Get Surfshark VPN at surfshark.deals/winginit - Enter promo code WINGINIT to get 83% off + THREE EXTRA MONTHS for free! 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? Follow me on Twitter: @paul_winginit ¦ twitter.com/paul_winginit Follow me on Instagram: paul_winginit ¦ instagram.com/paul_winginit
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 !
I live in Toronto and pass through Union Station many times but never take the time to look around and see how beautiful the grand hall is as you pointed out in the video.
Two things to add to what everyone else has said: - Despite the bilingual translation, the comparison between the Pullman-style berths on The Canadian and a typical European couchette is like the difference between sleeping at your parents' house over the holidays and staying in a youth hostel. Pullman berths have always been considered first-class accommodation ("Sleeper Plus" in VIA Rail parlance), the curtains are heavy and do offer meaningful privacy at night, and they feature real mattresses that are at least as comfortable as those in the bedrooms (and, having experienced all of them, waaay more comfortable than a European couchette). There's even some suggestion that the simplicity of the accommodation means that the lower berths are the widest non-Prestige beds on the train - The curtain at 13:55 may seem redundant, given that the single bedrooms have a door, but the reason for its existence is pretty clever: there's quite a bit of extra material in the curtain, so if you need to use the toilet in the middle of the night, you can open the door and step into the hallway while still being shrouded by the curtain, which should give you enough space to retract (and then later re-extend) your bed
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.
We did this trip in 2000 for our 10th wedding anniversary but it was only 3 nights then (called ‘Silver & Blue’ class ) & we actually separated it by getting off at Edmonton & then getting back on @ Jasper ( having driven round the Rockies in between). The 1st 2 nights we were in the ‘sleeper plus class’ with couch’s & carriage for 6 people & in a sleeper plus separate cabin for 2 on the 2 nd leg . We actually enjoyed the 1st sleeper carriage with couch’s better than the separate room , as you got more space & saw & spoke to more people. At the time there was no ‘prestige class’ & you could go to the end observation carriage anytime you wanted . We did keep active walking along the train quite a lot !!! Also, nice to see that there are activities to do , if you want , as there was nothing laid on for us at all. So it was nice to meet other people from many different countries.😊 Would love to do this trip again . Best direction to go is from Toronto to Vancouver as you gain more time , rather than opposite way 😊
The Bush plane staple of NW Ontario ( really Canada) the Beavers and Otters etc older planes but so reliable, heavy payload, and short takeoff and landings Very cool to fly in... That whole area looks like islands on a huge sea from the air. Canadian Shield country. Scraped by the glaciers left little topsoil and a whole lot of lakes(beautiful unfortunately full of mosquitoes black flies)
I got a cabin for 1 from Edmonton to Toronto for $980. I paid $360 for the return flight home in cattle class with no meals so the train is definitely better value for dollars spent.
I grew up in Toronto and could see Union Station from where I grew up.... The Canadian was reequipped with the heritage cars around 10 years ago Union Station in Toronto is known as the Grand Central Terminal of the North
Hey, Paul, love the videos. I did the Amtrak Southwest Chief in 2016, from LA to Chicago, then on to New York, and Loooooved it. North America is the best place for long distance training, and I’m from Australia, so that’s saying something.
