When I lived in Canada (Toronto) in the 1990s I took Via Rail across Canada in the winter and it was so incredibly memorable. I remember seeing the Aurora Borealis and the beauty of the country. If I hadn't already been in love with Canada, that train trip would've done it. Thank you for bringing back so many happy memories for me with this one.
Would love to know if there is any specifics in planning that allowed you to see the Aurora Borealis? That would be part of my goal in planning a trip like this. It sounds amazing!
I'm an engineer for CN rail and I run trains on the tracks between Wainwright, AB to Saskatoon, SK plus Saskatoon to Melville, SK. I recognized every b-roll spot you had in that part of this video, Saskatchewan is actually really beautiful, I agree!
I work for Virtual Railfan and we have a camera in Revelstoke, I can't wait till we get more locations in Canada! If you ever come by, wave at the camera mounted at the Revelstoke Railway Museum (make sure you let a Moderator in the chat area know you are there)!
I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As a British Columbian who has driven coast to coast I find Saskatchewan scenery pretty boring (I know some people like prairies, just not my bag). Guess I'm not much for prairies. There is so much beauty across this country, but I think the Rockies beats everything. I always know once I hit the Rockies when I've been away that I am close to home. I live on Vancouver Island which has incredible natural beauty.
Gotta love VIA Rail! I'm German as well and I just had my first ride ever with them yesterday. Their employees are so friendly, organized, calm and generous. It doesn't matter for me that it's not the most "on time service" because the German train isn't as well, but this is pretty much the only similarity between those two. "Love the way" is probably the best slogan they could have come up with. Really looking forward to my next trip with them!
The "Bullet" (fast) Train in Germany last Winter was incredibly late, but boy it was a great ride once we got on it. I miss riding on trains as I did much of it in my childhood. The confusion at the train station at Frankfurt though!! Oh my!
I'm a New Zealander but my wife is Canadian Born (Nova Scotia) We're visiting Canada in August/September to see relatives. She is not a train buff but I am and I'm booked in the Canadian to Vancouver while she flies. Your video has helped convince me to do it. And actually I have travelled on the longest in the world. The Trans-Siberian from Vladivostok to Moscow in 2005. I did it in two sections first to Irkutsk (3 days) to visit lake Baikal, then to Moscow (4 more days) Not luxurious at all but great fun. Apart from Putin Russians are fun loving even if there's a language barrier. One day it'll all come right for Russia and that journey is spectacular especially in the East.
I've dreamed of the transsiberian train for decades, including a layover to explore Irkukst and Lake Baikal. Here's hoping for peace ✌️ in the world. Till then, the Canadian rail looks like an interesting alternative.
Hey Michael, since you have had a German with you, I recommend you check out Germany next. You are always welcome to visit Germany. There wont be such great food on the trains and dome cars only on historic trains, however, the landscape and the cities and villages make up for it. Also keep up the great work and your positive vibe. Greetings from Germany. :)
As a German I was not surprised by that at all. We often need some time to really be comfortable around new people, but when we get, we can be pretty open towards them.
A great alternative to flying! I rode on The Canadian back in 1959, when it was CP (going through Calgary); and again in 2017, using the more northerly CN route. The food was excellent and the dome car (one of four) was my go-to perch. The train was about 24 cars long, so it provided a great view of the cars snaking around the curves when in the rear dome. The only downer was having to wait 30 to 45 minutes for the higher-priority freight train to pass. I hope videos like this encourage more train travel! Note: CP denotes Canadian Pacific and CN denotes Canadian National. Now it's just VIA Rail.
To add to my comment I just posted -- we came over from Germany . . . in June of 1965 and been on the West Coast (Vancouver Island) ever since. I never get tired of this beautiful place we call home.
Kia Ora from the Kiwis on the train with you. The video looks great and reminds me of the great time we had travelling across the countryside and getting to know the other travellers. It was good to get to know both you and Seb, and to enjoy the surreptitious drinks of the final night with newly made friends. Keep up the good work, and we will be watching from afar.
I'm so glad of these videos right now. I just got back from an overseas trip to find that my contract at work was not renewed, so now I'm looking for a new job and living vicariously through your amazing travel videos. Thanks for providing a great distraction and inspiration to keep going while I'm looking for jobs.
