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In theory, I could have avoided the tortuous drive up Quebec's route 389 from Baie Comeau to Labrador City since the QNS&L carries cars. Unfortunately, they carried cars on separate trains running on a separate schedule from their then thrice weekly round trip summer passenger service. Getting any schedule information in printed form can be a bit dicey. Not only does the QNS&L not have a web site, at the time of my travels, they didn't even have printed schedules available for their passengers in either Sept Īles or Labrador City! The car carrying service was thoroughly undocumented. As of 1999, the car service apparently operated only twice a week in the summer and, for example, appeared in certain circumstances to require that your car spend the weekend locked up in the railyards in Sept Īles. Logistics, aside, however, the ride was great, not least because of an ancient but thorougly serviceable Pullman Standard dome car at the rear of the train. The pictures below speak for themselves; the scenery and views are, in my opinion, the match of the Alaska railroad. Except for the fact that very few rail buffs seem to be aware that this route exists, much less that there is scheduled passenger service available! IMPORTANT UPDATE! As of October 2005, passenger service was still operating on this line on a regular schedule. If you are interested in traveling on this spectacular route, you should contact the QNSL directly on 709.944.8205. They will be happy to fax you the current schedule of passenger operations (and, presumably, let you know what the options are for bringing your car along with you). A QNSL passenger train schedule from October 2005 is can be downloaded in PDF format by clicking HERE. (If you are planning a trip on the QNSL, be sure to call ahead to reserve your space and to confirm operating details.) | ||
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They actually sell tickets at this station, unlike the station in Sept Īles where you are directed to a nearby (?) travel agent for the purchase of transportation. The car carrier can be seen in one of the pictures. I was told there are no height restrictions, but don't expect to be able to put your car on the train if you've got a canoe (or other moveable object) strapped onto your roof. | ||
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The train consisted of three Budd RDC's (whose lineage reportedly goes back to the B&M by way of the CN) and one Pullman dome car. The dome was, of course, the place to be. Vending machines in one of the RDC's was the closest thing the train offered to a diner. | ||
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The countryside becomes more dramatic as we head south. The iron ore freight on the route are the reason for the railroad's existence; indeed it's the mining company that owns and operates the railroad. | ||
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Yep, that's a helicopter alright. Don't expect this kind of service the next time your Amtrak or VIA passenger train has mechanical difficulties! | ||
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These pictures were actually taken before my drive to Labrador City when I went to the train station in Sept Īles on a Monday morning (following a rather dull weekend which I spent hanging around Sept Īles). I had hoped to take the Monday morning summer train to Labrador City with my car. I was told that the car wouldn't be shipped before sometime on Tuesday afternoon or evening... Not wanting to be in Labrador City for a day and a half without a car, it was at this point that I decided to drive overland to Labarador City and take the train (sans car) from there on Tuesday. It turns out there are a couple of hotels very near to the train station in Labrador City, including The Two Seasons Hotel where I ended up staying, where I could have hung out while awaiting the arrival of my vehicle. On the other hand, I would have missed the scenery of northern Quebec including the immmense hydro-electric projects which dominate much of the otherwise totally undeveloped landscape. | ||
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While driving up to Lab City on Quebec 389, prior to reaching the mine at Fermont, the road followed and crisscrossed the Quebec Cartier Mining Company Railway (that's the QCM) for several miles. My 550 kilometer drive through the wilderness was interrupted at one point when I had to stop for this heavily laden ore train. |
