Stuck in the middle of NOWHERE on VIA Rail in Canada

[@kokoken1]

I have loved train travel since I was a young boy aged 4. I rode British, Belgian and German trains in the 1950s! I rode the Wabash Cannonball between Peru, Indiana, and Detroit in the '60s before Amtrak. I rode Canadian trains from Niagara Falls to Windsor, Ontario, and Amtrak trains and high-speed European trains in France and Switzerland. I rode high-speed trains in China AND the maglev that goes from Shanghai city to Pudong International Airport at up to 400 kph! Mike, you nailed it when you said riding the train is a destination in itself. I'm a fan, and I thank you for sharing your experience.

[@falconseyeaerialservicesll8176]

Wkyken, I am jealous of U! I am so happy to read someone's comment on their World Travel. Thank you...

[@TheARGblue]

The real question is why wouldn’t you ride the train if you have the time and can afford the ticket. You don’t get to see those types of views in an airplane! This video series makes me what to do this trip.

[@stevensteven5144]

And passing through train stations is so much easier than airports.

[@BryceCampbell]

I know that Prince Rupert/Prince George, the actual difference between driving and taking the train (minus rail delays due to increased freight) is maybe 2 hours difference. Don't get me wrong, the drive is spectacular, but sitting back and let someone else do the driving while you take it in.. thats what's its all about.

[@brandonshaw7619]

On a train you do get scenic sights but you pay 5x what a flight would cost and come on you think a train has better views than a plane

[@J_J1711]

@Ari Parker That is why you got a like from me. As somebody with a PPL, I get it.

[@OntarioRailfan992]

cuz u can't drive across the ocean

[@cybrgurl]

Years ago I took the cross Canada VIA Rail, from Edmonton Alberta to Amherst Nova Scotia. It was a truly remarkable trip, seeing places with no other physical connection to the rest of the world, that is to say, no roads in or out. Canada has a truly remarkable geography, from the prairies of Alberta and Saskatchewan, to all the lakes and forests and rocks of the Canadian Shield in Manitoba and northern Ontario, to the farmland and industrial areas of southern Ontario and Quebec. Then out to the Maritimes with its views of the Atlantic through the trees. Canada is a very beautiful place to live.

[@lottanerve5598]

This route lets you travel through the mountains in daylight (if on time), unlike the Canadian and the fare is considerably less. Prince Rupert is an interesting place and from there you can take BC Ferries south through the inside passage to Vancouver Island. All worth the price just for the scenery alone. Let's hope this route is never cancelled.

[@davidmarshall718]

Or you can go north up the Inside Passage an equal distance on Alaska Ferries to Juneau Alaska, or a little farther to Skagway, where buses connect to Whitehorse Yukon and Farbanks or Anchorage Alaska.

[@sarawhite8612]

@@davidmarshall718 the Alaskan ferry doesn't depart from Prince Rupert anymore. A dispute about Canada's lack of armed customs officers is the reason why.

[@davidmarshall718]

@@sarawhite8612 --- OK thanks for that update. I travelled through there in 2007. Was it the USA who complained to Canada about unarmed Canadian Customs Officers, or was it Canadian Customs Officers complaining to Canada that they were not armed?

[@Raynebow]

??? Took the Canadian from Edmonton to Vancouver. There were some absolutely amazing views in the mountains during the day.

[@harpguy1]

@@davidmarshall718 It was US customs that wanted the Canadians to be armed.

90% of the containers at the port of prince rupert are actually headed for Chicago, the reason the port is way up north is because it's a day faster sailing time from Japan and Asian ports

[@mariosphere]

I'm from Switzerland and the past three years I lived in Vienna, Austria. Between those two places it's a 9 hour train Journey which I took ten times per Year, the flight would be just about one hour. But the scenery and the comfortably atmosphere in the train were just unbeatable, so I never just had one thought to take the plane instead of the train.

[@Ladydia1971]

When we moved from New Brunswick to Alberta in 1978 we took the train instead of driving. It took 4 days and 3 nights. I was 7 and my brother was 9. Such great memories!

[@Zeyev]

I asked Google Maps how long it would take to drive from Prince George to Prince Rupert. Nearly 8 hours, assuming there are no breaks. Sure, the train on schedule takes skosh longer but your breaks were on the train. It's a win! And you also get to enjoy spectacular scenery without worrying about hitting a moose or driving off the road. Thanks for taking us along.

[@DownieLive]

Exactly!! Definitely the more enjoyable experience!

[@ttww1590]

The views from road are epic too, and you get to pull in places you want to see more of. So many amazing stops less than 5 minutes off the road.

[@thomascheney6083]

It took 12 hours on the Prince Rupert- Prince George route. Delays do happen as the route is a major shipping route for goods from Asia going to the midwest.

[@dtran1414]

You cruised by my home town of Burns Lake. If you ever take a bike trip up this way, message me and I’ll hook u up with a hotel room. Our fam owns a few of them on hwy 16

[@jdigg2007]

Fun fact, my dad was responsible for the scheduling of this train when the CN still operated it in the 60's...

[@johnpatterson4272]

It was probably on time back then.

