ALL ABOARD! EXPLORING CANADA BY TRAIN
Upon thinking of Canada, one cannot suppress images of open space, diverse landscapes
and striking hospitality spread among urban centres and rural communities. With
a total area of 9,984,670 sq km (3,855,103 sq mi), plus natural attractions such
as the Rocky Mountains and Niagara Falls and cities as cosmopolitan as Vancouver
and old-fashioned as Moncton,
such generalities are well-deserved. This vast land definitely has much to offer
the common traveller. However, the prospect of exploring a country of such magnitude
can be extremely daunting. Attractions abound, with each province offering its
own unique piece of the country. However, a country this unique also offers visitors
unique ways in which to experience it—via locomotive. Train travel has grown increasingly
popular in recent years, and owes its prominence to the completion of the Canadian
Pacific Railway. Inspired by Canada's railroading past, present-day Canada can
be witnessed from the sheltered confines of a luxurious train car, offering an
unforgettable experience and indelible memories.
Brief History of Rail Transportation in Canada
On November 7, 1885, The
Last Spike was driven into the ground at Craigellachie, British
Columbia. This historic moment marked the completion of one of the greatest
engineering feats of the 19th century and finally linked Western Canada with
the major centres of established Eastern Canada. More than 12,000 men, 5,000
horses and 300 dog-sled teams contributed to the railway's completion and at
the time it was the longest railway ever constructed. Tourism also benefitted
from this expansion, and citizens from Eastern Canada were eager to explore
the Western frontier—from the comfort of a lavish train car. Canadian Pacific
even commissioned the building of numerous luxury hotels along the line in order
to combine local attractions with upscale lodgings. These hotels were placed
in urban centres and rural resorts with many still operating today, including
the Banff
Springs Hotel and the Royal
York Hotel in Toronto.
The train became the primary mode of long-distance transportation in Canada
and continued to flourish until after World War II and the completion of the
Trans-Canada Highway, when inventions such as the airplane and automobile became
more accessible to those looking for quicker ways to travel.
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| Crossing
the Rocky Mountains1 |
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Why Travel by Train?
Train-propelled transportation has seen a recent revival in Canada, due in large
part to the sense of opulence and comfort that only travelling by train can
provide. Passenger trains combine comfortable, roomy seating with top-notch
service, and are often outfitted with luxury cars. Five-star dining, casual
entertainment and complete relaxation are often possible from these well-equiped
cars, located at the rear of the train. The slower pace of the train also allows
passengers to sit back, relax and enjoy the passing scenery. Travelling by train
isn't just for the elegant traveller. With such an extensive rail system, travelling
by train has become a popular mode of transportation for backpackers and recreation
seekers. Monthly passes can be purchased and make it a cost-effective way to
explore Canada. VIA Rail also allows customers the option to get on and off
the train at unscheduled destinations, allowing for travellers to further explore
the more remote and rural areas of the country. Canada's trains can accommodate
luxurious, romantic and adventurous travel no matter the destination, and are
sure to leave travellers with a visual scrapbook of Canada that won't soon be
forgotten.
Trains
The Canadian
Often thought of as one of North America's great passenger trains, the Canadian
offers luxurious train service between Toronto and Vancouver. This iconic train
is best known for its distinctive stainless-steel exterior and domed observation
decks. Since 1955 it has been the flagship for North American trans-continental
rail travel and continues to impress with its scenic route, elegant amenities
and sheer convenience. The Canadian offers passengers two distinct travelling
classes. Comfort class is the standard and offers roomy seating, plus access
to a domed observation car with a café and full meal service. During the off-peak
season (October 16 - May 31) comfort class guests also have access to the delectable
dining car, normally reserved for Silver & Blue class passengers. Silver & Blue
class is the upscale way to travel aboard the Canadian. Perks include first-class
meals, access to the sleeping car and a variety of other fine amenities. It
also includes access to the exclusive Park car, found at the rear of the train.
This car features multiple levels, with the top floor offering 360° panoramic
views due to the car's domed, glass roof.
The Canadian travels along a direct route from the Great Lakes of Ontario
through the Prairie provinces and then through the West's Rocky Mountains before
concluding in coastal Vancouver. The train makes scheduled stops in Winnipeg,
Saskatoon, Edmonton,
Jasper and Kamloops
and passengers are able to get off at these scheduled stops and explore, and
then get back on the Canadian the next time it passes through to continue the
journey.
