The Canadian — 95 Hours Through Canada
51.25° N, 85.32° W
Read the story →Departed Dec 25 at 9am Toronto, arrived Dec 29 at 8am Vancouver. Winter trip — 8 hours sunlight/day, sheet of white across Canada. Traveled through 5 provinces: Ontario (widest, 24+ hours), Manitoba, Saskatchewan (beautiful flatlands), Alberta (breathtaking Rockies), British Columbia. Met couples from Australia and UK. Timezone changes 3x (Eastern → Mountain → Pacific). No wi-fi, choppy mobile connectivity first 2 days until Winnipeg. Last trip of 2024 sabbatical. Had been eyeing for 2 years. Prestige books up to a year in advance.
Dec 25
Longest train in North America, 2nd longest in world. Toronto to Vancouver, 95 hours. Prestige Class: luxurious but cabin smaller than photos online. Limited luggage space (under seats, inaccessible when bed down). Checked bags in separate car, no access during trip. Private shower (well-equipped but narrow, rocks with train). Excellent service — staff cleans room 2x/day, chocolates at night. Very comfortable firm bed. Blackout shades, excellent soundproofing. Half dome car reserved for Prestige. Meals included: breakfast (pancakes/continental/omelette), 3-course lunch & dinner, bar service, 3:30pm snacks (lobster rolls, charcuterie). Seated 5 min before others at dining. Experience of a lifetime — last trip of 2024 sabbatical.
Dec 26
Few hours stop. Walked downtown, saw the Winnipeg sign, people skating. Good 45-min break to stretch legs.
Dec 27
Quick 30-minute stop. Stayed on train to enjoy views from dome car.
~9pm stop, 30 minutes walking on the platform.
Dec 28
Early morning, 3-hour stop. Explored Jasper downtown on foot, grabbed breakfast.
Tips from this trip
- Comfortable shoes for train, slippers for cabin
- Comfortable clothes for the journey
- Get off at stops for walks
- Reserve months in advance (Prestige up to a year)
- Timezone changes 3x — dinner delayed by an hour each evening
- No wi-fi, choppy mobile for first 2 days