Have done the trip three times (2 westward; 1 eastward) in 1965 and 1967. But in those days you chose between the southern route with the Canadian Pacific Railway ("The Canadian") via Calgary and Banff or the northern route via Edmonton and Jasper with the Canadian National Railway ("The Supercontinental"). VIA Rail didn't yet exist. And you could depart/arrive from/at either Toronto or Montreal. Then or now, probably the greatest long-distance rail service in the world! 👍🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Glad you did this journey. I did it back in 1993 & 1995 r/t between Toronto and Vancouver. We had a Canrail pass and traveled 14 days during a 30 day period in the dead of winter. My g/f and I were only 2 of 6 people traveling in Sleeper class,then called “ Silver and Blue” . It was so scenic during the winter with all the snow. The timetable was different then. Sioux Lookout was a 10:00 pm stop. It was like -35o F that night. The car attendant told us to wear a scarf over our nose and face so we didn’t breath in that super cold air. I got at like 0430 am and sat in the rear dome car. It was fun seeing all the approaching trains and signals in the distance (I’m also a rail geek). This trip is highly recommended to all. I can’t wait to do it again in 2025. Thanks for posting Paul. It brought back so many memories that I just dug out my old videos (transferred from VHS) Cheers, Jim
I traveled from Vancouver to Montreal in 1969 when I was 7 years old aboard a Canadian Pacific train (pre Via Rail). What sticks out are the seemingly never-ending prairies, and the mountains....also, Jasper, Alberta where we stopped
I sort of took this train in 1990. But I skipped the boring part . Flew from Toronto to Alberta , then train from Edmonton to Vancouver. Then Amtrak down the west coast from Seattle to LA
Absolutely stunning work Paul! At 21:57 the plane is a DHC-2 De Havilland Canada Beaver the awesome Canadian rugged bush plane! Also are those the same type of cars on The Canadian that were on The Ocean VIA Rail train you took a while back? I immediately saw similarities and those observation card look like the Assiniboine car that was on The Ocean!! Also just so you know the Grand Trunk railway company was purchased by Canadian Pacific and became part of it on 1977 I believe and at 19:14 that’s truly amazing to still see actual telegraph wires! Here in Michigan the only telegraph wires near a railway no longer exist as the railway is now a hiking 🥾 trail! Ugh 😣 I cannot wait to take a transcontinental train route and make a video about it! At 23:00 the longest or oldest (not quite sure what you meant) train I’ve ever been on is The Alaska Railroad, I went from Homer to Seward AK! The Alaska Railroad dates back to Dec of 1903, the same year one of my favorite things the airplane was invented! ✈️ I also have a TH-cam channel btw it’s Caleb’s Aviation and I’d really appreciate if you’d check it out and maybe leave a comment on a video. Also maybe consider subscribing because I just made a whole heap of new ones with more flight reviews coming very soon!!
The Ocean has a mix of sleeper cars. Most are 'modern', Renaissance cars which were originally built for European sleeper services through the Channel Tunnel. Those services never happened and ViaRail bought them for use on The Ocean. The cabins all have en-suite facilities. The consist also has some of the stainless steel sleeper cars and you can chose one of those if you prefer it when you book. The price was the same when I did the trip.
Meteorologist here! If you're close enough to see the lightning, you're close enough to be struck by it. But, the stainless steel forms a Faraday cage, protecting you from the lightning.
I wish they still had the Super Continental (going the Canadian route right now) and the original Canadian alignment that goes through Calgary, Regina, Banff would’ve been great and half a day faster
Did this trip at New year this year and very much enjoyed the ride from Toronto to Edmonton…..great service and food and only 25 mins late! Was very impressed. Thanks for the great video Paul 🇨🇦
I did the Toronto to Winnipeg leg when I was in first year uni going to be with my family for the summer (I've also taken the route a number of times between Winnipeg and Minaki). It's a beautiful trip and spent most of my time in the dome car, but I was in coach/economy seats and I forgot to bring a pillow and snacks. So it was all kinds of awful, but I'd love to do a Toronto to Vancouver trip with a room at least once in my life. I do not recommend it though in economy. And point of interest, the time change is actually somewhere between Collins and Allanwater Bridge stations!
Much appreciated video Paul. I’m taking this train in August from Toronto to Jasper. I’ll be staying around the Rockies for a few days then taking the Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops to Vancouver. Cannot wait!
I have cousins in Toronto and on Vancouver Island - this looks like a fascinating way of visiting them all and seeing the countryas well. As long as the bank manager doesn't get too angry :)
Can you raise or lower the bed by yourself as it covers the toilet? Excellent video. I’ve always wanted to travel across Canada 🇨🇦 by train & your video shows me what to expect.
