[HD] Riding VIA 1 "The Canadian", The Last North American Streamliner, from Toronto to Vancouver

For a Summer vacation I had quite the opportunity to do a once-of-a-lifetime trip. That would be riding VIA Rail's train 1 "The Canadian" the whole route from Toronto, Ontario to Vancouver, BC. A total of 4 nights and 5 days on one of the last great streamliners in the world. Our train (which left Toronto the evening of 7/12/13) had two locomotives leading a total of 19 cars.
After leaving the city lights of Toronto, it's not long before day 2 rolls around. Most of day 2 is though the heavy forests of Northern Ontario. The "big" station stop of the day is the tiny town of Hornpayne. The town itself couldn't have had more than 300 people, yet they did have a wifi connection that was available from the train as we were stopped there.
The following morning we find ourselves fast approaching Winnipeg, MB. Which is touted as the big half-way point on the Journey. This is also the point where the entire crew with the exception of the crew chief is changed. That includes the sleeping car attendants and dining staffs. Normally a 4 hour station stop, but due to being late we didn't have as much time as originally planned. However I did get to visit the Winnipeg Railway Museum before getting back on the train and continuing west.
Day 4 probably consisted of the most action caught on camera. First we had arrived into Edmonton, Alberta. This is the spot were the VIA Rail Panorama sightseeing car would be put on for the run through the Rockies. Unfortunately most of the trip though the mountains was plagued by gloomy skies and more than occasional rain shower. Beyond Jasper we continued down though the mountains towards Kamloops. During this time I got a sampling of the on-board entertainment. First, during dinner, the train's crew chief Fabian (who'd been aboard since Toronto) serenaded the Dining Car for it's last dinner of the trip. The small segment in this video is his playing of the Oasis song Wonderwall. Also, up-and-coming musician Megan Twist played a few "gigs" during the journey. Featured here is a piece of her playing Old Crow Medicine Show's version of Wagon Wheel.
Day 5 bought us the sights and sounds of Vancouver, and bought to a bittersweet end of an unbelievable trip. The train has brought together new friendships and unforgettable memories. No matter what happens, I will never forget my first experience riding VIA number 1.
We have more Canadia footage, so stay tuned!!!
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[@ManitobaTransit]

For anyone who hasn't been on this train, this is a must ride train! It's one of the greatest rail trips in the world.

[@orvilleclift]

Wonderful video and a great ride. My wife and I (Americans) loved it all. Everyone who loves Canada (and we do) should ride all or parts of the Canadian.

[@FishplateFilms]

Nice video! I did this trip in May 2015 but got off in Jasper. It was a fantastic time and I'll be back to do it again, riding in the Palour dome car was a dream come true. One of the best train trips in the world in my opinion. Thanks for posting. Gregg.

[@russellbmacdonald]

Brought my Mum and sister from Toronto to Vancouver for her 80th. Flew to Winnipeg to join them. Beautiful run in June. At 40:25 crossing the Fraser River on the old CN bridge 1935 ish with the Skytrain bridge to the right and the Patullo bridge above. I live just to the left as the train crosses the river. Just to the right of the big crane you can see on the left. The train veers left and follows Columbia drive past the Royal hospital with the Skytrain to the right. What a ride... The stop in Jasper was a great chance to rent a cab for an hour and tour the outskirts of the town, sites and churches. Loved every minute of it thanks to Patrick our porter.

[@theromulanwarhawk]

This is why I prefer trains. You will never EVER see as comfortable a waiting area in an airport. There's just more relaxation to it, I find. Air travel is like seeing how many things can get on your nerves in as quick a time as possible.

[@robertlucas4578]

theromulanwarhawk .

[@JmaJeremy514]

Whenever I step on board the Canadian I feel like I've arrived home. It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that it's basically heaven upon Earth.

[@davidlisowski5245]

They are the most beautiful cars ever built for a North American railway.

[@MichaelDIves]

I did that journey in 2003. Incredible.

[@tijuanagringo]

This brings back such wonderful memories of our trip in 2009. Thank you! definitely a "full screen" experience. The prairies, the mountains, everything!

[@DanTheCaptain]

I haven't gone on any major long distance Train journeys. All long distance trips I've done are buy car and Plane, especially (love it!) Plane. I would like to do this someday!

[@williamyoung5060]

good video. thank you for not attaching music to it and thank you for using the zoom lens very sparingly. appreciate it.

[@j.cristinamendivil660]

My daughter and I loved our amazing trip across CANADA VIA RAIL from Quebec City to VANCOUVER, B.C. and continued on CANADA GREYHOUND to WHISTLER to ski ...CANADA, CANADIANS, nation, culture, art, music, history is amazing...have traveled to CANADA since July, 1970, primarily from Berkeley, CA...VIA RAIL provides the safest rail travel in NORTH AMERICA, food & comfort, was able to get meat scraps from the chef to feed the lost Siberian Husky when our train stopped at Sioux Lookout, ONTARIO...yes, we prefer to ride the VIA RAIL instead of driving from Montreal to Malbaie,QB...my, my drivers averaged speeds of 85 - 90+ mph!

