The Canadian Train Turns 70! A Journey Through History

Photo credit for the header image: Bill Edgar

Named one of the best train trips in the world by Condé Nast Traveller's Reader's Choice Awards 2024, the Canadian has been connecting the country's east and west coasts since 1955. For four days and four nights over 4,466 kilometres, passengers can marvel at the nation's different landscapes and experience the romance of railway rides gone by.

Canadian Pacific transported people long before VIA Rail was created in 1977, and one look at its old posters is enough to understand the essence of train travel at that time. They show massive locomotives and dome cars chugging by majestic vistas. It certainly was—and still is—a larger-than-life experience. There's no doubt why William Van Horne, general manager at Canadian Pacific when the transcontinental railway was inaugurated in 1885, said as he stood before the beauty of Banff, “If we can't export the scenery, we'll import the tourists.” That's how the idea came about for Canada's first resorts.

Photo credit: ACHF/Exporail, Fonds Canadian Pacific Railway Company

People sometimes forget that the railway played a pivotal role in the development of the Great White North, which is celebrating its 158th birthday this year. British Columbia, the eastern provinces and everywhere in between agreed to join the confederation on the promise of being connected by rail. Before cars were invented, trains also brought immigrants out west, an area where everything had yet to be built. “The railway was created to unite the country,” said Jean-Paul Viaud, curator at Exporail, a museum dedicated to the history of the railway. “At first, the territories and the east and west coasts were being developed—then, we started to build our nation. From the moment it was integrated into the Canadian constitution, the railway became the backbone of a new country on the scale of a continent.”

Canadian Pacific launched the Canadian in 1955, calling its new convoy “Canada's first and only stainless steel Scenic Dome streamliner,” in reference to a material that was in vogue at the time and had already been used by the California Zephyr down in the U.S. Artists from the Group of Seven were invited to paint murals in the cars. They travelled across the country aboard the train to reproduce the nation's impressive scenery. Many of their pieces are displayed in various Canadian museums.

In 1978, VIA Rail took over Canadian Pacific's operations. They kept the name of its iconic train, which followed the same route until 1990.

Changes through the years

For a long time, passengers could depart from either Montréal or Toronto. “The two trains would merge in Sudbury and continue their journey to the west,” said Mark Simpson, who's worked at VIA Rail since 2012.

Photo credit: ACHF/Exporail, Fonds Canadian Pacific Railway Company

“The Canadian's last departure on the original Canadian Pacific route took place in Toronto on January 14, 1990,” he continued. “That was the last time the train passed through Thunder Bay, Regina, Calgary, Banff, and Lake Louise. The itinerary was revised and now includes treks through Saskatoon, Edmonton and Jasper.”

The Canadian has traversed this great nation for seven decades, and most of its cars have had a little facelift over time. The Silver & Blue class—now known as Sleeper Plus—was introduced in 1992. Mark has done considerable archival research to uncover its background. “A new colour palette was introduced by a Montreal company in the '90s,” he said. “After travelling across Canada, the team drew inspiration from the vibrant hues they saw, using different shades of yellow and blueish grey to echo the water and glaciers. There was also some red, representing the sun and the beaches.” Despite certain changes, some things have remained the same—there are still glass birds adorning the restaurant car. “They're the original pieces from 1955.”

Since the early 2000s, passengers have been able to admire the landscapes through giant windows measuring 6' tall and 6'5" wide (1.83 metres by 2 metres) in the Panorama car, also known as the Ultra Dome.

The iconic Canadian was also featured on the new $10 bills issued by the Bank of Canada in 2013 and on the show Mighty Trains on the Discovery Channel in 2016. The episode is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the train's historical significance, take a peek behind the scenes and learn all kinds of fun facts. “This locomotive—an F40PH-2, a legendary workhorse—weighs in at almost 118,000 kilos, as heavy as four Sherman tanks,” said host Teddy Wilson. “At 18 metres long and 5 metres high, it's the size of a small house.”

The inauguration of the Prestige class in 2014 added an extra level of comfort. It's the only car where the rooms include a private sink, toilet and shower. It's also the only section with cabins for passengers with reduced mobility.

Nowadays, people don't board the Canadian to get to where they need to go—it's about the journey, not the destination. Crossing the nation by rail allows passengers to really take in the country. Mark never gets tired of the expedition. “The train offers a unique perspective on where we live,” he said. “You don't get the same views from a plane, and it's different by car, too. This trip is also an opportunity to meet fellow travellers. Long-lasting friendships are forged during the ride, and we often host repeat clients.”

The future of trains in Canada

Choosing the train means going back in time and remembering major milestones in our history. The leisurely pace on board will have you slowing your own tempo. You'll catch yourself gazing out the window at the horizon for a while, disconnected from technology and your everyday worries. This is the essence of travelling—the joy of letting go.

That's definitely what I like most about taking the train—time loses its meaning. It's a peaceful break from life. At a time when everything is go go go, letting yourself sit back and relax also creates space for introspection. You'll strike up a conversation with other passengers over a tasty meal or during activities. There's something for everyone, whether you're an introvert or a social butterfly.

Today, trains continue to play an essential role in the social and economic fabric of our country, providing access to transport to all Canadians. Even now, certain communities are only accessible by rail.

In the coming years, one by one, the trains and locomotives will all be replaced. While their charming character will certainly be missed, the change promises a better, more modern and sustainable way to travel. For the moment, the original trains are still providing that old-timey experience. Those seeking a bit of nostalgia can also visit Exporail, the Canadian railway museum in Saint-Constant, QC, to dive into the history of the railway and check out old train cars that travelled the country—you can even see William Van Horne's old car. It's a different way to be transported!