@@ddrdanganvloger218721 The Maple Leaf is operated using Amtrak rolling stock and crew from NY to boarder at Niagra Falls, then a VIA rail crew takes over using the same Amtrak rolling stock into Toronto, even the cafe menu changes from an Amtrak to a VIA menu! You can buy tickets through VIA Rail or Amtrak.
Awesome! Did a journey across America from Boston to Seattle and train literally had to back up 4/hrs from Albany to get another engine…if it weren’t for meeting new people I’d swear off trains. The use of booze helped for sure to get the tongues wagging and sleep in the seats. You do find unique folk and landscapes in the train journey. Thanks for this trip
I'm local to the Toronto area so to see some of the land marks is always strange lol, but more importantly seeing this dream route is so pretty. Thanks for sharing! Also a fun fact, you are correct with saying 1/3 of Canada live in Ontario but more interesting roughly 1/2 of Ontario lives in the Toronto area
@@Bobmcjoepants Sure, but as someone who lives in the other 99% of Canada, it's incredibly frustrating when Toronto ministers tell us not to worry about carbon taxes because we can take the subway to work, or Toronto voters think guns should be outlawed because the police are always only a few minutes away and food comes from your local grocery store.
Amazing video Paul, always love my hits of Winnipeg. Glad it was an amazing trip, looking forward to more. noticed you used one of my clips of the Canadian at 0:25 and no credit for it?
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.
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
I'm one of your Canadian fans, waiting for part 2! I have yet to take the Canadian, but it's on my list. I'm thinking it would be a great experience to take it in winter. BTW, the float plane at the 0:20 mark which you spotted is the De Havilland Beaver - the classic Canadian bush plane.
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!
Food maybe better on VIA vs Amtrak , as the price on VIA is ~2X for sleeper rooms ; I took Amtrak from Seattle to Philadelphia with a double room suite; 2 full private bathrooms , slept 6 & was $4K total for my whole family
Paul there used to be two different trains that did this . The original Canadian was operated by CP Rail and went thru Banff and Calgary on its way to Toronto. CN Rail used to have a similar train but it went Jasper and Edmonton. When Via Rail was formed. The Canadian was routed thru Jasper and Edmonton to Toronto. If your interested you should look into doing circle tour on the Rocky Mountaineer. It’s a private company that has its own cars and locomotives. It only travels during the day.
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!
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.
@Wingin' It! Paul Lucas I noticed on your meal ticket that you boarded the train June 22, 2022. I guess I missed you by 4 days as I took the exact same route starting from Toronto on June 26, 2022! I was originally in a Cabin for 2 in Sleeper Plus class and was able to do an onboard paid upgrade to Prestige Class on the Jasper to Vancouver portion of the journey. I liked it so much that I did this trip again at the end of November, this time eastbound from Vancouver to Toronto all in Prestige Class. The train is much shorter in the winter and you run into more train enthusiasts. The scenery during the winter is a whole lot different as you get to see snow covered trees, mountains and even the occasional snow storm.
Paul, did you not know, the best place to be in a thunderstorm is a metal box (it act's as a Faraday gage) you would all be perfectly safe INSIDE the box. Looking forward to part two.
I used to work for the CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway) who introduced the “Canadian”. Originally, there were two sections. Westbound, there was one from Montreal, and one from Toronto. They both met in Sudbury and were joined together for the westward trip to Vancouver. My model railway club models the Sudbury area in the 1970’s. Here is a video of how the trains were connected. th-cam.com/video/czaNZ9Gnftk/w-d-xo.html
Good video as usual. The food service does look better than Amtrak but I would tend to lean to Amtrak’s Superliners for the roomette. The space looks a little dated. That’s the part that amazed me. For all the grief the US gets for our rail infrastructure, Canada’s appears to be far more outdated, even if a little more nostalgic and romantic.