[@MrSd40jk]

I hope to do this someday. Thank you for sharing.

[@joeybak7289]

Thank you so much for this great video of the Canadian. I did the trip this past summer and this video reminded me of all the great things about this once in a lifetime trip. I hope to do it again one day.

[@JadoreFabulosity89]

I'm planning to do this, this summer. Toronto to Vancouver, its a wonderful way to see all of Canada. I can't wait :)

[@An_Old_Man_Comments]

Very nice! I rode "The Canadian" in 2006 when it had a different schedule than it has now.

[@profoundcontender4696]

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing. Cheers from Lisbon, Portugal < 3

[@MaliciousSRT]

Made the same trip on that train a couple years ago from Toronto to Vancouver. It's something every Canadian must do - if you can't afford the whole trip or dont have the time, I suggest getting on in either Edmonton or Jasper and going to Vancouver from there as that's the part with the best scenery.

[@ezmatheng]

What a splendid video indeed! I travelled to Vancouver by the Canadian just almost 3 weeks ago. I am convinced that every Canadian student, must somehow take the trip across the country at least in one direction before they get their degree. What a country to seeQ

[@AldofromBordeaux]

Great Journey & Images...Many thanks sharing. from France

[@bagelboi66]

That was a very enjoyable travelogue. I have done bits and pieces of that journey but never all of it at once it looks like a great experience. I hope you enjoyed your stay in Vancouver!

[@40ny]

Very nice video, and it's a trip to savour.

[@jojo2491]

the fall would be stunning

[@BNforever2009]

beautiful video, I know this train ride is very expensive but plan to ride this at a future time. Sadly, the only Budd cars that Amtrak has left are the baggage cars. so nice to see the people happy and singing too, very nice. Going thru the Rockies was so nice and fascinating too. Looks like the #1 and #2 travel on the CN the whole way.

[@conrail4129]

Haha I think you just might have. I honestly didn't know this trip was on my bucket list until I took it, unbelievable journey.

[@dulcineacarvalho46]

Que maravilha, como gostaria de estar lá!

[@Shaynegrainger]

I will be on this train that leaves Toronto on February 3rd 2018. Going Sleeper class to enjoy the comforts. I am actually going to be travelling first on VIA Rail's The Ocean Train from Halifax to Montreal in a Cabin and then from Montreal to Toronto but won't be going to Vancouver, only going as far as Winnipeg. My trip starts on February 2nd on the Ocean and then after 4.5 hour trip between Montreal and Toronto, will have a 5 hour layover waiting for the train to leave,

[@CSXYN4]

Awesome video pat, thats great you got to get up in canada!

[@Tuffydipstick]

I done that trip a few years ago. Slept on the train in my own little cabin.

[@robertalan2427]

Interesting that the old baggage carts still used.

[@kevinwees5707]

I like train rides too.

[@kvt773211]

A ride on The Canadian, cross Country, is second to none in the world, both ways. Believe me, I know!! But don't forget The Rocky Mounteneer, that's something else!!!

[@JoshuaAmos]

Thanks. I felt like I was actually there on the train. I've always wanted to ride the Canadian ever since I watched the documentary filmed by Doug Jones. Such an amazing country Canada is. A nation built by a railroad, and not by bloodshed like America. Even though I am an American, Canada was a nation established by peace, although there were a few confrontations with the Americans. I hope that the Canadian will continue to operate for many years to come.

[@fritzsteiner8934]

Joshua, you could very well have omitted all between: " ... an amazing country is." and "I hope the Canadian will continue to operate for many years to come." Neither you nor I nor anybody else reading this had a thing to do with how the United States of America and Canada became what each is without your gratuitous apologia.

[@RossJohnsonVIA1]

I just completed my 70th trip on The Canadian on Tuesday September 13th, 2016.

[@michaelglass4701]

BEAUTIFUL

[@Shaynegrainger]

The only correction I would have about the stop in Winnipeg, The actual name if the bridge you mentioned is not fully Louis Riel, it is just Esplanade De Riel or for a while there, the nickname, Million Dollar toilet bridge because restaurant was empty for a long time

[@lexmarks567]

im hoping to be on this train in july also. I will be going coach though.

[@1101millie97]

Great video -you should do a version of this from Toronto to Halifax.

[@conrail4129]

Thank you! I would honestly love to do a video like that! Unfortunately that won't be on the radar anytime soon I don't think for financial constraints. Look for some with in the United States, though!

