CANADA – Hockey on a frozen pond, a fresh Tim Hortons coffee and a red Maple Leaf.

Like legendary musician Gordon Lightfoot, all classic symbols of the true north strong and free.

Zipping across the prairies on a spring afternoon, leaving the regal Rocky Mountains behind, is another iconic symbol of life north of the 49th parallel – VIA Rail’s flagship luxury liner, The Canadian.

This transcontinental treasure is a journey every Canadian should experience once in a lifetime.

Pacific Central Station in Vancouver is abuzz on a Sunday evening. Strains of Johnny Cash’s staple “I Hear the Train A Coming” wash across the trackside patio. Singer-guitarist James Burton energizes waiting passengers with railroad songs like Chattanooga Choo Choo and City of New Orleans, while VIA crews ready the grand lady for another trek eastward.

The clock strikes 2030 and VIA Train No. 2 – a gleaming 22-car consist led by rebuilt F40 locomotive 6403 in new livery and sister workhorse 6449 – glides away from the Pacific Ocean toward the majestic Rockies.

In the Prince Albert domed Park car on the rear of The Canadian, attendant Yoan Gicquel uncorks bottles of sparkling wine for Touring Class passengers embarking on the epic journey.

Dennis and Lynn Cross, headed to Halifax, raise glasses of bubbly to toast their dream vacation.

“We’ve had this on our minds for a number of years,” says Lynn. “It’s incredible. Just sitting, relaxing and watching the country go by.”

“This is something people in Europe do all the time; it’s not a novelty,” Dennis adds. “But here in Canada, it’s so big and such major changes in scenery, that’s what makes it amazing.”

Darkness descends and attendant Andre Roy ducks into the Macdonald Manor sleeping car for nightly turn-down service. He drops beds from walls to replace seats and preps pillows for sleepy passengers.

The Macdonald is one of 40 stainless steel Manor sleepers in the VIA fleet named for famous Canadians like founding prime minister Sir John A. Macdonald. Built for Canadian Pacific by Budd Co. in the mid-1950s and refurbished by VIA, the cars have various compartment configurations and showers. The two-person sleeper in Touring Class is ideal for a single traveller who likes extra room. The unit has its own washroom, sink and mirror, two power outlets and huge picture window.

Slumber comes easy as The Canadian gently sways while meandering along the banks of the Fraser River.

Barely a hint of sunshine greets passengers as No. 2 rolls into Kamloops, B.C. at 0600. In dining car 8414, tables are resplendent with pink and white linen cloths, pure white china dishes and vases filled with fresh flowers. It’s time for passengers to get their first taste of The Canadian’s renowned culinary fare. Choices include the chef’s omelette stuffed with crisp asparagus and swiss cheese, served with hash browns, fruit and toast.

Meals on The Canadian are as much about fine dining as they are about meeting unique people from around the globe. VIA attendants make sure nobody sits alone.

Read full story >>> Toronto Sun

.

Canada By Train: The Complete VIA Rail Travel Guide

…