Canadian
A true classic, the original line that put VIA Rail on the map,
the Canadian is an overnight rail line that speaks to the
experience of long-distance rail travel in years long ago. This
train follows a course of approximately 2,775 miles, traversing
through mountainscapes, lush evergreen forests, and wide-open
prairies during its journey between Vancouver and Toronto. Along
the way, VIA Rail's Canadian makes stops in wonderful cities and
towns that highlight the country's diversity. Passengers may elect
to begin their trip in either bookend location or join the train in
one of its stations along the way.
One of the most scenic stretches of the entire route is between
Kamloops and Jasper, a resort town surrounded by Jasper National
Park and the Rocky Mountains. The train travels along the Fraser
River and offers a glimpse at Hell's Gate, a portion of the river
that narrows rapidly, forcing the water to erupt at an incredible
speed. The Canadian also joins the North Thompson River and offers
views of Pyramid Falls and Mount Robson - the highest peak in the
Canadian Rockies - before stationing in Jasper.
Hints of yesteryear are detectable on the fully restored 1950s
railcars, which were first used when the Canadian Pacific Railway
offered its passenger line - also called the Canadian - between
Montreal and Vancouver. VIA Rail's Canadian still follows a
condensed version of this same course several times a week
year-round, presenting all the natural grandeur of Canada as was
always intended.