[@christopherselleck5256]

This appears a wonderful way to see the country .How awesome.If you where motorhome across would it be possible to have the van sent to Vancouver from Toronto to meet you as you arrived.?Then you can continue on your trip with the motorhome from the point in Vancouver.

[@Tcostello105]

Did I hear you singing at 38:56 there Pat? Really enjoyed this video, my father, brother and I would like to take the same trip you took some day. Looks like you had a great trip!

[@railfanningstuff8333]

I like to look at the dead bug splatted on the windows of the dome car XD

[@neilchapman9266]

I could not get over a freight train passing and then to see another passenger train running no more than 15 seconds behind it. In the UK it would have been stopped until there was a decent time between the 2 trains.

[@quebecpilotdreams1516]

It’s called editing...

[@robertrockwell7581]

it would sort of make me upset that they did not clean the windows before you left Toronto.

[@kvt773211]

Sorry, I forgot to mention, that I'm a traveler from Denmark, so before I can board The Canadian, there's a "few" hours flight to Toronto/Vancouver, but it's worth the trip!!!

[@rosepinkson7084]

I've always wanted to go in a train where I get rocked to sleep.

[@robertp.wainman4094]

The greatest feeling in travel!

[@peterdegrace]

I WAS ON THIS TRAIN JULY 27 2013

[@douglasmacrae5410]

We were 1hr and 10mins early in vancoaver but we were 3hrs down on the way to vancoaver

[@rosepinkson7084]

I actually have a train obsession.

[@nakedfaves]

Bucket list # 6

[@douglasmacrae5410]

How long did you stay in winnpeg. we had 4 hours

[@RailPreserver2K]

VIA Rail got it right when its concerning a government-run passenger railroad system while here in America Amtrak got it completely wrong and even now they're still far below via rails standard of service and quality

[@gorrobin]

Much better when it used to follow the North Shore of Lake Superior...however, by remembering that I am dating myself...

[@gootoob8757]

Was it a bad date?

[@gootoob8757]

Did you make it to "first base" or did you just swing the bat a bit.

[@geoffmiller3683]

that was a great video. I am planning to take this journey September of 2014. what class did you travel? did you have a cabin or berth? what were the meals like?

[@conrail4129]

Thanks, I'm glad you are able to make the trip as well. As far as a journey goes, it is unbelievable. I was in a roomette in a Manor sleeper, and the food from the Diner is SO good!!

[@geoffmiller3683]

conrail4129 I travelled the ocean from Montreal to Halifax a few years ago and had a single bedroom and I found it quite on the small side. I had to go into the corridor to slide the bed closed. I believe I would book a cabin for 2 and enjoy the added room.

[@conrail4129]

Geoff Miller Sure the roommettes can be on the tight side, but I found myself in one of the dome cars or exploring most of the trip. Other than sleeping I barely was in my room.

[@eltfell]

What's that package on the top of the carriage before the dome car? It's lying there from Toronto to Vancouver.

[@davidlisowski5245]

That’s the vent for the kitchen.

[@sean6975]

Great video! The only question is..which VIA train passed you?

[@sean6975]

+sean haugen Sorry, went back and watched again, that's the number 2.

[@conrail4129]

+sean haugen No worries! Yes that is in fact our counterpart VIA 2. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@burtman12]

I foegot to Memtion, that Vial Rail Employer was from Winnpeg, McCleans news parper of Canada, Ricist

[@windsorontario]

What kind of camera did you use ?

[@conrail4129]

I use a Sony CX-220 Handycam, it's a really nice camera without being too expensive.

[@wallacelobo2000]

I wonder the Canadian people if Canada is heaven that Brazilians speak? there are tens of thousands of Brazilian immigrants who immigrate to Canada in search of a better life, always say the same things, there is violence, there is employment for all, earn a lot of money even as a nanny or cleaner, people are kind and friendly, the government assists in 100% citizens and immigrants ... well .... are so many good things that Brazilians speak immigrants from Canada, it seems that they are being paid to advertise! PLEASE SOME CANADIAN COULD SPEAK THE TRUTH ON HOW IS LIFE IN CANADA? IMMIGRANTS SPEAK THE TRUTH OR They are living an illusion?

[@drack6701]

It's shit especially in ontario where you got to wait till you turn 17 to actually drive a car. Usa's the best where most states legal driving age is 16 (even under in some states)

[@denelson83]

It's just too bad Canada can't afford high-speed trains.

[@Dalts1985]

It’s abt the journey & the experience:~ The Sights & Canada’s 🇨🇦 Natural Beauty:~ not the speed & how quick you can get there...

[@ivanthompson9779]

Hi been on the Canadian about 12 times

[@robertalan2427]

Interesting that the old baggage carts still used.