Always enjoy your videos. If you ever get back to Ontario, let me know as you need to take the Budd Car out of Sudbury or the Polar Bear Express out of Cochrane. A new rail service starts in 2026 from Toronto to Timmins/Cochrane. We can even put you up at our lodge along the line. Thanks for sharing. Rode this train many times when it ran on the Canadian Pacific.
Dear Paul- thank you for so many well-done trip narrations. Question how did you or someone get the radar display to show the Storm at the end? Was there some cell service available sometimes in and near the city's? I was thinking the train was probably blocking a lot of signal, perhaps the only way RF could get in would be by the windows
I did it once each way . The first time was from Jasper AB to Toronto Ont. and the 2nd time was Toronto to Vancouver. Both in roomette like you was taking
Wow! So close to home! My cottage is just north of parry sound. There used to be a lodge resort across the bay of my lake, and I remember sitting on my dock and watching visitors arrive in seaplanes not 200feet from me
This was my dream trip for years…finally did it in May 22. Just as incredible as you made it look here, and a fantastic opportunity to meet new people. Lots more frozen lakes though, so great to see how different it looks in summer! Thanks for capturing it so well:)
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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?
Follow me on Twitter: @paul_winginit ¦ twitter.com/paul_winginit
Follow me on Instagram: paul_winginit ¦ instagram.com/paul_winginit
When is Part 2 coming out?? desperately waiting to see those views from the train!
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 !
I live in Toronto and pass through Union Station many times but never take the time to look around and see how beautiful the grand hall is as you pointed out in the video.
Two things to add to what everyone else has said:
- Despite the bilingual translation, the comparison between the Pullman-style berths on The Canadian and a typical European couchette is like the difference between sleeping at your parents' house over the holidays and staying in a youth hostel. Pullman berths have always been considered first-class accommodation ("Sleeper Plus" in VIA Rail parlance), the curtains are heavy and do offer meaningful privacy at night, and they feature real mattresses that are at least as comfortable as those in the bedrooms (and, having experienced all of them, waaay more comfortable than a European couchette). There's even some suggestion that the simplicity of the accommodation means that the lower berths are the widest non-Prestige beds on the train
- The curtain at 13:55 may seem redundant, given that the single bedrooms have a door, but the reason for its existence is pretty clever: there's quite a bit of extra material in the curtain, so if you need to use the toilet in the middle of the night, you can open the door and step into the hallway while still being shrouded by the curtain, which should give you enough space to retract (and then later re-extend) your bed
Been there, agree with you!
Such a great ride. Looked extremely relaxing.
My daughter and her boyfriend took this trip last year. They really enjoyed it.
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.
Wow! What a great trip and scenery to look at.
This is very nice and comfortable train service.
Canny so far Paul !!
The missus stopped reading her book to watch this !
I enjoy a good lightning storm, that was epic footage!!
What a great video, and what an amazing looking experience! I love Vancouver, it's so beautiful here. Can't wait to see part two!
The Liverpool reference got me good. Dietmar Hamann, lays it off to Riiiiseeeeeeeee
Daaaaamn - you've been to Toronto and didn't say hello! :)
Thank you for the video - I'm still saving for a trip like this... Love it.
My wife and I did this trip a few years ago, great experience.
This took me back. We did this about ten years ago, but as the Snow Train….
I was checking today when your next video would be and bingo, you released another great vlog. Well done and thank you.
We did this trip in 2000 for our 10th wedding anniversary but it was only 3 nights then (called ‘Silver & Blue’ class ) & we actually separated it by getting off at Edmonton & then getting back on @ Jasper ( having driven round the Rockies in between). The 1st 2 nights we were in the ‘sleeper plus class’ with couch’s & carriage for 6 people & in a sleeper plus separate cabin for 2 on the 2 nd leg . We actually enjoyed the 1st sleeper carriage with couch’s better than the separate room , as you got more space & saw & spoke to more people. At the time there was no ‘prestige class’ & you could go to the end observation carriage anytime you wanted . We did keep active walking along the train quite a lot !!!