Watched most of your videos over the past weeks in the UK. Done so well and authentic, I feel like I’m there too ! Lost our little girl a few months ago but you have helped us to find another purpose and connect. Taking every day as it comes. Such brilliant videos from you. Thanks
Did this trip Vancouver to Toronto in late July 2024 (days before the awful fires that devastated Jasper and surrounds). This video was the encouragement that made it happen. It was wonderful to see the beauty of Canada as we meandered across the nation while being looked after by the most wonderful staff. Even stopped in for a Beaver Tail in Jasper. Many thanks for being such a great catalyst!
I'd LOVE to take this trip! Seems absolutely amazing to take a train across the enormous Canada with all it's landscapes, mountains, prairies, farmlands and everything❤❤❤🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
It really only goes part way. There is a lot more than just Vancouver to Toronto. I'm from the West Coast. I have driven all across the country right to the Maritimes.
Travelling cross-continent by train is on my bucket list. I won’t care if it’s Via Rail in Canada or Amtrak in the USA. Either way, it would be amazing. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
Mike..You impressed me how welcoming you made, "Seb" feel, hope I got his name correct, and how friendly you are, as you showed him our beautiful country. Much respect Mike and hopefully one day our paths will cross during our travels. My wife and I love watching your videos/channel and we also love to travel by car, train, planes, and by boat! My wife and I are off on a May 24 road trip tomorrow morning to watch Icebergs.
What a fun, good-natured and enjoyable experience traveling with you guys across Canada. I can't believe I haven't watched you before. I'm in from here on, my friend.
Hi ! I really enjoyed your video. Best I've seen so far. I made this trip in 1968, 55 years ago ! Then, Via Rail didn't exist but the train was very like yours. It went from Montreal then to Vancouver. I stopped off in Jasper, camped out in the Rockies for a while. It was cold ! Then took off for Calgary, through the mountains. Amazing scenery. Saw some friends there, took another bus back to Edmonton, rejoined the train to Vancouver. A very memorable trip. Too old to go anywhere now. Thanks for the revived memories.
i absolutely love this video. the fact that you didn't know each other well, but you sorta bonded. just so fantastic. and, all the great experiences on and off the train are inspiring
You shouls try the amtrak berkshire flyer. Its the ACTUAL least ridden train with about 1000 a year. Its a seasonal train available friday-sunday during june-october
This was an exceptionally nice train. It's a risk taking a 4-day train trip with someone you met only three times, so I'm glad it worked out well. On long train trips meals are the highlight of any day and these looked great. And as you said, "There's always room for ice cream."
Did this trip in 2011 with a friend and this story mimics ours. After the Rockies, it was days of breakfast, “is it still flat?”, nap, lunch, “is it still flat?”, nap, dinner, beer, bed… repeat😂
I think I'd start in Toronto and end on a high note (BC). I'm from the West Coast (Vancouver Island) and have driven Coast to coast. BC beauty can't be beat. Prairies are boring scenery (in my opinion).
Looks a lot like an "elephant ear". Between that and the poutine, you're probably over the recommended daily calorie limit.😂😂 That lamb on the first night's dinner plate sure looked good, too.
Another epic adventure Mike, and it was great to watch Seb's comfort level and awe evolve as he discovered Canada by train, or a portion anyways. Seb now needs to experience the 'Ocean' from Montreal to Halifax, just another day and a bit to complete the cross Canada trip. Always enjoy "being with you" on your journeys!
I've travelled this route more than 25 years ago right after college, although not nonstop. Without the luxury of a sleeper car. I got off the train in Jasper and Edmonoton and then on to Toronto. And yes those delays add up. Still a great experience and fond memories.
Completely unrelated to this vid, but I just watched through your entire narrowboat series, after just narrow boating yesterday, and it was great! Looking forward to this vid!
That's one thing that doesn't change, the rail from Vancouver to Toronto, is the great views of Jaspser, Rockies, the rolling parties, and finally Ontario!
I did this trip in 2006 or 7. Actually did Rocky Mountaineer to Jasper then transferred to ViaRail. LOOOOVED THE TRIP!! Mike, every time I watch someone else’s travel blog I am so grateful for your pacing, your photography, your relaxed but informative narration. Thanks for taking me with you. AJ
We did actually have some dome cars in Germany in the 60s and early 70s on the Rheingold express train. They were made so passengers could fully take in the narrow Rhine valley between Bonn and Mainz with all its castles and steep hills. Some of these cars still exist and one was even converted into a rentable business car.
