VIA train #2 – The Canadian takes locals and tourists alike on a 4,466 km (2,775 mi) long journey across Canada from Vancouver, BC to Toronto, ON. Riding this train has been on my bucket-list for a long time and finally the dream became true. This is an exciting experience. VIA, the Canadian long distance passenger rail agency, kind of like Amtrak, leases trackage rights from CN. The stainless steel cars for the Canadian were built in the 1950s. VIA inherited then from CPR in the 70s and refurbishes them about every 10 years to keep them in operation. Our train had 23 cars, reaching almost 2300 feet or 700 meters in length when leaving Vancouver- most likely the longest passenger train I have ever seen. Two, almost classic, VIA F40PH engines pulled the consist featuring 2 coaches, 3 dome cars, 2 dining cars, a panorama car, numerous sleepers as well as a so-called park car making up the rear. The westward trip starts late in the evening presenting the traveller a marvelous British Columbia scenery the next morning while ascending the Canadian Rockies. The second day on its trip the train reaches higher speed (50-60mph) while crossing the prairies and continues along the Canadian Shield through beautiful Ontario the third day till reaching Toronto on day four. One might think that life on board gets boring but despite of no wifi access, limited cell phone reception and frequent stops in order to meet freight trains there is much to see and good chances to talk to other passengers while hanging out in the dome cars or having good, freshly prepared meals in the dining car.

Riding the Canadian is also like travelling in a time capsule. At bedtime, the seeping car attendant remodels the compartments into two sleeping berths. The passengers sleep stacked in bunk bed style and separated from the aisle by a curtain. This is like in the old movies but works pretty well. Each car has a shower and washrooms. Depending on the quality of the track as well as the speed of the train, the ride can be pretty shaky but in the end we all made it to Toronto in one pice.