[@sometea4741]

My grandpa jack was a cook on the via train and on the cp.

[@mrdeedles69]

My father was a telegraph operator with CP Rail up until 1979. Hard to believe that still existed into the 80's.

[@johnpatterson4272]

@@mrdeedles69 More tangible technology that could be relied upon.

[@redwingblackbird8306]

@@johnpatterson4272 nothing wrong with knowing how to use a less primitive technology, especially if the new fangled stuff breaks down for a bit.

[@Chwkbaseballplayer]

I took that train from Vanderhoof to Prince Rupert and back in November of 2019 and the porter told me I was the first person to have the train stop in Vanderhoof in YEARS

[@DownieLive]

😂😂👍🏼

[@roleplayingpain4349]

little odd comments are interesting enough for me to do a google search. I searched 'Vanderhoof Via Rail Train Station'. I was prompted to Via Rails page for it. I was greeted with: Type of Station: Sign Post. Services Available: Telephone. LOL

[@notinservice3724]

@@roleplayingpain4349 i had a piper pa22 airplane and would pick up my mechanics to come and fix in Smithers then return them after, they loved this part

[@cambarkman558]

I'm in Vanderhoof. Seen the VIA rail train blast through once. Should get a ticket for shits and giggles

[@jasonfrodoman1316]

As a Canadian who has been living in the desert for the last ten years, I sure appreciate the videos you are making. Travelled on train as a kid from Van to TO back in late 60's. Still remember sitting in observation car and sleeping in the upper berth. Guess my folks couldn't afford an actual private room. Also remember dining car. Complete with waiters and white linen tablecloth. Cheers.

[@Belleville197]

"The train is the destination!" Gospel truth.

[@donaldinho62]

Back in the 1960s and '70s, when CN and later VIA operated this train, it ran overnight between Jasper and Prince Rupert with sleeping car accommodation. In the summer, it ran daily.

[@WestCoastWheelman]

Look at VIA's Canadian - back when CP ran it back in the 50's Toronto to Vancouver took 4 days and 3 nights and a normal person could afford it, now it takes 5 days and 4 nights and costs you an arm and a leg and your firstborn. Progress.

[@frozen-curmudgeon]

I did the trip in the late '70s as a youngin' with my parents (all the way to Winnipeg). the rec/play area below the viewing car was the best for an 8 year old on such a long trip.

[@ace74909]

@@WestCoastWheelman its gets even weirder when you realize that via rail is pretty much funded by the government

[@MegaMech]

Wow! It's so beautiful. I should move there! Oh wait, I already live here. It's funny that Northern British Columbians get so caught up with their daily work that we forget how amazing the countryside is. Hands down one of the best places to live in the world and we see it so often we forget how much we have.

[@RealCanadianGaming]

I can definitely say I take all of it for granted way too much

[@stephenburnage7687]

I moved away but miss it very much.

[@Tre16]

I ended moving to Alberta over a decade ago for work and miss BC everyday. Alberta sucks lol

[@dlib902]

@@Tre16 can’t say the same bout NS

[@mohammadzohirulislam8883]

yo everyone, time for another train video. I wanted to say a lot more than that but my english is a bit rusty. Can you please make longer train videos ? I like the style of your train video. Looks very fun.

[@RedHillian]

"The journey *is* the destination" - 100%, and why I'd love to come and ride some of these long routes, on these near-legendary trains! (And until we can move around the world again - or even my own home country - I don't know where you're going next, but I know I'm glad we can be there with you!)

[@TorIverWilhelmsen]

As his fellow Canadians in Rush said it: "The point of the journey is not to arrive."

[@canadaehxplained77]

Excellent tour of Northern BC! There's a poetic magic to Canada's northern industrial communities.. Yes, our big cities are great - but being up north, and feeling like you're in an outpost in the middle of a vast area is so special. Oh..P.S. - 'Flexibility is Key' to travelling in the North - parked on a rail line near Smithers, or snowed in at Wawa in July - it's how it goes in the north!

[@leaf6069]

Our city's are shit

[@canadaehxplained77]

@@leaf6069 I've got to disagree with that one - they've got some good bones, and some great people - I just think they can be built a little differently to promote good community and business.

[@rustyshackleford3263]

@@leaf6069 thanks to prime minister black face and his unvetted immigration!

[@debrap947]

Agreed. A train ride is the beginning, the fun in between and the destination...who doesn't love the train?! Thanks again Mike

[@ebmaster1015]

I never seen a train with passengers in it

[@ryankiser294]

@@ebmaster1015 really?

[@ebmaster1015]

I live in a town with -9K people

[@bestfriendhank1424]

Trains are over-rated

[@palco22]

"The train is the destination" says it all ! These are the times we never forget, I know, I've taken the train numerous times and it was always because I could ! I've done Halifax to Vancouver three time by way of my thumb and twice by car. Always an adventure, alone, with a friend and then with the children. Next year (2021) If things go right we are planning to do it again, just my wife and I (I'm getting slower so we will be towing an RV) ! Always enjoy these videos ! Never loose the habit, be good and be safe ! Thanks

[@PrepsTexas]

You can learn so much from a train trip.. the towns that you've never heard of. The people. The history. Plus you get a view that you can't get if you ride plane, car, or bus. This is well worth a trip.. To bad you did not get to stay in Prince Rupert much longer. Would have love to have seen more of the town, especially the port. Great video and content as always Michael!

