Caption: Photographed during our latest trip out West on VIA's Canadian: Canadian Pacific 4-4-0 type steam locomotive #374 sits on display at the Drake Street Roundhouse in Vancouver. This was the first engine to bring a passenger train into Vancouver in 1886. This photo is from the latest trip my wife & I took in Prestige Class on the 'Canadian' from Toronto to Jasper, AB to visit Jasper & Banff National Parks, the Banff Springs Hotel and various preserved railway equipment in Alberta & British Columbia before continuing on the train in Sleeper Plus Class to Vancouver. For more pics & videos from this trip visit my webpage at http://northamericabyrail.info/a-trip-on-via-rails-canadian-2017-toronto-on-jasper-ab-banff-ab-vancouver-bc/
Also, the trip overviews on my site now include links to not only rail services like VIA but connecting transportation, rental cars, hotels & attractions to help those thinking of planning a similar trip. Cheers, Pete
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I’ve been enjoying this photo essay of your cross-country train expedition. These travels are on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Peter,
It was my hope to inspire others to do this trip (VIA’s Canadian) and experience the beauty of this great country – it comes highly recommended & virtually everyone we’ve met on the train also enjoyed it & stated it was the trip of a lifetime – great scenery from muskeg to prairie to endless mountains, great food, onboard service & comfort and an opportunity to ride the original equipment from 1955, like no other train ride in the world and my favorite train & route by far.
And all this in spite of the train being several hours tardy due to forest fires in BC- best to just avoid booking connecting transportation on the same day the train is scheduled to arrive.
We wanted to try the new Prestige class – which was superb with all the extra perks including unlimited libations.
That being said, Sleeper Plus class, of which VIA often offers discounts of up to 50%, similarly includes all meals & allows access to virtually all amenities on the train including the skyline cars, and also the Park car (open to all sleeper passengers after 2pm).
Also lots of preserved equipment in various locations out West for train buffs.
By the way I’ve been enjoying your pics of railroading from the 1970′s, especially the 6060, 1201 & first gen diesel shots.Thanks for this excellent window into the past!
Best Regards,
Pete
northamericabyrail.info
Thank you, Pete, for the return compliment. I’ll do one more bounce: you have obviously spent a lot of time and energy developing your website. It is an excellent resource. I particularly enjoyed the tab “Why Choose The Train?” You’ve inspired me, Sir. Perhaps I’ll see you onboard some day!