Canada's insider blog

I couldn’t have asked to celebrate my birthday any other way on this trip then on board VIA Rail’s Western Transcontinental train, the Canadian.  Ivan Zenchuk, Craig, our porter and his crew went above and beyond their means to make me feel like the most special person in the world.

From the time we attempted to return our car to Budget (which one of the ground agents in Edmonton, Andy, kindly offered to do for us), to the champagne gift that I received this morning, the service was outstanding and one-of-a-kind.

Why is travelling across the country by train unique?

There is something romantic about recreating the journeys that thousands have taken before me.  I think the sun was just starting to set, leaving a mellow grey sky to create shadowy blobs out of the Rockies, when I realized why countless of novels and love letters must have been inspired by train journeys.

You can’t help but fall in love with everything that you see.  The town of Jasper is picturesque, seeing the awe-inspiring snow-capped peak of Mount Robson mimic those emotional highs-and-lows that happen at unexpected dips in a roller coaster. You can only say “wow.” Nothing else comes out.

If you can, open the window at Mile 113 at Pyramid Falls and stick your head out to see it.  You might be lucky to feel the energy of the crumbling waters and feel the mist as you pass by it.  The warm air blows it through your hair in the summer.

For me, the fact I didn’t have to drive and I could be an observer, fully present as we passed by these incredible scenic attractions made me feel like I was really travelling.  There is no hustle-and-bustle. No waiting in line, no heaviness and rushing.  You are already there.  My luggage was carried into our cabin, the bunks were turned down for us and the meals were prepared impeccably.  Service at its best.

At night, the gentle tugging motion of the train rocked me to sleep in my super comfortable bunk.  In the morning, a slight wedge between my window and the curtain let the sunshine in, waking me up at 6:30 am.  I opened the curtains to see the rushing waters of the Fraser River passing Lytton and Boston Bar just before breakfast was served. Sitting in the dome offesr a spectacular morning rush, have a coffee up there.

As we pulled into Vancouver, I was overjoyed and I had butterflies in my stomach.  Arriving back home in this way is unforgettable and I'll always cherish my first Canadian classic train journey. This is a road I'll definitely travel again.