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Christopher. Ideally, I would have liked to have had another full day in Prince Rupert as well, but the train schedule just didn't allow it.

[@markswayn2628]

I did this trip a few years ago. We stopped at a siding in the forest and got off to let a freight train pass. As we stood near the locomotive, a bear came out of the woods to munch on a small pile of grain lying between the tracks a couple of metres in front of us. The conductor could probably see how this could play out badly on her resume and quickly hustled us back on board.

[@robertlee3778]

*exactly* "the train is the destination in itself" I think taking the train is synonymous to life. You are on a path, a journey and you are not in control so just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, the experience. (great video btw. great views)

[@Nynke_K]

Beautiful. I'm glad virtually no one in the Netherlands ever gets stuck on a train as long as you did, because our rail network is much more closely knit so you can typically go around a road block even if it takes hours, but we don't get the majestic views you did!

[@jdigg2007]

Yah unfortunately in Canada our politicians privatized our national rail system and passenger service was absolutely decimated. So yah, passenger rail transportation in Canada is effectively a joke and likely won't be around much longer. I'm positive more would use it if it was given priority on the rails and was made more affordable for regular people. Otherwise, it will continue to be a cruise on wheels for wealthy boomers.

[@tanner4farm236]

My grandma took me on this train when I was a young kid. I remember riding in the dome with spectacular views of the mountains.

[@cindyhammond7320]

I so agree with the way you feel about the train. I take Amtrak every couple years, not this one :(, from the West Coast to the Midwest and I love the whole thing. I've always had great train crew, some of the most breath taking scenery, met people from around the world and a chance to just slow and calm down. Sometimes being the tortoise instead of the hare truly is the way to go.

[@DownieLive]

Well said!

[@peterwy874]

"The train is the destination itself". Dude, with that sentence you have reminded me why I have become a railwayman in the first place! 👌💯

[@fostoriadistrictrailfan3907]

In the U.S its called Railfan. Thats cool learning all the different terms for other countrys!

[@peterwy874]

@@fostoriadistrictrailfan3907 If you refer to the term "railwayman"" - that's not a railfan but someone who works on the railways 😉.

[@fostoriadistrictrailfan3907]

Kinda thought so. Cool! We just call them Either "Railroad worker" or the Crew witch is Locomotive Engineer and the Conductor (Secondman)

[@gemmaluescher-verseckas1243]

You seriously need to get that on a hat or a shirt!

[@mikejrexec]

Oh what I would give for 12 hours of uninterrupted freetime sitting in such a beautiful place.

[@jadeyes1]

you would really love the 24 plus hours I've been on it LOL

[@DanielPRails]

Same here lol. 12 hours of just freedom from a lot

[@nadogrl]

With a mask? No thank you.

[@mikejrexec]

@@nadogrl better than sitting in the office with a mask for 12 hours.

[@nadogrl]

@@mikejrexec - That would suck. Thankfully, I’m retired.😊

[@wickedbird1538]

I travelled by train decades ago to visit my grandmother for a few weeks. The trip was one day each way. Really cool. A trip by train should be on everyone’s bucket list.

[@Bjd79]

Prince Rupert is a nice tourist stop. Loved visiting that town when we stopped there.

[@pamdleve]

I thought Vancouver got the most rain. It feels at times it rains 360 days a year. It is a good thing you were not in a hurry to get somewhere. British Columbia I feel is the most beautiful Province in Canada. Awesome video

[@IgorRockt]

Well, Vancouver actually gets on average more annual precipitation (47.24") than Prince Rupert (39.37") - and Halifax (where I'm living now), actually gets much more than both of them (57.87")... :-O weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-precipitation-Rainfall-inches,vancouver,Canada weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-precipitation-Rainfall-inches,Prince-Rupert,Canada weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-precipitation-Rainfall-inches,halifax-nova-scotia-ca,Canada PS: And yes, it's raining here today... ;-)

[@IgorRockt]

But when it comes to rain days/year, it actually looks a bit different: Vancouver - 165.1 days Halifax - 142.9 days Prince Rupert: 246 days - and that's where Prince Rupert got that title from! ;-)

[@frozen-curmudgeon]

@@IgorRockt Generaally The Halifax precipitation total has a fair amount of snow factored in, alot more than Vancouver and Prince Rupert. That being said this summer just may push Rupert higher up the rainfall ladder. 800mm (31.5" rain from June - August alone, August had only ONE day without precipitation) It rained alot in my 10 years living there and I knew it was more than the rest of Canada but that much rain is gonna affect even the hardiest Rupertite.

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

Nice to see the Skeena route is still going. I can't wait to take the Canadian again. Apparently they are totally refurbishing the cars during the covid stoppage. I've taken it 35+ times, both in sleeper and coach. Lots of vlogs on my channel (bilingual too)🙃

[@cbronoord]

I've been to Prince Rupert on my trip to Terrace. Back in 1996. I was 14 and we were by car. That's why I love these travels... Well, that and more.

