VIA Rail “The Canadian” | (Part 1/2: Toronto - Vancouver)

Here you go - here's Part 1 of 2 of my epic, FOUR DAY trip from Toronto to Vancouver on VIA Rail's Train 1, the Canadian. This is one of the world's greatest train journeys and is an essential bucket list item for any self-respecting rail enthusiast. Who knows how long the original Budd 1955 rail streamliner cars will continue in service? I am absolutely delighted I got to experience a train so classic it was listed as a historic experience back in my 1980s rail annuals I read as a young boy. There is SO MUCH MORE to come in Part 2, including the unbelievably perfect Rocky Mountain scenery as well as more details about the logistics of travelling on The Canadian.

The pandemic taught me to do things while you can - just like all the British Airways 747s disappearing overnight, the Canadian now - as of 2023 - has killjoy buffer cars behind its iconic bullet lounge. Boy, am I glad to have done this in the summer of '22 - memories to last a lifetime!

[Paul_Lucas]

Here you go - here's Part 1 of 2 of my epic, FOUR DAY trip from Toronto to Vancouver on VIA Rail's Train 1, the Canadian. This is one of the world's greatest train journeys and is an essential bucket list item for any self-respecting rail enthusiast. Who knows how long the original Budd 1955 rail streamliner cars will continue in service?

[jamespercival]

Bucket list item. Love, love, love trains and this one looks fabulous!

[philsflights]

Hi Paul,
By far your best yet, however I am biased. I worked for VIA rail during a "gap" year at university in 1985/86. Based in Toronto I'd be an "extra" to cover on all VIA's routes, including as a waiter in the dining car between Toronto and Winnipeg. Back then VIA used CP rail's tracks that hugged the north shore of Lake Superior between Sudbury and Winnipeg. Breathtaking!

After my work stint was done at VIA, I dreamt of taking The Canadian all the way from Toronto to Vancouver as a guest some day. I did exactly that in autumn of 2002. The same roomette and route that you took, also as a solo traveller. I'm so happy there's still no wifi on board. Back then it really didn't exist but even still everyone kept their mobile phones off and just enjoyed the scenery and making new friends. I've travelled the world and so far taking The Canadian was the most relaxing and tranquil travel experience I've ever enjoyed. I'm thrilled you got to enjoy it as well, and as a Canadian I am humbled you selected it as your top travel experience of 2022.

I'm looking forward to part 2 of your journey, and to all your future vlogs. I hope to cross paths with you some day in some far off corner of our planet.

[gunadz]

Have always wanted to do the Canadian, but good god if you think Amtrak rooms are expensive, just wait till you check Via prices. 🙃

[CJBungay]

I’m taking the Canadian from Edmonton to Vancouver in June for my birthday! Can’t wait to see the second part of this!

[LCYlocal]

We did this trip in 2016 with a stopover in Jasper. Was a fabulous journey !

[Gameflyer]

This is something I would absolutely love to try out one day, as a Toronto native.

[pauly_orangeman]

I have done it in July, 2017 from Toronto to Vancouver, and it was awesome!

[johnmiller]

I did this trip as a commuter trip for the better part of four years and loved it every time I used it to get to work in Vancouver

[paule]

I commuted for years through Union Station and I never got tired of seeing the great hall.

[matthewschilling]

I just did this trip at the end of August 2022, amazing experience, took #2 in that cheaper bed and couch deal. Still get all the food and drinks as other sleeper passengers

[williamthawley]

one of the best train rides, did this in january 2002, cold, but warm on the train, got to see snow and beautiful scenery, everyone should take this, via rail the food is excellent.

[vito]

These Vids reignited my love of traveling to the west coast .I have driven and flown there many times but this trip looks spectacular so much so that I have booked this EXACT trip for April ! Thank You for giving me the travel bug once again !

[TristouMTL]

Ah, memories... I did the trip in the other direction when I was young, only in economy, no sleeper. Those days are gone, but it really does show how huge Canada is and how sparsely populated it is. Days and days of nothing but nature, with the occasional small town or cow here or there. It seems even larger because the landscape changes only a few times: forests and lakes in Ontario, flat farmland in the prairies, then stunning mountains over the Rockies and into B.C. I also love how, well, Canadian the trip is -- from the beautiful train that is so very clean and well maintained but that just stops because, well, CN owns the tracks, what can you do about it, to the staff that are helpful and friendly but professional, lots of folksy rural Canadians saying eh? a lot, and delicious food.

[stefanoconsiglio]

Hey Paul I am a locomotive engineer with Via Rail and wanted to let you know that thankfully it is only two buffer cars on those consists one at the front and one at the end. Also hopefully they will be removed soon. Great video and I hope you enjoyed the travelling with us.

[TheBallistol]

To be honest
I „watch“ this video to fall asleep since it’s online😊 before this was online, it was the 18 hours in singapore airlines that brought me to sleep. Pauls voice is relaxing for me 😊

[ggreg]

I HAVE taken this trip---Vancouver to Toronto, just before COVID hit! What a fantastic trip. I was in the same accommodations as you were. Food was fantastic; activities were great; scenery, of course, spectacular; and the staff couldn't have been more accommodating! Best train trip I have ever taken. And altho the only 'foreign' train I have ever been on was in Taiwan, I have traveled extensively with Amtrak---all of their long distance trains. Altho Amtrak long distance is also wonderful experiences, The Canadian is outstanding. Want to do it again!

[TheRareVideosXL]

Amazing video as always.In the mid 1980's, my dad was in Canada during which a storm occurred and he said, he had never seen thunder and lightening like that too.Keep up the amazing work and I cannot wait for part 2.

[Sydorrah]

Such a great ride. Looked extremely relaxing.

[JimBeary]

Paul, I've been watching your travel videos since you started producing them, and this one is outstanding! You're a real pro! Looking forward to part 2!