Could I please ask for some recommendations for hotels in PG? We are planning a trip to Jasper in mid-Oct , Via Rail, and only need a hotel for the night there and back but am hearing horror stories about hotels near the station! Anyone have any suggestions and if you have been on this Via tour to Jasper, any tips you can offer? Will only be there for 2 1/2 days ! Hoping to just enjoy the trip and catch the fall colors! Thanks everyone, much appreciated !
tripadvisor.ca/Hotels-g15493 … otels.html
my personal fave is the Ramada close to the station, VIA uses it for crews, so front desk is aware of any departure delays…
They did a huge reno over the past couple of years. I have trip advisor link for other choices…
Esther’s inn: Address: 1151 Commercial Cres, Prince George, BC its a bit dated but it has hot tubs…
Coast inn, it has hot and indoor pool the price is good if you book in advance.
The downrtown hotels are fine (Coast Inn of the North - Ramada), the area around the Ramada isn’t terribly high class.
But there’s taxis sitting outside both those places all the time. Esthers is kind of 70s cheesey, indoor palms, family place. Treasure Cove Casino hotel is nice, and there’s a couple new places nearby (Sandman signature 4 points Sheraton) but you’ll need to taxi everywhere.
Gramma’s if you want cheap & seedy - bandages floating in the hot tub, turds in the pool, lumpy beds.
Is anything in PG high class? Gramma’s I am told is a dump avoid…
[quote=“herbie_popnecker”]The downrtown hotels are fine (Coast Inn of the North - Ramada), the area around the Ramada isn’t terribly high class.
But there’s taxis sitting outside both those places all the time. Esthers is kind of 70s cheesey, indoor palms, family place. Treasure Cove Casino hotel is nice, and there’s a couple new places nearby (Sandman signature 4 points Sheraton) but you’ll need to taxi everywhere.
Gramma’s if you want cheap & seedy - bandages floating in the hot tub, turds in the pool, lumpy beds.[/quote]
Thank you for all the recommendations ! Never stayed in PG, have only driven through so as long as I get from the Via station to the hotel safely, all is good !! Heard there wouldn’t be any taxis outside the Via station when we arrive but am sure we can call for one! Anyone been to Jasper and have any tips for what to see and do? Have done some research but tough only 2 1/2 days there ! Thanks everyone !!
You can apply Savon More points to a voucher for staying at the Coast in P.G. Just book a taxi as you get off the train.
Unsolicited comments…
If you haven’t ridden the Skeena in a while remember to pack snacks,drinks, and Handy Wipes for the bathroom.
The Bulkley Canyon will be colourful. Lucky you. There’s a big hostel in Jasper we’ve stayed at. They have a shuttle to the train, and family rooms if needed.
[quote=“windchime”]You can apply Savon More points to a voucher for staying at the Coast in P.G. Just book a taxi as you get off the train.
Unsolicited comments…
If you haven’t ridden the Skeena in a while remember to pack snacks,drinks, and Handy Wipes for the bathroom.
The Bulkley Canyon will be colourful. Lucky you. There’s a big hostel in Jasper we’ve stayed at. They have a shuttle to the train, and family rooms if needed.[/quote]
Thank you “windchime” for the tips, I always overstuff my bag with snax and drinks so will be fine ! I have never taken the train here so am looking forward to it and hopefully the timing will be ripe for the fall color display too! My fella has Savon More points so we will look into that! Again, thank you very much ! BTW, does the train stop for more than a minute or two at regular stops, just thinking of photo ops?
Photo ops on the Skeena… Kitselas Canyon, where riverboats were pulled up river using bolts set into rocks for the ropes, and on rail side old totems in the bush before Usk- don’t know if they are still visible. The Seven Sisters mountains. Kitwanga totems visible from train for sure.
Then there’s the Bulkley Canyon, and fall is best to view that out left side of train going east. Skeena Crossing at Kiseguekla pretty in October. We’ve been on the train when it stopped across from Mount Robson. Scenic on a clear night with any kind of moon. Can’t get off the train though.
Sitting in the dome car you might see eagles feeding on carrion on the tracks then lift at the last moment and fly right above the plexi-glass.
Suggested music of this trip “Its taken all This Time” by Martyn Joseph, or “Train of Dreams” by Gary Fjellgard.
If you use Savon Points to stay at Coast Hotel you might have to mention coupon when you reserve. Enjoy your travels on one of Canada’s best kept secrets… the Skeena.
[quote=“windchime”]Photo ops on the Skeena… Kitselas Canyon, where riverboats were pulled up river using bolts set into rocks for the ropes, and on rail side old totems in the bush before Usk- don’t know if they are still visible. The Seven Sisters mountains. Kitwanga totems visible from train for sure.
Then there’s the Bulkley Canyon, and fall is best to view that out left side of train going east. Skeena Crossing at Kiseguekla pretty in October. We’ve been on the train when it stopped across from Mount Robson. Scenic on a clear night with any kind of moon. Can’t get off the train though.
Sitting in the dome car you might see eagles feeding on carrion on the tracks then lift at the last moment and fly right above the plexi-glass.
Suggested music of this trip “Its taken all This Time” by Martyn Joseph, or “Train of Dreams” by Gary Fjellgard.