Also, nice to see that there are activities to do , if you want , as there was nothing laid on for us at all. So it was nice to meet other people from many different countries.😊 Would love to do this trip again . Best direction to go is from Toronto to Vancouver as you gain more time , rather than opposite way 😊
Amazing! That lightning at the end was epic!
Did a 6 week trip in US and Canada. Best meal I has was on this train.
This journey has been on my bucket list for years but is steadily slipping away. I'll ride vicariously through videos like this.
So exciting to see you in Winnipeg!!! You must come back one day and take the train up north to Churchill to see the polar bears.
That’s next on the list!
Best train ride in the world, great video
Thank you Alex!
The Bush plane staple of NW Ontario ( really Canada) the Beavers and Otters etc older planes but so reliable, heavy payload, and short takeoff and landings
Very cool to fly in...
That whole area looks like islands on a huge sea from the air.
Canadian Shield country. Scraped by the glaciers left little topsoil and a whole lot of lakes(beautiful unfortunately full of mosquitoes black flies)
Have always wanted to do the Canadian, but good god if you think Amtrak rooms are expensive, just wait till you check Via prices. 🙃
I got across for about $C800 each on discounts offered. Sign up!
Check Rocky Mountaineer prices for a shorter trip. Premium/nice but super pricey
I got a cabin for 1 from Edmonton to Toronto for $980. I paid $360 for the return flight home in cattle class with no meals so the train is definitely better value for dollars spent.
I grew up in Toronto and could see Union Station from where I grew up....
The Canadian was reequipped with the heritage cars around 10 years ago
Union Station in Toronto is known as the Grand Central Terminal of the North
Hey, Paul, love the videos. I did the Amtrak Southwest Chief in 2016, from LA to Chicago, then on to New York, and Loooooved it. North America is the best place for long distance training, and I’m from Australia, so that’s saying something.
I really really want to take strain trip !!!!!!!!❤
It looks like you had a GREAT time, Paul!!
Have done the trip three times (2 westward; 1 eastward) in 1965 and 1967. But in those days you chose between the southern route with the Canadian Pacific Railway ("The Canadian") via Calgary and Banff or the northern route via Edmonton and Jasper with the Canadian National Railway ("The Supercontinental"). VIA Rail didn't yet exist. And you could depart/arrive from/at either Toronto or Montreal. Then or now, probably the greatest long-distance rail service in the world! 👍🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Great video, Paul. Thanks for visiting my beautiful country! Will have to try this out some day.
Glad you did this journey. I did it back in 1993 & 1995 r/t between Toronto and Vancouver. We had a Canrail pass and traveled 14 days during a 30 day period in the dead of winter. My g/f and I were only 2 of 6 people traveling in Sleeper class,then called “ Silver and Blue” . It was so scenic during the winter with all the snow. The timetable was different then. Sioux Lookout was a 10:00 pm stop. It was like -35o F that night. The car attendant told us to wear a scarf over our nose and face so we didn’t breath in that super cold air. I got at like 0430 am and sat in the rear dome car. It was fun seeing all the approaching trains and signals in the distance (I’m also a rail geek). This trip is highly recommended to all. I can’t wait to do it again in 2025. Thanks for posting Paul. It brought back so many memories that I just dug out my old videos (transferred from VHS) Cheers, Jim
I traveled from Vancouver to Montreal in 1969 when I was 7 years old aboard a Canadian Pacific train (pre Via Rail). What sticks out are the seemingly never-ending prairies, and the mountains....also, Jasper, Alberta where we stopped
Jasper on the CPR? I thought the CNR ran through Jasper and the CPR ran through Banff.
Great job on video. So happy you didn't squeeze whole trip into a single video. Much more to see.....