[@jtubah414]

It's really cool that this train is a truly tourist train and only travels in the day (normally). I feel like so many of the sites on Amtrak get lost because you travel overnight.

[@mikelastname1220]

That's why I have never taken Amtrak from Chicago to Seattle. It's the Empire Builder, I think, but almost all the beautiful scenery takes place during the night.

[@margaretross9150]

Terrific video! You've got the right attitude for travelling VIA. A year ago my friend and I took VIA from Thompson to Churchill. The train was 10 hours late on the way back (track work), leaving about 4:30 AM and arriving about midnight. It was great. That train did have full meal service, so that kept us cheerful. Keep on travelling!

[@DownieLive]

Margaret, I just did that trip, and those videos will be out in a couple of weeks!

[@nicopavvi8494]

As an European I find a bit difficult to not see trains as something created to take people from point A to point B (mostly because I live in a country where cities are quite close and train trips don't take more than six hours, if you want to go slow), but I see your point, that train trip is completely different from what I'm used to.

[@pattismithurs9023]

I took the ferry to Prince Rupert in maybe 1970 and I can tell you, it was nothing like this! We walked for about an hour and saw only where trees were being cleared out for construction. We picked up a cache of old bottles that had been turned up by the work. Best thing about that stop, then took the ferry back.

[@desktopdiddies5530]

loved Riley's bathroom announcement, drone views were cool as well. I still like the idea of travelling cross country by train, timing out from the world a bit and watching it go by and taking in the non foggy scenery, seems like a nice experience as long as your not in a hurry

[@DownieLive]

Totally agree! I hope to do it again soon.

[@notinservice3724]

@@DownieLive let me know and I could tag along and help

[@johnb58]

I took the Ocean and The Canadian across Canada a few years back. Started in Moncton NB and finished in Abbotsford BC. The Ocean was an overnight to Montreal. Took the corridor between Montreal and Toronto. The Ocean was fine no time delays at all. During the corridor we were stopped for 3 hours making us late. The Canadian was due to leave the same night at 10pm but we learned early that The Canadian was not leaving that night so VIA had to put us all into a hotel. The train finally left around 1pm. The Canadian stopped often and by time we hit BC were we 24 hours behind.

[@DownieLive]

Yep, that happens.

[@davidg8945]

Mike..awesome as always...I felt like I was there...the waiting and all...you are a superb cameraman...good job...can't wait to see more of Canada...one of my favorite trips was from Charleston South Carolina to Washington DC by rail...it was delayed by freight trains...still an awesome trip....don't know where your going next...but I will be there...Bravo my friend!

[@DownieLive]

Thanks again!

[@davidg8945]

@@DownieLive no thanks needed...your the best!

[@garygalimore1082]

Short and sweet......well done young man! Your classes were worth the subscription price! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Sincerely, G.T. Galimore Amtrak Engineer and 36 year railroader

[@catylynch7909]

What a joy to watch. Thank you! When you "teased" that you were made to disembark, I thought maybe you guys had been misbehaving, and they THREW you off. Glad to see that wasn't the case. I join the others who put this journey on the "to do" list, once we're able to travel, again. And, I'll take the Coast Starlight, and Canadian connections to get to Via Rail.

[@DownieLive]

Glad to hear Caty! Thanks! Enjoy your travels!

[@iankemp1131]

Travelled this route in 1990. Neither the great scenery nor the punctuality have changed (freight trains tend to get priority). I went Vancouver-Jasper (change)-Prince Rupert with 6 hours scheduled to see Jasper. I got 6 minutes because the first leg was late. But at least didn't need a taxi ride! Kudos to Prestige Hotels for welcoming you at 3 am!

[@WhereDoWeTravelNow]

I couldn't agree more; the train is the destination.

[@Baccigalu67]

Took VIA Rail from Brownville Junction, Maine to Montreal on 08JUN86. This was our Senior class trip. That was one of the last times the train ran that route from what I was told. Good times.

[@kurtappley4550]

Well, that trip is on our agenda once Covid lets up. Consider the antique mode of travel you need antique entertainment....books.

[@nancyf7919]

I love watching this. In 1991 I tree planted in that area. Later my brother married up in Prince George, and my best friend got her first real job in Vanderhoof. VIA Rail's dome car went off the rails when I was taking it through Clearwater. We got rescued and dropped off in Vancouver ahead of schedule, still in our emergency blankets. I was back about 4 years ago. Would do it again!

[@kellybryson7754]

I love the "why would you take the train?" Questions at the end. Made me chuckle.

[@qjtvaddict]

Those are all Americans cause they aren’t used to trains that actually do their job

[@stevebalmer1672]

We did the Skeena Express about 8 years ago. We had taken VIA 1 from Toronto to Jasper. Delays were common place on both routes. Loved our lengthy stop at New Hazelton. We were lucky because we managed to collect late refunds. They don’t do that any more. We used the it to defray the cost taking the Ocean from Montreal to Moncton.

