Long before there were Grand Canyon helicopters, white water rafting companies or even Grand Canyon mule tours, there was the Grand Canyon Railway. Before paved roads, hotels and restaurants, and even before the Grand Canyon was made a national park or Arizona became a state, the Grand Canyon Railway brought interested travelers from all over the world to stand on the rim, gaze in awe upon the Canyon and ponder the feeling that touches all of humanity in a similar manner. Launching from the historic Williams Depot in Arizona, the Grand Canyon Railway carries tens of thousands of passengers into Grand Canyon National Park on its beautifully restored railway cars. The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, designed to resemble the century-old train depot that housed the original Fray Marcos Hotel was opened by the Santa Fe Railroad as a Harvey House. It provides a relaxing retreat before and after an adventure to the South Rim. The Grand Canyon Railway offers vacation packages that include train travel, overnight accommodations at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and Maswik Lodge North inside Grand Canyon National Park. In addition to many tours and featured packages the Railway offers the magical experience of The Polar Express, based on the classic children’s book. The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel also hosts a pet resort, RV park, Spenser’s Pub and the buffet-style Grand Depot Café. Shop for souvenirs, gifts and supplies from among the thousands of items in the depot’s two fine gift shops.