VIA's Eastbound Canadian Departure of December 26th Cancelled

Saturday, 27 December 2008

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Edmonton - VIA Rail Canada wishes to advise travellers that due to a derailment in the Vancouver terminal blocking the main rail line, yesterday's departure of the eastbound Canadian between Vancouver and Toronto was cancelled. The derailment occurred during the servicing of the train and as such there were no passengers or crew on board the train at the time.

As a result, VIA is making plans to accommodate all passengers on the next departure of train #2 which is scheduled to depart Vancouver on Sunday, December 28, 2008.

VIA is attempting to contact all affected passengers to advise them of the change, however passengers booked on this departure are asked to call 1 888-VIA RAIL (842-7245) or 1 888-842-6348 as soon as possible in order to confirm their reservations on the next departure.

For passengers scheduled to board at enroute stations, the cancelled train was scheduled to arrive/depart these major stations on the following days:

Edmonton - Saturday, December 27th
Saskatoon/Winnipeg - Sunday, December 28th
Sioux Lookout/Hornepayne - Monday, December 29th
Capreol/Sudbury Junction - Tuesday, December 30th

Regular service between Vancouver and Toronto will resume from Vancouver, on Sunday, December 28th, at 8:30 p.m.

VIA wishes to apologize for any inconvenience this disruption may cause to its passengers. Customers wishing further information may visit our website viarail.ca or

Further updates will be issued as required.