Pacific Central Station : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Pacific Central Station, located in Vancouver, British Columbia, is an important transportation junction in Western Canada. As the city’s main interprovincial railway station and a major hub for VIA Rail, it provides passengers with convenient connections to major cities across the country, as well as efficient access to local destinations. This blog post will explore the interesting facts and history of Pacific Central Station, as well as provide helpful information for travelers looking to take advantage of Vancouver’s central transportation hub. We’ll also provide a comprehensive travel guide so that visitors can familiarize themselves with the station’s amenities and services, as well as its accessibility options and nearby attractions.

Interesting Facts About Pacific Central Station

1. Pacific Central Station is the busiest transportation hub in western Canada. It serves as a train station, a bus depot, and a park and ride lot.

2. Pacific Central Station was officially opened in 1919 as the headquarters of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

3. A major renovation of Pacific Central Station began in 1997 and included a new food court, retail shops, restrooms, and an exterior upgrade.

4. During the renovation, a large temperate garden was created outside the south side of the building, which was popular with commuters.

5. In 2006, Pacific Central Station became home to the Rocky Mountaineer – a luxury tourist train service – and has been a popular tour stop ever since.

6. Pacific Central Station is the westernmost point for VIA Rail train services in Canada.

7. Pacific Central Station is also home to Amtrak’s Cascades, which provides service between Vancouver and Seattle.

8. Pacific Central Station hosts the Canada Line of Vancouver’s SkyTrain rapid transit system.

9. Pacific Central Station has become a filming location for many music videos, movies, and television shows, including X-Men and Alice in Wonderland.

10. Along with air, train, and bus connections, Pacific Central Station also has a car rental agency.

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History & Information About Pacific Central Station

Pacific Central Station is located at 1150 Station Street in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is the western terminus for Via Rail’s Vancouver-Prince Rupert BC, Toronto, Edmonton and Winnipeg trains. The station is also used by the Rocky Mountaineer tour service and is a stop on the West Coast Express commuter train.

The train station was originally built in 1919, when the Canadian Northern Railway (CNoR) opened its station in 1921. The station was designed by CNoR’s civil engineer, Donald D. Macdonald, and fulfilled the desire of Vancouver’s citizens to have a grand railway station fitting for a prominent city. The station served as a gateway to the west coast of Canada, gaining notoriety in 1927 when the first trans-continental “streamliner” train arrived from Toronto at the station.

In 1943, Canadian Pacific took over Canadian Northern, and the name of the station was changed from Vancouver Terminus to Pacific Central Station. Over the next few decades, the station continued to serve as a gateway for passengers travelling in and out of Vancouver.

In 2000, Canadian Pacific began a several-year renovation of Pacific Central Station. The station was expanded, a cafe was added, and the exterior of the station was restored to its former glory. In recent years, Pacific Central Station has increasingly become a major transit hub with connection to the SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express. Today, it continues to serve as an important station for Via Rail and other train services.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Pacific Central Station

Pacific Central Station is one of the major transportation hubs located in the bustling downtown area of Vancouver, British Columbia. With hundreds of daily train, bus, and shuttle services, this station provides travelers with easy access to many of the top attractions in the city. Here’s your travel guide for making the most of your visit to the Pacific Central Station.

Getting There:
The Pacific Central Station is located within a ten minute walk of many of the top attractions in Vancouver. You can take a Skytrain to Waterfront Station or an express bus to Main Street Station and then walk to the station. If you’re driving, there’s a parking lot nearby.

Things to Do:
Once you’re at the station, check out the train and bus schedules posted throughout the facility. Once you have your itinerary sorted, there are a number of attractions worth exploring nearby. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is less than five minutes away from the station. It’s one of the best spots in the city for an aerial view of the mountains and ocean. You can also take a tour of Gastown, one of Vancouver’s oldest and most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Services and Amenities:
You won’t find any restaurants or shops within Pacific Central Station, but there are amenities and services worth taking advantage of. Wi-Fi is available throughout the building and there’s a staffed information booth located at the main entrance. If you’re planning on taking a bus, train, or shuttle service, you can purchase tickets and check-in at the ticket counters or automated kiosks. Luggage storage is also available.

Safety and Security:
Pacific Central Station is one of the most secure interconnectivity points in British Columbia. 24/7 security guards are present throughout the facility as well as strategically placed CCTVs on various platforms. You can rest assured your belongings and safety are well-taken care of at this station.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pacific Central Station

Q: When did Pacific Central Station open?

A: Pacific Central Station opened in 1919 and was Vancouver’s main railway station until 1956, when the current Main Street Station opened.

Q: What services are offered at Pacific Central Station?

A: Pacific Central Station is used primarily for Via Rail, Amtrak and Rocky Mountaineer’s services. There are also several shops and restaurants, as well as an Amtrak ticket counter.

Q: Is there parking available at Pacific Central Station?

A: Yes. There is a Park & Ride lot as well as a paid hourly parking for short term parking convenience.

Q: Are there lockers at Pacific Central Station?

A: Yes. There are lockers available for rent on a daily basis.

Q: Is there a waiting room at the station?

A: Yes. Pacific Central Station has a waiting area equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, restrooms, payphones, and food and beverage vending machines.

Q: Where can I find information about current schedules/routes?

A: The official Pacific Central Station website has comprehensive information about routes and schedules. You can also call the station at 1-800-661-1725 for more information.

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