Great looking trip , my longest train Indian Pacific, going to do this when scheduling is not conflict, Via Rail 1 !
Hey Paul I'm glad you finally had a chance to do this trip and come through my city of Winnipeg. I hope you enjoyed yourself and come back anytime.
I sort of took this train in 1990. But I skipped the boring part . Flew from Toronto to Alberta , then train from Edmonton to Vancouver. Then Amtrak down the west coast from Seattle to LA
Great trip report Paul
Absolutely stunning work Paul! At 21:57 the plane is a DHC-2 De Havilland Canada Beaver the awesome Canadian rugged bush plane! Also are those the same type of cars on The Canadian that were on The Ocean VIA Rail train you took a while back? I immediately saw similarities and those observation card look like the Assiniboine car that was on The Ocean!! Also just so you know the Grand Trunk railway company was purchased by Canadian Pacific and became part of it on 1977 I believe and at 19:14 that’s truly amazing to still see actual telegraph wires! Here in Michigan the only telegraph wires near a railway no longer exist as the railway is now a hiking 🥾 trail! Ugh 😣
I cannot wait to take a transcontinental train route and make a video about it! At 23:00 the longest or oldest (not quite sure what you meant) train I’ve ever been on is The Alaska Railroad, I went from Homer to Seward AK! The Alaska Railroad dates back to Dec of 1903, the same year one of my favorite things the airplane was invented! ✈️
I also have a TH-cam channel btw it’s Caleb’s Aviation and I’d really appreciate if you’d check it out and maybe leave a comment on a video. Also maybe consider subscribing because I just made a whole heap of new ones with more flight reviews coming very soon!!
The Ocean has a mix of sleeper cars. Most are 'modern', Renaissance cars which were originally built for European sleeper services through the Channel Tunnel. Those services never happened and ViaRail bought them for use on The Ocean. The cabins all have en-suite facilities. The consist also has some of the stainless steel sleeper cars and you can chose one of those if you prefer it when you book. The price was the same when I did the trip.
Excellent video Paul, I can’t wait for part 2!😸
Finally. Was waiting for this trip report. I am thinking of doing the Vancouver to Toronto leg in late April
Beautiful trip, it looks like the food was excellent, the facilities clean and accessible. The views are stunning.
Very happy to see that you made (and enjoyed) this journey! We have been on the Canadian twice and love it.
Just wanted to say thanks for showing me the reality of bald 🙌
This was incredible, I had no idea this exists
No shortage of boozing!
Looks great.
Qaulity Paul - great work that - thanks for such a professional and entertaining video.
Meteorologist here! If you're close enough to see the lightning, you're close enough to be struck by it. But, the stainless steel forms a Faraday cage, protecting you from the lightning.
I wish they still had the Super Continental (going the Canadian route right now) and the original Canadian alignment that goes through Calgary, Regina, Banff would’ve been great and half a day faster
Awesome journey 👌👌👌👌
I did similar trip in reverse 35 years ago. Amazing video which brought back many happy memories. Looking forward to part 2
Did this trip at New year this year and very much enjoyed the ride from Toronto to Edmonton…..great service and food and only 25 mins late! Was very impressed. Thanks for the great video Paul 🇨🇦
10:25 Being American, I laughed pretty hard at this one.
I did the Toronto to Winnipeg leg when I was in first year uni going to be with my family for the summer (I've also taken the route a number of times between Winnipeg and Minaki). It's a beautiful trip and spent most of my time in the dome car, but I was in coach/economy seats and I forgot to bring a pillow and snacks. So it was all kinds of awful, but I'd love to do a Toronto to Vancouver trip with a room at least once in my life. I do not recommend it though in economy.
And point of interest, the time change is actually somewhere between Collins and Allanwater Bridge stations!
Great video, Paul!
Much appreciated video Paul. I’m taking this train in August from Toronto to Jasper. I’ll be staying around the Rockies for a few days then taking the Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops to Vancouver. Cannot wait!
