Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
just above Lake Superior through a lake-dotted wilderness. Then
it travels across the vast plains—cattle and wheat country—and
through the Canadian Rockies to Jasper before reaching Vancou-
ver and the Pacific.
It's a sensational trip that the train itself enhances. The stain-
less-steel cars have been completely refurbished, and the dome
cars—depending on the passenger load, there can be as many as
three on each train—are the best possible way to enjoy the sce-
nic beauty. During the very busy times of year, meaning roughly
May through September, more cars, including a second diner, are
added to accommodate the additional sleeping-car passengers.
Meals for coach passengers are served in the glass-domed Skyline
lounge cars that are part of the consist.
Some time ago, VIA changed the Canadian's schedule; it
began to depart from each originating city at the end of the day
and run at a more leisurely pace, which effectively turned the trip
from three nights aboard into four. Part of the rationale was to
have the train stop at some of the larger cities, such as Saskatoon,
Edmonton, and Kamloops, at times that would encourage more
passengers from those cities to take the train. Earlier schedules,
for example, had the Canadian stopping at Saskatoon at 3:00 A.M.
The new schedule has benefits for through passengers, too,
because there are more daylight hours as the Canadian crosses
the Rocky Mountains. This is a glorious experience and without
doubt one of the best rail journeys in the world.
Jasper-Prince Rupert (5, 6)
Stops:
Jasper, Prince George, Smithers,
Prince Rupert
Frequency:
Departs Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Distance:
721 miles
Duration:
20½ hours
Equipment:
Stainless-steel coaches, dome/cafe/
lounge car, Park car, Panorama car in
high season
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