIA does not provide, but you will need in Churchill this time of year is insect repellant!!!
This is a great photo complete with the Canadian flag and its shadow on the station. Insect repellant is a summer necessity no matter where one travels. The bugs really seem to enjoy it.