Canada, a country of breathtaking landscapes and rich history, invites you to explore its vast expanses. There’s no better way to do so than aboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian – a unique rail experience that not only connects the country from east to west, but also offers an immersive, unfiltered view of Canada’s diverse landscapes. This blog post is intended to provide a comprehensive review of this iconic train journey, covering its history, services, and the personal experiences of riding the rails.

A Brief History of The Canadian

The Canadian train, aptly named for its role in unifying Canada, operates on the very rail line that was instrumental in binding the country together during its formation. The railway’s construction was a key factor in persuading the western provinces to join the confederation. The endeavor, which took over a decade to survey and an impressive four years to complete, culminated in 1885, marking the dawn of a new era for the nation.

Stretching over 4,500 kilometers, the tracks connect Ontario to British Columbia, crossing five provinces, 670 bridges, and winding through countless tunnels and mountain passes. Originally built to facilitate the settlement of the west, the railway served to transport people from the docks of Halifax to the Prairie provinces. As Canada grew, so did the importance of the rail line, which became a lifeline for many new settlements. Today, the railway continues to serve many small communities across the country, its value apparent in the diverse range of goods and supplies loaded and unloaded at stops along the route.

Experiencing The Canadian: Services and Amenities

The Canadian offers a range of services to cater to different budgets and comfort preferences. Ticket options span from Economy to Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class, each with its unique offerings and price points.

Economy class, while the most affordable, provides a basic travel experience with minimal comforts. During a promotional period, students could avail of unlimited train travel in Economy for a mere $150. However, a journey in Economy comes with certain inconveniences such as the lack of shower facilities and limited personal space, which might not be ideal for a four-day trip.

At the other end of the spectrum, Prestige Class, which costs upwards of $4,000 for a one-way ticket, provides a luxury experience complete with all meals, drinks, access to the Park Car, and a private room with a bath.

For those seeking a balance between comfort and affordability, the Sleeper Plus service is a great option. Costing around $1,200, it offers substantial savings compared to a private cabin and includes all meals, access to showers, and admission to the Panorama and Prestige Park Cars.

A Personal Journey: Riding The Sleeper Plus

Choosing the Sleeper Plus service, you’ll find that your berth converts to bench seating during the day and a comfortable bed in the evening. While the berths are located in the hallway, drawing the curtains provides a sense of privacy and comfort. However, it’s worth noting that the upper berth lacks a window and might feel slightly claustrophobic, so consider this if you’re looking to save a couple of hundred dollars.

Waking up each morning to a new Canadian landscape outside your window is a wonderful surprise. Whether you’re reading, relaxing, or simply watching the scenery go by, the lower berth window offers a unique vantage point to enjoy the journey.

The train offers several types of accommodation, including the Sleeper Plus service, where you sleep in a berth in the hallway. During the day, the beds convert to bench seating, usually while you’re at breakfast service, and then back in the evening during dinner service. The lower berth has a window, but the upper berth does not, making it slightly cheaper. With the curtains drawn, the experience in the berth feels very private and cozy.

The Canadian train has a significant historical and cultural importance in Canada. It covers the country on the very rail line that united Canada in the first place. The railroad was key to convincing the western provinces to join Canada, and it took over 10 years to survey and only four years to complete. The 4,500 KM’s of track connects Ontario to British Columbia, crosses 5 provinces, 670 bridges, and travels through dozens of tunnels and mountain passes along the way. In 1885, the railroad was finished, marking a new era for a new country. The rail line was key in bringing people from the piers of Halifax to the Prairies and continues to serve as a vital lifeline for many small communities along the way.

“Tail of the Canadian” by Hub☺ is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.