If you’re in the “neighbourhood” i.e. the Vancouver area (… going on that Alaska cruise) drop by the club layout of the Greater Vancouver Garden Railway Club.
It is located in South Surrey at the Art Knapp’s Garden Center (AK just so happens to have a good selection of GRR items from Starter sets to fancy plantings).
For more info you can check out http://www.gvgrc.com
The GVGRC is my “Home away from Home” club. One can while the time away chewing the fat even on rainy days.