[@griffca4814]

"how do we get people to socially distance on a train? "Take away a 3rd of the space!" *Brilliant!*

[@TheAtlantaRailfan]

lol seems a little odd and I'm a little confused why they still attach the lounge car if it closed seems like just a waste of time and causes wear on the car.

[@reza121du]

Steve's trains, boats, and other things Maybe it looks better with the lounge car and it's aerdonyic

[@TheAtlantaRailfan]

@@reza121du The engine on the front is an EMD F40PH and the front of those locomotives are virtually flat with only a slight wedge shape so it's not very aerodynamic also the lounge car at the rear is a dome/observation combine so its got a big dome on the top which offers even more air resistance, finnaly although the rounded end of the car would provide some aerodynamics it would be much better if the car was removed as it would take stress off of the locomotive which is at least 28 years old (the last f40ph was built in 1992) probably older although it does look better the cons outweigh the pros Pros Looks better Aerodynamic Cons Stress on locomotive and other cars Matinence cost due to use ( repairs to wheels, brakes, couplers, electrical lines, ect ex) Dead weight Wear and tear on track

[@reza121du]

Steve's trains, boats, and other things VIAS F40PH is a GMD F40PH 2D

[@Zyo117]

@@TheAtlantaRailfan Not to mention fuel cost from the extra weight...though I guess that just counts as "dead weight".

[@derekcolvin9944]

Your videography is quite well done. Almost every time I pause the video, It's like a perfect screensaver. Canada is so beautiful

[@alphawolffestudios1169]

I am an American who legally cannot drive and so for me train rides are a world of joyous fun and adventure for me

[@isettech]

I've taken Amtrak in the US from Miami, to NYC, to Chicago, to Colorado, to Spokane, to Portland. Yes, I could have flown in a day, but the trip was the adventure.

[@silencenhikes6692]

The wet spot under the toilet is the sink only. Up until the early 2000s, the toilets would flush onto the tracks.

[@janetyeoman1544]

As a kid I remember timing the toilet flush at crossings. Entertainment for a bad kid.

[@DownieLive]

Lol

[@ALuimes]

@@janetyeoman1544 You'd never get the satisfaction of seeing the results though

[@beanman6684]

And he said the car was last updated in the 90s... Interesting...

[@John_Fugazzi]

That was a real adventure, and a memorable one at that. One thing struck me. In Canada the passenger trains have to give the rail to freight trains. In one of Dylan's recent videos, in either Belgium or Italy (I forget which) the passenger trains had priority and the freight trains had to wait. To be fair, his was a regular and busy passenger line and not a tourist train. Great scenery!

[@Silver_Turtle]

John, it's the same way in the US -- AMTRAK is at the mercy of the freight railroads [except in the northeast]. In Europe, where most railroads are government-run, passenger service is prominent.

[@Charlienmeg]

Miniature board games come into their own at times like this. I always carry 3 or 4 when I'm travelling just in case.

[@TheLunacyofOurTimes]

5:01 - I been on every mile of that route (I was working) and stayed in Smithers for several days. That 'glacier' is a remnant. When the train station was built, the glacier filled the bowl between all of those peaks.

[@HOTDOG401]

The "Wet Spot" is from the sink drain....toilets have a storage tank that keeps sewage contained. Its not 1908 anymore

[@jadeyes1]

VIA stopped laying it on the line when these cars came into service

[@NeonNion]

In russia they dump 3rd and 2nd class crap on to the tracks.

[@Bearbum]

My dad worked the Prince Rupert to Terrace route in the 60’s then eventually out of Kamloops. As a college student I worked maintenance gangs between Mt Robson to Jasper many a summer . The memories are thick as you passed through the areas I spent my summers. I would like to take that train again to Rupert like we did often as kids on my dads railroad pass. You appreciate those memories more as you get older.

[@simonnicklin1313]

Your right to be proud to be Canadian, I have visited many times with work, I've spent a lot of time in your beautiful country, East and West Coast, not to Prince Rupert though.... that is definitely on the cards. As a British person, I always feel really at home in Canada.

[@burnyizland]

I took the train from Toronto to Vancouver and it took SO LONG. Almost a full day longer than scheduled and it already takes DAYS. It was torture. Sometimes when they got held up they would slowly run the train back and forth, which gave me the worst motion sickness of my life. I got to know the staff really well and met awesome people from all over, I really do recommend it, but you have to check your anxiety at the door, turn off any A-type personality assumptions about schedules, and pack whatever motion sickness meds work for you. I'm an islander so I didn't think motion sickness would get to me with all the time I've spent on boats, but this did.

[@westboy84]

Love your positive energy throughout the trip! Definitely something you need on these types of adventures! Can't wait to see more! :)

[@DownieLive]

Definitely!!