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The
Canadian 2 |
This train travels the farthest distance of all of Canada's passenger trains
and offers unique opportunities that the other trains do not. After exploring
the many attractions
of Toronto, hop aboard the Canadian and prepare for Winnipeg. Winnipeg is a
great place to stop and explore. Nearby Grand
Beach is consistently rated one of the best beaches in North America
and Winnipeg itself offers a spectrum of accommodations,
attractions
and activities.
As the train continues on through the Prairies, the lakes of Ontario
and Manitoba begin to be
replaced with fields of wheat, open spaces and a more rural perspective. If
the train is arriving in Edmonton near the end of July, make sure to get off
and visit Capital
Ex, a frontier-themed week long event that features a rodeo, midway
and a myriad of activities. Once back aboard the Canadian, passengers are treated
to the Rocky Mountains, one of Canada's most distinct geographical features.
The train finally comes to stop in Vancouver, one of Canada's most vibrant and
engaging cities. Attractions
and activities
abound, and Vancouver's wide range of accommodations
make it an ideal place to recharge after a cross-country journey through the
heart of Canada.
The Malahat
While the Canadian offers travellers a comprehensive look at much of Canada,
the Malahat takes a shorter approach. This passenger train explores Vancouver
Island, starting on the southern tip of the island in Victoria
and progressing up island to Courtenay.
For those who have just finished riding the Canadian, but are not finished exploring
Canada, the Malahat offers a logical extension. A ferry can be taken from the
mainland to Sidney,
and after a 30 minute bus ride travellers will be in British Columbia's beautiful
capital, Victoria. Before boarding the Malahat, make sure to explore all that
this city has to offer. Popular places of interest include Butchart
Gardens, the unique shops of Market
Square and Victoria's picturesque harbour front. Near the harbour stands
a testament to Canada's early rail heritage, The
Empress Hotel, which is a former CP Rail hotel and is known throughout
Canada for its elegance and exquisite afternoon tea service. Once the oceanfront
city of Victoria has been explored, a trip aboard the Malahat can truly commence.
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| The
Malahat 3 |
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The direct journey from Victoria to Courtenay is only 4 ½ hours but much can
be seen during that short time. Passengers should make sure to keep their eyes
peeled, as keen vision can be rewarded with bald eagle sightings. The island
is also home to temperate rain forests, a characteristic unique to this region
of Canada. The dense vegetation and large amount of annual rainfall creates
a lush, green blanket over much of the island that is sure to entice nature lovers
and outdoor enthusiasts. In Nanaimo,
passengers can get off and explore the proud First Nations culture, which is
evident in the quantity of totems in the area. Quaint restaurants
and shops
also offer a unique glimpse into the culture of this distinct part of Canada.
Nanaimo is home to a BC
Ferries terminal, which offers ferry access to nearby Gabriola
Island, a unique island community known for its natural beauty and recreational
opportunities. Once back aboard the train, the trip continues to Qualicum
Beach. During the summer, Qualicum Beach is awash with sun bathers and
sand-castle makers and is a great spot to relax for a day or two and just enjoy
the surroundings. The trip concludes in Courtenay, which is home to a variety
of summer festivals and other attractions. A ferry can also be taken from Courtenay
to Powell River, a
popular destination along BC's Sunshine
Coast.
The Ocean
For those looking to explore Canada's eastern coast, the Ocean provides the
means. This night train departs from Montreal
in the evening and arrives in Halifax
around mid-afternoon the following day. Since the Ocean is a night train, sightseeing
is not as prevelant as with other trains. However, the Ocean offers numerous
scheduled stops throughout Quebec,
New Brunswick and
Nova Scotia—perfect
for those wishing to explore Canada's Atlantic provinces. The Ocean offers travellers
three distinct classes of travel. Comfort class is the standard and offers basic
travelling amenities. A second class, Comfort Sleeper, provides the traveller
with a comfortable private or semi-private bed. The third class is unique to
the Ocean. It is known as Easterly Class and offers much more than just first-class
comfort. Passengers who choose this class will be rewarded with entertaining
presentations, movies and workshops detailing the rich maritime history of the
region, as well as access to the dining, sleeper and park cars. Easterly class
is an informative way to travel and is perfect for those interested in Canada's
heritage.
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The
Ocean 4 |
Montreal is one of Canada's most popular tourist destinations, and this bilingual
city offers a plethora of activities for the willing traveller. During the summer,
festivals
and other events
are prevelant and have to be added to the long list of must-see attractions.
