I was surprised as I walked this section of the Spirit Trail to discover an old train station in a place where there could never have had tracks in my opinion. I wondered how it got there so I did some research. It turns out that was the building that was on display for many years at Lonsdale Quay near our Seabus terminal. The Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGE) began in 1912 to build a line up to Prince George and beyond.
This station was built in 1913 on the site now occupied by The Polygon Gallery. It was later moved to Mahon Park and used as a museum extension. Eventually it was returned to (near) its original site where it was displayed for many years. Now new development has forced it to find a new temporary home until someone decides what to do with it.
The railway itself had a great vision and determination with government money to back them but times got tough and war broke out etc and it eventually came to a halt 40 miles short of its Prince George destination giving it the nickname “Prince George Eventually”. It did arrive in Prince George finally after 40 years.
By this time it was under the control of BC Rail who took over in 1918 because they were having trouble making necessary payments, getting steel and supplies, getting workers and war problems. I understand it finally became a profitable railway in the 80s but I don't know what is the current status.
You can park at N 49 18.436 W 123 04.218................ I requested this cache be released January 1 so someone may have the chance to have the first ftf in the province of BC for 2019. I am not totally sure (s)he was first in BC but I expect (s)he likely was. Congratulations and happy new year to Balaraka who found it at 9:35 am New Years Day.
This is a nice place to relax, look at the view and dwell on the history of our great province and country.
Bring your own pen.