VIA Rail Canada’s flagship service, The Canadian is one of the world’s most iconic long-distance rail journeys, stretching over 2,775 miles (4,466 kms).
Leaving Toronto heading west, it traverses two thirds of the world’s second largest country, rolling across the Prairies in the mid-south – the ‘breadbasket of Canada’ – before climbing through the magnificent Rockies, and eventually arriving in Vancouver on the North Pacific coast.
Time travel
Operating each way twice a week and crossing four time zones, it follows a long tradition of Canadian trans-continental trains dating back to 1896 and is a unique link between the past and present of rail travel.
It still uses the same 70-year-old stainless steel coaches introduced in 1955, with elegantly-restored sleepers, glass-domed observation cars, lounges, bars and dining saloons.
However, if you are considering a ride on this veritable time machine, do it soon as regeneration is on the horizon.
Progress
In December 2024 VIA Rail announced a much anticipated tender for its long distance fleet replacement, including The Canadian and other trains outside the Québec City – Montréal – Toronto – Windsor intercity corridor, which have already been renewed in partnership with Siemens Mobility.
Mario Péloquin, VIA Rail’s President and CEO, said: “We are thrilled to launch the Requests for Qualification for our pan-Canadian fleet, a key step in VIA Rail’s ongoing transformation. These new trains are central to our vision of offering a modern, accessible, and sustainable travel experience for all regions of Canada.”
Marathon task
Replacing normal passenger trains in Canada is hard, as they must cope with the rigours of winter and cover huge distances, but The Canadian is the toughest of the lot.
This marathon journey of dining and hospitality takes 90-plus hours, spread over four days and nights, and has a range of travel choices.
‘Economy’ has only reclining seats, with the Skyline Café retailing hot drinks, Canadian wine, beer, snacks, microwaved meals, travel accessories and even blankets.
‘Sleeper Plus’ (the most popular class) has several sleeping options, some more private than others, while ‘Prestige’ has deluxe berths with TV, sofa, mini-bar and ensuite shower.
For Prestige and Sleeper Plus, food in the restaurant car is inclusive. Prestige also includes drinks and full use of the famous Park Car bar, lounge and dome viewing area at the rear of the train, which Sleeper Plus can only access during the day.
Fine dining
The stately restaurant cars are the soul of the onboard hospitality, often said to be as important to customer enjoyment of the journey as the scenery. With embossed cutlery and white chinaware, all laid up on crisp linen tablecloths, each serves three meals a day, usually over three sittings of 48 diners.
Food is freshly prepared by onboard chefs, with a hot breakfast and a choice of four entrees for lunch and dinner.
Menus change daily, with traditional dishes such as Alberta Prime Rib, Rack of Lamb, Ontario Salmon, Trout Fillet and Chicken Pot Pie, supplemented with vegetarian choices.
Almost all ingredients are regional, including craft beers and Canadian wines such as Riesling from British Columbia and Pinot Noir from Ontario.
Green light
New trains will inevitably bring a fresh review of catering. While a traditional dining style suits the customer demographic, methodology behind the scenes is likely to evolve, with new equipment and technology inevitably playing its part.
Evidence globally suggests new trains are taking a modular approach, with strengthened logistics to better support onboard provisioning. That’s because it’s so important in today’s ‘culinary-wise’ world to deliver a broader food choice, and a modular approach can certainly help deliver on menu sustainability, allergens and dietary trends.
It’s the perfect chance for the supply chain to provide the solutions that give the green light for The Canadian to continue its magnificent journeys for many years to come.
