One of the longest single train journeys in the world, travelling across Canada from Toronto to Vancouver. I chose this direction because I wanted to end in Jasper National Park and spend a few days in Vancouver too. I had been to Vancouver before and vowed to come back as it is an amazing place.
I booked this trip nine months in advance as I knew tickets would go quickly. If I had more forethought (and money) I could have tried to link together more trains through America. Many of the passengers I met on the train were doing that.
The allure of having four days of no mobile phone signal, no Wifi, and three course meals was too great. There was no pressure to socialise, and everyone was utterly kind with fascinating lives to tell.
I also chose to travel in the winter to get the full experience of Canadian winter. Some places we stopped at was -10C and the snowy mountains did not disappoint!
Waypoints
43.64537, -79.38039 - Checking in at Union Station Toronto
Arriving bright and early at 8am to Union Station, I walked through the station, down a ramp, and dropped off my large suitcase knowing I wouldn't see it again until Vancouver. Checking in for the train at the Business Lounge was a simple affair - provide your name and they'll confirm which carriage and compartment I had been allocated. Afterwards, I had to see a gentleman down the way to collect a meal ticket. Since I was early, I had choice between the first or second sitting. Some drinks are available in the lounge, otherwise, I was free to roam around and relax.
43.64439, -79.38093 - Boarding and setting off
In due time, we were called through to board the train. Seeing the train up close was breath-taking. Huge metal walls was the first thought. Each sleeper carriage has an attendant and they were waiting at the door to greet each of us, letting us know where our room was. Since I was the only passenger in our carriage going all the way to Vancouver, I had to learn some emergency evacuation procedures. Nothing too difficult. Soon after, I got acquainted with my neighbour and we both headed to the Park Car. Since this was off-season, all sleeper passengers had access to the Prestige class observation car at the rear of the train (another reason why I chose to travel in the winter). As we pulled out the station we could see the CN Tower and sit to be served mimosas and canapés. Delicious.
46.48725, -80.99231 - First meal on board - lunch!
Having had a chance to settle into my room and explore a bit more of the train, of which it is certainly big, it was time for lunch. Both lunch and dinner are three course meals and cooked fresh on board the train. Each meal provides a chance to meet new people and discover new perspectives from all walks of life, while being united by a love of the train. After meals, most people head back to their rooms for a short rest. The kitchen certainly does not hold back on portion sizes!
49.21134, -84.70356 - The end of the first day
The first day took us through most of Ontario. In fact, we'll still be in Ontario tomorrow morning, despite the train moving through the night. Ontario is just that big. We snaked between lots of lakes (there are over 250,000 lakes in Ontario!), and it was fascinating to hear how the railway came about from knowledgeable passengers and staff. Dinner was served around 5-6pm. Sitting in the pitch black observation car afterwards was a surreal experience. Passengers retired to their rooms shortly after the sun went down. We've been moving non-stop for 10 hours by this point since leaving Toronto, and I couldn't be in a happier place.
50.16834, -91.40168 - Waking up
The staff announce train time after dinner so we wake up on the right time. This can differ to the actual time-zone we're currently in, but it helps with logistics on board the train. I get a surprisingly good night sleep in a comfortable bed. I wake at 6am to freshen up and head on over to the dining car at 6:30am for breakfast. It is nice to get some quiet time to eat alongside the real early birds. I'll be seeing them regularly for breakfast. Afterwards, I head on up to the Park car (no one else is there) to watch the sun rise and watch the snow covered grounds pass by. We even see our sister train pass too!
50.09736, -91.91526 - Sioux Lookout
Our first stop of the journey! We had 30 minutes to get some fresh air on the platform of Sioux Lookout station, and our first proper look at the train itself. We were able to walk up and down but not to the very front of the train; it was getting a water top up.
49.88932, -97.13384 - Winnipeg Union Station
After dinner on the second day, we arrived at Winnipeg at 7pm in the province of Manitoba. We were more or less running on schedule, so we had the full 4 hours here. Many left the station and went to The Forks, a pub nearby. It is also here that the train crew changes; we'll be greeted by fresh new faces tomorrow morning at breakfast. After exploring the train station for a while, I decided to head back to the train instead and get into bed.
51.62926, -105.35136 - Sunrise on Day 3
Since we were travelling East to West, our mornings were progressively getting darker. Breakfast for me was always at 6:30am. I just prefer to start the day early. This also gave me a good few hours alone in the Park car to watch the sunrise. This morning, it was incredible.
52.10443, -106.73836 - Saskatoon
A brief stop at Saskatoon gave an opportunity to see the front of the train. We were firmly in the province of Saskatchewan now, and the day would be full of looking across the prairies. Utter nothingness for miles on end. The train staff holds a good number of events for entertainment throughout each day. Today it was bingo, a showing a train documentary, and a wine tasting in the evening. All optional to attend, but also great fun if you do.
52.87616, -118.07909 - Jasper National Park
I had set my alarm for 5am. This gave me enough time to shower and get prepared for arrival into Jasper at 6am. I did not want to miss this for anything. Though it was pitch black when the doors were opened, I was the first off the train and smiling from ear to ear; I had been longing to come back to Jasper for a very very long time. First things first, Tim Hortons for breakfast. Then a few hours exploring the small town watching the sun rise over the snowy mountains. The early cloud cover meant we weren't going to get clear views when we pass through the mountains later, but that didn't matter to me. Just being in Jasper with the sun and fresh snow falling was enough to make the whole trip perfect.
52.95313, -118.87727 - The Rockies
Not long after we departed Jasper at 9:30am, the train drivers radioed back to other staff members that elk were spotted alongside the tracks. And as if by magic, there they were on the right. This all happened in a matter of seconds. The Park car was full this morning. People knew this was the prime location for this morning. We were going to pass through the Rocky Mountains. I had been looking forward to this moment for a very long time. The snowy morning had transitioned to misty grey skies and crisp winds; we couldn't see the top of Mount Robson unfortunately. As we snaked our way through and down the mountains, the scenery was breath-taking. From entire forests covered in white snow to the vast Moose Lake - the water's surface as still as can be. We tried spotting eagles and bears, but alas we could only see their tracks. An incredible morning and one I will never forget. As we descended into British Columbia proper, I headed over to the dining car for brunch.
52.10535, -119.30016 - Blue River station
We were running a little ahead of schedule. The train staff announced we had time for a brief stop at Blue River. This was a wonderful opportunity to take some photos of my favourite mountain range in the world. I had seen these on my last visit to Canada, and an air of familiarity arose when I saw them again this time. Truly spectacular.
49.27372, -123.09744 - Vancouver Pacific Central Station
The last morning. As usual, I woke up at 5am. My phone had reception again so that meant we were near Vancouver. In fact, we were early so we had to wait outside of the city for quite some time. I skipped breakfast opting to pick something up once I had dropped my bags off at my hotel. We eventually arrived into Pacific Central station at 8am. It was a bittersweet moment jumping off the train for the final time. It was an incredible four days and four nights onboard. The time I had to myself to contemplate, the wonderful people I spoke to at meal times. A journey I'd gladly do again, maybe even with others if they would come with me. I collected my luggage within the station, and headed to my hotel in down-town Vancouver via a short metro ride.
43.64537, -79.38039 - Checking in at Union Station Toronto