[@jadeyes1]

I take that train about 20 times a year on average. Our road is terrible in the winter and it's a safe alternative most of the crew are my friends, many have retired. I am told I hold the record trip tine and the runner up of 12 hours and 40 minutes and 12 and 30.. I usually pass the time viewing the scenery that never gets tired and playing guitar. You seem to have met my friend Steve who gets off around Gitwanga. I hope you saw the poles visible along the track. Almost all of the land you travelled through is unceded indigenous land and in the future you may want to take a r4oad trip this way and show this. You are tolerant travelers but I've ridden with passengers who harangued the service managers about everything from food selection, cigarette breaks and of course delays. You nailed re Rupert, it's an amazing multicultural place where 51% are indigenous land, also unceded. Dan Akroyd said it best. "if ya got the time? Take the train". Great video. Did you see the ghost of Doreen

[@jgorge2702]

Always great to see a DownieLive video..... I'm planning on taking "The Ocean" from Montreal to Halifax next summer. Hope it goes a bit smoother than your voyage on the The Canadian!

[@DownieLive]

That sounds like such a beautiful segment of tracks. I really want to do that when I can as well.

[@rman8028]

In my youth, I rode coast to coast for my orthodontist (braces) appointments, and it was a 90 minute ride. Oh, it was the trans-isthmus railroad in the Panama Canal Zone. Not as picturesque as Canada, but there was plenty of water and jungle to see.

[@stevensteven5144]

I think Riley questioned your entire friendship after that cowpuccino’s joke. 😂

[@DownieLive]

😂😂

[@mitchellsmith3062]

A few years ago, we went across Canada, from Vancouver to Halifax. I love VIA, it was the trip of a lifetime

[@DownieLive]

Amazing! That's a trip I want to do.

[@mitchellsmith3062]

@@DownieLive I live i Florida, USA. The trip started out there and I went across this country on AMTRAK to Seattle, then to Vancouver then to Halifax, ferry from Yarmouth to Portland, Me, the AMTRAK Downeaster to Boston, then back home. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I enjoy your travels and just wanted you to know the whole story.

[@sXeHandBanana420]

@@mitchellsmith3062 fun fact: the green "Panorama" cars used for VIA's Canadian route are originally from Florida. When the "Florida Fun Train" went bankrupt in 2000, BC Rail bought the cars, and then VIA bought them off BC Rail in 2002

[@mitchellsmith3062]

@@sXeHandBanana420 I did not know that. Thanks.

[@Jinkies1979]

This route looked so beautiful, so hopefully it keeps on running for a long time to come. I love riding trains, they are always such a unique experience every time, even if you are on the same route over and over. Anyone can say they hopped in the car, on a bus, on a plane, etc., and while those each have their own experience (well ok not the bus, cause ew), none are quite like the train. The views you can't get any other way. The unique service you can only get on the train. The fun and interesting people you get to meet, and share stories with. All of which make me want to choose a train over flying any chance I get. Delays just add to the experience of it all. They can give you more time to relax, see the views, and chat with those new people you met, and even meet more people. Use the time to make more memories, not more stress. :)

[@DownieLive]

Absolutely! You get it! Glad to hear it and enjoy your travels!

[@DylansTravelReports]

I think what appeals to me so much about this is the sense of adventure. Sitting in a siding for 5 hours and having to get off at some random crossing just doesn't happen in Europe they'd just cancel the train instead. And not to mention, the scenery looked amazing!

[@DownieLive]

I totally agree, Dylan. But not everyone would look at it this way. You have to be able to see the adventure, and not be worried about being late for anything.

[@popularairtravel2905]

"On night trains it happens in different ways: sometimes you really want to sleep, but other times you won't sleep a wink during the night."

[@petern6808]

Good ole VIA Rail :) For anyone planning this trip I suggest doing it between May and early July as you can then take a Grizzly cruise from Rupert. The boat goes to a Grizzly habitat where the bears munch on the long grass by the shore (later they switch to Salmon and so are not at the shore). When I did this trip I met a lovely couple from the USA and we chatted for much of the ride and they invited me to the same restaurant you went to and insisted on paying :) It was indeed an “Adventure” like VIA says!

[@DownieLive]

That's so nice to hear! Great adventures.

[@EC-ms1jr]

An interesting fact to note is that cargo train companies own the lines and the passenger trains are given a lower priority.

[@SebisRandomTech]

Much the same in the United States unfortunately.

[@TheIndecisive0]

Well ya, all the money is in the freight.

[@neosystem852]

It’s a shame, the governments aren’t willing to spend more money to pay freight companies in order to give passenger trains the priority.

[@geographyinaction7814]

@@neosystem852 Passenger trains are a drop in the bucket compared to freight, how can you prioritize passengers?

[@the_retag]

@@geographyinaction7814 because a passenger train that doesnt have to wait for hours is one with way more passengers, while a sceduled stop for a container that was on a ship for two weeks is not much of a problem

[@DozIT]

You've described VIA rail well.. I took the train from Ottawa > Halifax > Toronto > Winnipeg > Jasper > Vancouver > Ottawa ... in one month... spent 17 days on a train, no sleeper car, no shower, endless delays from freight trains, gas leaks, solar flares, etc. etc. but it was a great experience. You hit the nail on the head!

[@doreenchiasson2878]

So sad that the east coast of canada has lost CN Rail's passenger train services way back in the early 90's.....such a beautiful adventure..

[@jeffreyakatz]

The train is definitely the destination. I did a long haul (three week), trip across the US and Canada on Amtrak and Via Rail back in the 90's, on my own, and it is so memorable and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

[@naturallyherb]

14:41 - that mountain in the background looks a lot like Lion Rock in Hong Kong!