I hadn't seen one of your videos for a while, but found this trip as delightful as your others! I especially loved the way your responded to your companion's question if you ever find it boring since you travel on trains a lot. Your timing in your response was perfect and I laughed out loud. Thank you so much Mike for continuing to share your train travel with those of us who dream about doing this sometime in the future. ❤
Your hostess that wanted to be on vlog was so cute! I always love your videos, they have such a great feel to them! Someday I want to take Amtrak from west to east, then this train east to west, Large part because of your videos!
I'm from the Netherlands and I love trains. Yet I have only traveled by train within my own country. I should definitely go on some international/long distance trip like this some day.
I think I rode this train more then 50 years ago, as a small child. It was a very simple train then. we slept on the seats for at least 3 nights and brought our own food.
Great video, I love seeing Canada by train. I need to do these trips one day. Thank you for introducing me to all these great places to see across Canada. I will definitely keep a list for future references. Thanks Mike!
Great video. You two need to train around Germany now. As someone who has had Germany on his bucket list since taking 4 years of German in High School and still hasn't made it there, I'd love to see the German countryside from a trains view.
Loved this video. My son & I went coach from Vancouver to Montreal return at Christmastime in 1980. In Jasper, the doors were frozen with thick ice. Brought our sleeping bags. Great memories! ❤
I really enjoyed this vlog because I rode the Canadian from Jasper to Toronto in summer 2018, and our days and nights were the reverse of yours. I never saw the snow of course, mountains outside Jasper, Qu’apelle Valley, out any major cities (just Sioux Lookout, etc). I never wanted that ride to be over! The food, sunsets, views, and utter relaxation (and no cell signal) were unforgettable.
"Try the gray stuff, it's delicious" and the beautiful 'REAL' dishes! We don't see this on AMTRAK I'm afraid, nowadays. The food looked very good, better than average as well! I appreciate you & your wonderful 'vlogs' of travel to somewhere with us along for the fun and educational experiences. Thank you, Michael.
Used to live in Jasper, Alberta for a few months and it was an awesome experience to see the wild animals such as Elk, Deer, Wolves, Mountain Goats, Black & Cinnamon Bears, and also Moose roaming into the town. What a lovely video you've posted of the Canadian Rockies and Via Rail.
I have been on "The Canadian" 51x (25 round-trips) + 1 trip Ottawa-Vancouver in 1964 when it still left from Montreal. Back in 50-70s it only took 67 hours to go Toronto-Vancouver because passenger trains had priority over freight then. Cheers from a fellow Canadian.
Beaver Tails!!🎉 we had the same thing at the Central Washington State Fair. We called them Elephant Ears. They are the best, aren't they? Its so nice your German friend got to have one. We love our beaver tails! This is a great video. I never tire of traveling my favorite routes Thank you Michael!❤
Again, love the videos yall post up. This must have been the day before I randomly saw you on the streets of Vancouver haha. Thanks again for being so cool. Def want to check out this train next time I'm back up north side of the world.
Nice to see this trip going the right direction as well so far every other video I could find was East to West. Helped me decide on my decision for my kids 18th year celebration trip in early 2025.
Another great video. I just watched Seb's, too. Food looks excellent. Amtrak needs to do a case study. Was this Seb's longest train trip? PS: You need to do an Orient Express video!
The essential thing that everyone should be thinking about right now is investing in non-government sources of income. Especially in light of the current global economic crisis. It is still a wonderful moment to invest in gold, silver, digital money, and stocks.
@marvelous1967In life, I will forever be grateful for health, wealth and a great professional (Mary Margaret Cartier) whose help has been great for my finances.
I did this in 2019 and will never forget it.I was travelling solo and at first i had booked a roomette but on second thaughts i changed that to the same room as yours and,although quite a bit expensive for me alone.I'm 6'8" so i would never have fitted into that little roomette.I must have gained some weight after all those magnificent meals.We were late,after waiting many hours for those 200+ car freight trains we arrived in Toronto 12 hours after scedule.Our train was also a lot longer than this one and it also had normal sitting cars in the front.