Plane looks like another great Canadian...DHC-2 Beaver.
I have cousins in Toronto and on Vancouver Island - this looks like a fascinating way of visiting them all and seeing the countryas well.
As long as the bank manager doesn't get too angry :)
Another great vlog as always. Beautiful scenery and great information all the way through.
This looks like a wonderful trip. I’d love to take it, someday!
i enjoyed part 1
Can you raise or lower the bed by yourself as it covers the toilet? Excellent video. I’ve always wanted to travel across Canada 🇨🇦 by train & your video shows me what to expect.
Great video.
I think there’s a spur of VIA RAIL that goes from Toronto to Moynihan Train Hall, New York, NY.
Amtrak Maple Leaf
@@mitchbart4225 well, I checked Gmaps & Amaps and it did say VIA RAIL from Moynihan Train Hall to Toronto Union.
@@ddrdanganvloger218721 The Maple Leaf is operated using Amtrak rolling stock and crew from NY to boarder at Niagra Falls, then a VIA rail crew takes over using the same Amtrak rolling stock into Toronto, even the cafe menu changes from an Amtrak to a VIA menu! You can buy tickets through VIA Rail or Amtrak.
@@mitchbart4225 oh. So that’s what that is. Alright then. I guess that makes sense.
I rode that train eastbound way back in '99. Watching this video really brings back fond memories. Your train seems a lot longer than the one I rode.
Awesome! Did a journey across America from Boston to Seattle and train literally had to back up 4/hrs from Albany to get another engine…if it weren’t for meeting new people I’d swear off trains. The use of booze helped for sure to get the tongues wagging and sleep in the seats. You do find unique folk and landscapes in the train journey. Thanks for this trip
Forgot to mention UP EXPRESS that services Pearson airport
In your accommodation what if you need the loo in the middle of the night?
PS you cite Winnipeg as a hub for the past 6k?
Costs 12 thousand first class for two people, I'd like too go,but who can afford that,1000 if you like sleeping in your seat
there is one class lower of sleeper accommodation than what you were in.
Great trip Via better than Amtrak
I'm local to the Toronto area so to see some of the land marks is always strange lol, but more importantly seeing this dream route is so pretty. Thanks for sharing!
Also a fun fact, you are correct with saying 1/3 of Canada live in Ontario but more interesting roughly 1/2 of Ontario lives in the Toronto area
Yep, unfortunately, such a huge country is governed by a single city.
@@TheOwenMajor to be fair the GTA is also where nearly 1/4 of the country lives and where it's the most population dense, maybe outside of Montreal
@@Bobmcjoepants Sure, but as someone who lives in the other 99% of Canada, it's incredibly frustrating when Toronto ministers tell us not to worry about carbon taxes because we can take the subway to work, or Toronto voters think guns should be outlawed because the police are always only a few minutes away and food comes from your local grocery store.
@@TheOwenMajor yep fair point, and I'm not saying I agree with those policies I sure as hell don't
Obviously, the opposing train was wondering if you had any Grey Poupon.
It was likely mail heading south from Northern Ontario
Amazing video Paul, always love my hits of Winnipeg. Glad it was an amazing trip, looking forward to more. noticed you used one of my clips of the Canadian at 0:25 and no credit for it?
Bucket list item. Love, love, love trains and this one looks fabulous!
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.
We did this trip in 2016 with a stopover in Jasper. Was a fabulous journey !
I’m taking the Canadian from Edmonton to Vancouver in June for my birthday! Can’t wait to see the second part of this!
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
I'm one of your Canadian fans, waiting for part 2! I have yet to take the Canadian, but it's on my list. I'm thinking it would be a great experience to take it in winter. BTW, the float plane at the 0:20 mark which you spotted is the De Havilland Beaver - the classic Canadian bush plane.
Amazing video. I always look forward to your videos. Canada is so beautiful.😃
Ya gotta watch "the last rain across Canada" with Murray Sayle. It is a fantastic documentary.