[@larryloveless2967]

I enjoyed your train ride on The Skeena. My longest delay ever was 4 hours on a train trip. It was all about sharing the track with freight trains. I have taken AMTRAK on all its long distance train routes west of St. Louis. In 2009 I rode The Canadian back and forth between Vancouver and Jasper as part of an AMTRAK trip trhough Seattle. It's a great way to see The West. I saw a Skeena train parked at the Jasper train station and wondered about the trip you just showed me. Thanks! From St. Louis

[@DownieLive]

You’re welcome Larry. I’m glad you finally got to experience it.

[@masonmcclenahan9861]

I am so glad to see this video uploaded, the last week has felt so long waiting for the update 😂 I take my first trip on Amtrak a week from today and am so excited! I've been binging your videos lately and am loving the content. You make awesome vids with awesome content

[@DownieLive]

Thanks so much, Mason! Enjoy your firs trip!

[@masonmcclenahan9861]

@@DownieLive thanks!

[@robertcampbell6713]

The “ Rupert Rocket “ part 2 Riley is such a good sport and even made you coffee!! Having a friend that invites you along on his travel vlog adventures, that’s just Awesome!!! The views while riding a train are awesome, you’ve captured that Mike!! I like that we got to see you smile 😊, it’s a great smile! Hudson Bay Mountain is very majestic looking, definitely wouldn’t see that from 40,000 feet or a highway, such pretty scenery and a train is the ways to go, even with long delays.... Train delays are NO fun but when you have a great crew and passengers like you and Riley that understand, always made it easier for me. My very first Amtrak Auto Train trip as a working attendant was during Hurricane HUGO.... we were 36 hours late one way! Your so right Mike, the train is the destination getting from A-B is just part of the fun, but the train IS the destination...... You had a blast making this video and I LOVE IT!!! I don’t know where your going next, but I know I want to go along with YOU and Riley if he’s free... - BOB

[@DownieLive]

I’m so glad you get it, Bob! I’m so happy I can share these experiences with you!

[@markwalk29]

I’m Canadian and I wish we put more resources into train travel in this country. Europe and Asia are getting it right. Love your videos Sir! :)

[@invaderdag711]

i took the train from toronto to edmonton once. i loved the trip. at the time it was cheaper than a plane ticket and i had lots of free time on my hands. it was a 2 and a 1/2 day trip and we were only let off the train 2 times, i spent all my time in the observation bubble and met some really nice people. id do it again in a heartbeat if i could.

[@caroljeanscott5571]

I love the trains.

[@flopperwithnoflop8997]

Pretty standard waits for the R.R, currently working as a conductor for C.P.R and there's a reason our unofficial slogan is "hurry up and wait" best thing to do is put the feet up, relax, and think deep thoughts.

[@tientien45]

i love the train ride from Prince George to Prince Rupert beautiful magnificent scenic view its so relaxing😊 The freight trains making it sucks! There’s 2 train tracks and both are use by the freight train, one for moving and one for parking freight train with engine problems😤 CN keep your stuffs moving!

[@TevelDrinkwater]

This is one of the big problems with Via, I don't think there is much effort on CN or CP to minimize waits. Like at the beginning, where boarding was delayed because there were freight cars *at the passenger terminal*.

[@Zyo117]

That's what happens when via rail doesn't want to build any of their own tracks. Canada is one of the few countries around the world where passenger trains yield to freight trains.

[@MarceloBenoit-trenes]

@@Zyo117 that is not correct, there are a lot of countries with the same problems, BUT in USA and Canada the delays are bigger than in other places. The issue is that VIA is unable to built them because nobody cares about passenger trains in Canada and it needs MONEY.

[@MarceloBenoit-trenes]

Sadly the Prince George-Vancouver BC Rail service was cancelled when the line was leased to CN...

[@Zyo117]

@@MarceloBenoit-trenes Where was I wrong? I suppose no, it's probably not just a few countries that have the problem, but of the 7800 miles of track that Via Rail runs services on, they own about 250. Their timeliness entirely depends on other companies not having delays. The delays are bigger here in Canada and the US because of the sheer size of the countries, and the fact that much of Canada is single tracked, as you might expect, so there's going to be not only delays from what trains ahead of you are doing, but because of trains coming the other way. CN rail likes to go on about their "precision scheduled railroading", but I'd bet Via Rail's track rights aren't a very high priority for them when they can maybe squeeze just one more train through the single tracked portion before Via's train gets there...

[@toso5593]

Thanks for memory lane. I took VIA from Edmonton to Vancouver once. I swore I would never do it again. It was unreliable then, and thirty plus years later, I see nothing has changed. You pay for the view, and they manage to mess that up by stopping in the middle of nowhere. On a positive note, it looks like you were lucky, just like me, no derailments or head-on collisions. I missed the head-on collision by about a month.

[@grundershnart]

I would LOVE to take VIA Rail anytime. Especially in the mountains. I LOVE TRAINS

[@DownieLive]

Agreed.