I'd love to take this train someday, in a sleeper of course, but in the other direction. Having lived most of my life on the east coast, it's always a treat watching the scenery open up and get wilder and more mountainous as you make your way west. Plus, not to knock Toronto, but there aren't many nicer train destinations than Vancouver, BC, and a fitting end to an epic train trip. Everything on board this train seems incredible, the sleepers, the meals, the many lounges and dome cars, coffee always available, and the showers. Speaking of which, I wonder if it's feasible to go on several short runs on some of the longer stops, to work off all those great meals and break up the inevitable monotony. I'm guessing that any stop of 45 minutes or longer would work, even half an hour if you keep it short. Or brisk walks. This is one seriously long train trip and I can see how this would help pass the time and keep you from feeling guilty with all those meals! 😆
Thank you DownieLive for another enjoyable trip with beautiful landscapes, delicious food and lots of drinks. Vicariously, I enjoyed every minute of it. 😄
Ohhh what a great vid downie 😊 . My mom is Canadian and its on my bucket list to do this journey . I visited Canada as a child and remember every single thing about it .. astonishingly beautiful country. X
thanks for showing saskatchewan in your video, iv watched numerous videos of people traveling across canada by train and noone ever shows the beauty of the prairies. They only show ontario some of manitoba and of course alberta and b.c. it was nice to finally see my home province from a trains view the wide open prairies, grain elevators, and the living skies etc thankyou again
My goodness, 5 days on a Sleeper Train across Canada must be happy moment, willing to try like you have been guiding and that fine days moment coming to me pretty soon.
We actually have dome cars in Germany. They were built in the 60es for the Rheingold TEE premium express train. When TEE services were discontinued they were sold to travel operators where they ran on charter trains. 5 were built, 3 are operational with heritage railways, one is preserved as a stationary exhibit in the National Railway Museum, the last one is used stationarily as a restaurant. Closest you will get in daily operation today is by our Swiss friends, standard single decker cars with windows up into the roof. Fun fact, also some of the Karlsruhe tram-trains have such panoramic cars with windows into the corners of the roof.
I did the trip exactly as you did, 5 years ago, before COVID. Thoroughly enjoyable; fantastic scenery; outstanding food and so much more. Glad to see that you enjoyed it as much as I did. A couple things that I view as negative: the reserved seats in the dome car for prestige passengers and no shower in room . But still, great experience; I would do it again in reverse!.
I can't imagine how seniors can walk as far to get to the amazing car similar to what you were in. "Let's Settle in for the next four days" ...Love that!!! My other half is semi handicapped. Something hex war born with. Not life style affected.
Hi. I have watched and re watched your videos. They are like what I would think crack is, as I can't get enough lol. Your smile and your whole persona is infectious. Keep living your dream
A few years ago I took my daughter (she was9) on the train from Winnipeg to Edmonton, and we have such fun memories of that trip. We played cards, met loads of people, had a game of frisbee on the platform in Saskatoon with a group of people, spent two hours staring at a bridge near wainwright because we had to wait for another train, and sat in the dome car at midnight watching a storm.
I will be taking this train from Winnipeg to Vancouver in August with a 3 day stop in Jasper. I was only able to book a lower berth and not a cabin, but meals and everything are still included. I am so excited! Thank you for this great video so I know what to expect.
Viewing this reminded me so much of my August 1989 trip from Vancouver to Jasper on "The Super Continental". Yes, it was summer and yes, this was the 2nd transcontinental train on Via Rail's offering at that time. I did the Brewsters Coach Tour from Jasper to Banff and returned from there on "The Canadian". You have captured the best part of the transcontinental journey in the first 15 minutes of your video. I recognised the New Westminster bridges and Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon. I had a big laugh at your "bear nap" following your post -Jasper lunch, consumed on top of the beavertail, beer and poutine. Funny how you woke up in time for dinner that evening. I still have fond memories of meals in the dining car, especially noting that they still have the frosted window dividers within the dining saloon. Back in 1989 the sleeping carriage I was in on the forward journey was an old style section car with the zip up privacy curtains, but I scored a twinette berth on a stainless steel car for the return. The Park Observation Car with dome seating and rear lounge was popular as always. It is such a pity that from October last year Via Rail has put an empty barrier car behind the Observation Car due to some structural integrity concerns with the carriages (after all they are 60 plus years old). In September 1995, I did the triangular trip in the reverse (anticlockwise) direction by road with my good friend Kevin and a fellow Aussie traveller, James. Kevin took us several kilometres east of Jasper to Henry House and Devona to take in the Mietta range that you viewed from the dome car. It was late summer and the weather and scenery was superb. Thanks again for awakening my memories with your more recent coverage. Cheers from Michael in Melbourne.🙂🙂🙂
Best channel on RU-vid! I always say it but it’s true!! You need your own travel show on TV too! Your ability to just be genuine and real and show us everything we want to see too, loved every second of this 🤩🙏💖🚊👏👏👏👏👏
