The Canadian

The Canadian
The westbound Canadian near Jasper, Alberta
Overview
Service typeIntercity rail
StatusActive[1]
LocaleCanada
Current operator(s)Via Rail
Former operator(s)Canadian Pacific
Ridership1,579 weekly (FY 2019)[2]
Annual ridership82,135 (FY 2019)[2]
WebsiteVia Rail - The Canadian
Route
TerminiToronto, Ontario
Vancouver, British Columbia
Stops65 (55 on request only)
Distance travelled4,466 km (2,775 mi)
Average journey timeWestbound: 97 hours and 5 minutes
Eastbound: 92 hours and 29 minutes
Service frequencytwo trains per week in each direction off peak, one extra train per week between Edmonton and Vancouver on peak.
On-board services
Class(es)Economy, Sleeper, Prestige[3]
Disabled accessYes
Seating arrangementsCoach seating[3]
Sleeping arrangementsBerths, bedrooms for one, two or three[3]
Catering facilitiesDining car, Skyline Cafe, take out, in-room service (Prestige Class only), bar[4]
Observation facilitiesSkyline car, park car, panoramic dome car (between Edmonton and Vancouver)
Entertainment facilitiesArtists on Board Program, Wi-Fi (coming in later 2017 in areas with cell coverage)
Baggage facilitiesChecked baggage available at selected stations
Technical
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in)
Operating speed80 mph (130 km/h) (maximum)
Track owner(s)
Timetable number(s)
  • 1, 2 (between Toronto and Vancouver)
  • 3, 4 (between Edmonton and Vancouver)

The Canadian (French: Le Canadien) is a transcontinental passenger train operated by Via Rail with service between Union Station in Toronto, Ontario, and Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Canadian Pacific introduced this service on April 24, 1955, serving Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. In 1978, Via Rail Canada acquired the service, and, on January 15, 1990, designated the Canadian as its sole transcontinental service, between Toronto and Vancouver. The new service replaced the former Super Continental, Canadian National's flagship passenger service, and continues to run as of 2024 primarily over CN tracks.

  1. ^ "Via Rail Canada: Toronto & Vancouver train trip". Via Rail. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Annual Report 2019" (PDF). viarail.ca. Via Rail Canada. p. 9. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 21, 2021. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c "Classes". Via Rail. Archived from the original on August 13, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
  4. ^ "Menu". Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved March 13, 2011.
  5. ^ "Via Rail operating licence". Retrieved May 13, 2023.[permanent dead link]