[@murraymaxwell835]

And I very highly reccomend that one from Jasper right to Prince Rupert. However you will spend a night in Prince George on the way. As the train does.

[@rossbryan6102]

I RODE IT IN 2003 FROM PRINCE GEORGE TO JASPER!! ARRIVING JASPER I HAD A ONE DAY LAYOVER! THAT DAY WAS CANADA DAY! THE NEXT DAY I CONTINUED TO WINNIPEG FOR THE DAY, WITH SOME EXCELLENT SIGHTS, AND THAT EVENING, BOARDED A JEFFERSON BUS, WHICH TOOK ME TO KANSAS CITY!! WAS A GREAT TRIP!!

[@fairwayrailproductions3239]

Omg you saw cn heritage unit lmao that is 100 CN!

[@BradGryphonn]

14:15 Yes. Exactly. A train runs on a different path to road travel. The train and the scenery it passes is the adventure. It's not the destination. As a pseudo-hippy in the late 70s/early 80s, walking less-trodden paths was my thing. I wanted to see what couldn't be seen from the window of a car. Trains became a small but important part of that journeying, like sitting in a caboose at night, travelling from Cairns to Mareeba up the Kuranda range in Australia. The route is a major tourist attraction today but we saw little besides town lights far below on the coastal plains on our slow journey up the range. But it was a unique experience very few have had the pleasure of enjoying.

[@Supermankev2001]

Well done very interesting . I think id like to take this train Living in Ontario BC Is just amazing to me. I have family that lives in Vanderhouf.

[@andrewkast4087]

Great trip! As you say the delays just add to the adventure. The scenery is way better than driving. When I was in college even though I had may car I used to take the train sometimes when I went to visit my Grandparents on weekends in the winter. It was so enjoyable and I didn’t have to worry about bad roads or blizzards. Your videos make me want to travel by train rather than drive. Thank you for the great trip!

[@duskeyduskey]

I wish I could ride that. I'm stuck in Japan. : C

[@tedtuttle6527]

That's life on the rr. Worked 4 the union pacific 46 yrs. & this is just a typical day 14-20 hrs. on duty. Dont mis that part of it a lot of sitting & waiting 4 numerous different reasons.

[@jacksonandrews7606]

Me watching this at 3:00am and not even being delayed by a train 😳

[@lifewithjosef]

0150 for me!

[@ronpinto9588]

I would take a train over a jet anytime unless we are talking about an intercontinental trip. Since young, I have traveled by train in Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, of course in the USA, in Spain often, also from Madrid to Paris, and in Italy. My favorite was the Train Hotel from Madrid to Paris and the return on the same train, in the Grand Class. A sleeper with a private bathroom and shower, including dinner and breakfast, and what a dinner it was. My trip from Milan to Rome on a high-speed Eurostar was amazing as well. I will go to trains whenever it makes sense.

[@scottmonfort]

Us Boomers love the "Steamroller" GenX/Y epiphany.

[@Mark.Taylor.]

Take GenX out of that.

[@kellyplumb7024]

I'm 1964 the last of the boomers and man I love steam trains coal powered electric diesel any kind of train and travel I'm really enjoying your videos they're excellent and they're away for this grandma granny to share travel with my grandkids during the covid and after!

[@richardmcdougall5175]

Back in the day, when my son was in Kindergarten and my daughter was in Grade 2, I needed to take some vacation from work. What to do end of November/Early December in Winnipeg with 2 kids. We got rail passes and went from Winnipeg to Edmonton on the Canadian, and then took the Skeena to Prince Rupert. We also ended up being the only passengers on the way home between Prince George and Jasper. We were able to ride a bit in the engine where the 2 guys pulled out expired licenses, replaced their names with those of the kids, got some photos of them driving the train and they even took the old route as we were able to go through some avalanche shelters after my son asked if there were any tunnels. Still have the scrap books they filled out each day with memories, photos and the like. Good times. Thanks for the video

[@kevinwillis2878]

While I was a Locomotive Engineer for Canadian National in the 1990's here in the U.S. side, Amtrak always had the right of way, took many sidings with a long freight train waiting for the passenger train, times change, rail traffic changes I guess.

[@tomoverton2138]

Ah, the joys of rail travel! We've taken the Via from Windsor to Quebec City many times. Sometimes we've experienced delays, but nothing too extreme... just enough to get a substantial discount on subsequent tickets, though. The Amtrak from Chicago to Detroit, aptly nicknamed The Wolverine, can be a nightmare of delays. One year, in March, a tornado near Dexter, Michigan shut down the track for 14 hours... and the heat broke down! (and the lady seated behind us had to call EVERYONE on her contact list to describe the scene!) Love the channel! I've even downloaded the Chek+ app to catch your "network" show. You've got a great attitude when it comes to travel. When traveling by train, the journey really is the destination. Keep up the great work!

[@flyboy2thesam]

I once took a trip on via rail almost 7 hours but it was worth it. It didn't have such scenic routes but it was amazing. I would definitely try to take this trip in british columbia.

[@grosvenorclub]

Back in 1967 we took the CN ( in those days ) from Montreal to Edmonton , took three days I think . We had just arrived from the UK . Saw a lot of trees and lakes !