If you use Savon Points to stay at Coast Hotel you might have to mention coupon when you reserve. Enjoy your travels on one of Canada’s best kept secrets… the Skeena.[/quote]
Gosh thanks for your great description of the awesome journey on the Skeena … I am away from the region until possibly spring and miss it a great deal. I have never done the PG to Jasper part but PG to Rupert I have done a lot over the years and the colours of fall will make the trip even more wonderful for you cody bear.
Thank you “windchime”, I am so excited for this trip and the description you posted, I will have to copy it down so I don’t miss anything ! I hope we are not travelling too early, Oct 9th leaving Rupert, to see the foliage! Any beautiful wonders when I arrive in Jasper bearing in mind only there for 2 full days and 4 evenings before returning? The obvious, of course, but anything I should look into during the 2 days? Thank you so much !!
Near Jasper, vast areas of beetle-killed pine are prominent. Moose Lake is a long lake where the tracks have “S” turns and many a photographer has waited for trains to pass for those iconic pictures of mountains, lakes, and freights. Jasper itself has an excellent public pool with waterslides (last time we were visiting). Independent bakeries have delightful foods and coffee. And if you wanted ease in hotels, just stay across from the VIA station at the Whistler Inn, can’t get more central.
You might also see the Haida “Two Brothers” totem raised there recently. If you “Google” Edenshaw totem, Jasper, you may watch a short video of its raising. McBride… nice gift shop in train station built in Grand Trunk Railroad style, like Kwinitsa. Depending on when you get back to P.G., Books and Company might be open, last of the great independent bookstores where you can eat, enjoy live music and meet other northerners.
Love VIA in off season, booked in advance, its so inexpensive they almost pay you to ride. And to the uninitiated… time means Nothing. This train is does not run On Time.
[quote=“windchime”]Near Jasper, vast areas of beetle-killed pine are prominent. Moose Lake is a long lake where the tracks have “S” turns and many a photographer has waited for trains to pass for those iconic pictures of mountains, lakes, and freights. Jasper itself has an excellent public pool with waterslides (last time we were visiting). Independent bakeries have delightful foods and coffee. And if you wanted ease in hotels, just stay across from the VIA station at the Whistler Inn, can’t get more central.
You might also see the Haida “Two Brothers” totem raised there recently. If you “Google” Edenshaw totem, Jasper, you may watch a short video of its raising. McBride… nice gift shop in train station built in Grand Trunk Railroad style, like Kwinitsa. Depending on when you get back to P.G., Books and Company might be open, last of the great independent bookstores where you can eat, enjoy live music and meet other northerners.
Love VIA in off season, booked in advance, its so inexpensive they almost pay you to ride. And to the uninitiated… time means Nothing. This train is does not run On Time.[/quote]
Thank you so much “windchime” for all the info, I really appreciate it! We are planning on Oct. 16 from Rupert now as forgot about Thanksgiving! I am hoping that won’t be too late for the fall foliage ! I will check out the Whistler Inn and if I may ask for more info, would you think ,as we will only be there 2 full days and 2 nights, that we would need to rent a car to see more of the sites or just the stay in Jasper itself will be enough ! Thanks so much !!
Hey Codybear…lucky you going to Jasper on the train. Going to Jasper at this time of year is great, the hotel/motel prices are cheaper because its between seasons. I would rent a car if possible, there is much to see outside of the town’s limits. Jasper Park Lodge, Maligne lake, Athabasca Falls, the Tram and Mount Edith Cavell (weather permitting), that’s just a few of things to do. Plus what’s available to see in town. You can take great pics from the train. I have taken many and have turned out great just from my seat. Be prepared that on your return trip that you can be quite late arriving back in Rupert, anywhere up to 2 1/2 hours. I’m sure you will have an awesome trip.
Thank you “Gracies Mom” and we are looking forward to our little getaway ! Nice to know you had a good experience travelling there, love the train myself, anywhere ! We will be staying in town, would you be able to recommend a hotel in town? Have checked into a couple but not so great reviews ! Not too worried about the train delay, just going to enjoy the journey !! Thank you so much, everyone has been very helpful !
the trip has gotten better at 2.5 hours late… at times it can go into the next day… but love every minute of an awesome trip Codybear the delay means a longer break from Rinse… 
Hey Codybear I’ve only stayed in a couple of hotels, The Best Western and the Chateau Jasper both were decent. TripAdviser is a great site to read up on the latest reviews on accommodations.
I have been checking on Expedia which also posts TripAdvisor and have thought of the Chateau Jasper, I am looking at something that offers a great view and not too far out of town ! Asking for a great deal maybe but want to take advantage of the little wee time we will be there ! Even thinking of the Fairmont but a little too ritzy for me, don’t need all those luxuries !! The Sawridge Inn seems nice but again amenities I would never use ! Has a shuttle service though from the Via station !
[quote=“windchime”]You can apply Savon More points to a voucher for staying at the Coast in P.G. Just book a taxi as you get off the train.
Unsolicited comments…
If you haven’t ridden the Skeena in a while remember to pack snacks,drinks, and Handy Wipes for the bathroom.
The Bulkley Canyon will be colourful. Lucky you. There’s a big hostel in Jasper we’ve stayed at. They have a shuttle to the train, and family rooms if needed.[/quote]
I thought they had full meal service on the train to PG? Or does that end in Sept?