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!
Food maybe better on VIA vs Amtrak , as the price on VIA is ~2X for sleeper rooms ; I took Amtrak from Seattle to Philadelphia with a double room suite; 2 full private bathrooms , slept 6 & was $4K total for my whole family
Paul there used to be two different trains that did this . The original Canadian was operated by CP Rail and went thru Banff and Calgary on its way to Toronto. CN Rail used to have a similar train but it went Jasper and Edmonton. When Via Rail was formed. The Canadian was routed thru Jasper and Edmonton to Toronto.
If your interested you should look into doing circle tour on the Rocky Mountaineer. It’s a private company that has its own cars and locomotives. It only travels during the day.
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!
I have done it in July, 2017 from Toronto to Vancouver, and it was awesome!
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.
@Wingin' It! Paul Lucas I noticed on your meal ticket that you boarded the train June 22, 2022. I guess I missed you by 4 days as I took the exact same route starting from Toronto on June 26, 2022! I was originally in a Cabin for 2 in Sleeper Plus class and was able to do an onboard paid upgrade to Prestige Class on the Jasper to Vancouver portion of the journey. I liked it so much that I did this trip again at the end of November, this time eastbound from Vancouver to Toronto all in Prestige Class. The train is much shorter in the winter and you run into more train enthusiasts. The scenery during the winter is a whole lot different as you get to see snow covered trees, mountains and even the occasional snow storm.
Paul, did you not know, the best place to be in a thunderstorm is a metal box (it act's as a Faraday gage) you would all be perfectly safe INSIDE the box. Looking forward to part two.
We will be on the train from Jasper to Toronto in October and are looking forward to it.thanks for the video.greetings from Berlin,Germany 🏞🚂💨💨
I used to work for the CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway) who introduced the “Canadian”. Originally, there were two sections. Westbound, there was one from Montreal, and one from Toronto. They both met in Sudbury and were joined together for the westward trip to Vancouver. My model railway club models the Sudbury area in the 1970’s. Here is a video of how the trains were connected.
th-cam.com/video/czaNZ9Gnftk/w-d-xo.html
This is something I would absolutely love to try out one day, as a Toronto native.
Good video as usual. The food service does look better than Amtrak but I would tend to lean to Amtrak’s Superliners for the roomette. The space looks a little dated. That’s the part that amazed me. For all the grief the US gets for our rail infrastructure, Canada’s appears to be far more outdated, even if a little more nostalgic and romantic.
Always enjoy your videos. If you ever get back to Ontario, let me know as you need to take the Budd Car out of Sudbury or the Polar Bear Express out of Cochrane. A new rail service starts in 2026 from Toronto to Timmins/Cochrane. We can even put you up at our lodge along the line. Thanks for sharing. Rode this train many times when it ran on the Canadian Pacific.
Wonderful video! Many thanks for the useful tips. I will be doing the same trip with my mum and sister in June. Looking forward to it! 🤗
Dear Paul- thank you for so many well-done trip narrations. Question how did you or someone get the radar display to show the Storm at the end? Was there some cell service available sometimes in and near the city's? I was thinking the train was probably blocking a lot of signal, perhaps the only way RF could get in would be by the windows
I did it once each way . The first time was from Jasper AB to Toronto Ont. and the 2nd time was Toronto to Vancouver. Both in roomette like you was taking
Wow! So close to home! My cottage is just north of parry sound. There used to be a lodge resort across the bay of my lake, and I remember sitting on my dock and watching visitors arrive in seaplanes not 200feet from me
This was my dream trip for years…finally did it in May 22. Just as incredible as you made it look here, and a fantastic opportunity to meet new people. Lots more frozen lakes though, so great to see how different it looks in summer! Thanks for capturing it so well:)
Late summer was simply: beautiful
Long time, no see ! Good to see you again. I have been on the Ghan in Australia which might be a bit longer, but not by much . Cheers