As the train delves deeper into Quebec, the province's French roots become more
pronounced. The Quebecois culture is distinct and a stop in Rimouski
allows for that culture to be further explored. Explore neighboring maple syrup
farms or just relax in a cozy café and enjoy the surroundings. After crossing
into New Brunswick, the Quebecois culture begins to fade into Maritime hospitality.
The city of Miramichi
is a grand showcase of maritime life. The city's wharves and harbourfront are
bustling with activity and the local restaurants
are full of both delicious menu items and colourful people. Canada's proud fishing
history can also be explored here, as Miramichi was once an important regional
centre for that industry. Next along the line is Moncton, one of Canada's most
scenic cities. Numerous attractions
can be found here, with highlights including the Bay
of Fundy and Magnetic
Hill. A ferry can also be taken from Moncton to nearby Prince
Edward Island, allowing for travellers to explore one of the few provinces
not linked by the national railway. The journey ends in Halifax, a city rich
in both cultural attractions
and recreational activities.
Royal Canadian Pacific
For those looking for the ultimate in luxurious travel, the Royal Canadian Pacific
is the only option. The train's elegant cars were first constructed between
1916 and 1931 and have been masterfully restored in order to recapture the essence
of turn-of-the-century rail travel. Finished in Circassian oak from Russia and
equipped with features such as brass radiators and Turkish drapes, these dignified
touches are just a sample of the entire elegance of the train. The Royal Canadian
Pacific has hosted an overwhelming amount of dignitaries, presidents and other
influential people, due in large part to the unrivalled service, splendour and
comfort that is offered. The Royal Canadian Pacific has even had the honour
of transporting King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, among other notable members
of the British monarchy.
A trip aboard the Royal Canadian Pacific is much more than a simple train ride.
It offers the ultimate in pampering while travelling through some of Canada's
most beautiful and untamed wilderness. One of the most popular routes offered
circles the Rocky Mountains, a six-day trip with scheduled stops including Lethbridge,
Cranbrook, Golden,
Lake Louise, Banff
and Calgary.
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Famous Royal Canadian
Pacific Passengers
• King George
VI and Queen Elizabeth
• Sir Winston Churchill
• Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip
• Franklin Roosevelt
• Francis Ford Coppola
• George Lucas
• Bill Gates
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The Rocky Mountain route starts in Calgary, where travellers will be picked up
from the airport and ushered to The
Fairmont Palliser Hotel, where a private wine and cheese reception awaits.
After an evening at the Palliser, the train journey begins. The first stop is
Banff, a secluded mountain town located within Banff
National Park. After exploring the numerous historical sites, the train
continues west to the resort of Lake Louise. Once here, an experienced naturalist
will accompany the group on an interpretive hike, allowing travellers to experience
the natural beauty of the Rockies first-hand. The voyage then continues on through
Field and the Kicking Horse
Valley before stopping in Golden.
After a refreshing nights stay in the mountains of Golden, passengers are whisked
away to the nearby Kicking
Horse Mountain Resort, where a gondola ride concludes with breakfast
on the mountain and stunning panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. After the
invigorating breakfast, the train departs for Cranbrook and a private tour of
the Canadian
Museum of Rail Travel. The stretch of track from Golden to Cranbrook
runs right alongside the mountains and offers some of the most stunning scenery
of the entire trip. After the tour, the train continues on to Summit Lake, where
it stops for the evening.
The next day, the Rockies are left behind and are replaced by Alberta's open
prairies. After a visit to the UNESCO Heritage Site at Head-Smashed-In
Buffalo Jump, the train zips through Lethbridge and stops in Eltham
overnight.
Day five starts with a short train ride to Okotoks,
where a waiting luxury motorcoach waits to whisk passengers off to Homeplace
Guest Ranch, where horseback tours and rustic steak pit lunches are
the order of the day. After experiencing life on the ranch, the train finishes
the last leg of the journey and arrives back in Calgary, where the cozy confines
of the Palliser Hotel await and the ultimate in luxury train vacations ends.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- Matthew G. Wheeler; c/o VIA Rail; The Canadian in the Rocky Mountains;
Alberta, Canada
- Hugh Martel; c/o VIA Rail; Untamed Wilderness Meets Elegent Travel; British
Columbia, Canada
- c/o VIA Rail; Bridge Crossing Aboard The Malahat; Vancouver Island,
British Columbia., Canada
- c/o VIA Rail; The Ocean; Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada
