Crossing Canada on the Sleeper Train: A Nostalgic Journey

February 16, 2024

The Evolution and Challenges of Canada's Train Travel

Embark on a captivating journey through the lens of 'The Walrus’ Lynn Cunningham as she navigates across Canada on 'The Canadian,' Via Rail's storied sleeper train. This expedition, far from merely a trip from point A to B, reveals a poignant narrative of nostalgia, modern challenges, and the evolving essence of Canadian railway travel. From the quieter platforms of today's stations to the awe-inspiring views of the Rockies, discover the enduring romance of train travel and its fragile place in the heart of a nation grappling with changing times and technologies.

Read the full story here: The Diminishing Romance of Train Travel

Highlights

• The Canadian's route through the Rockies, emblematic of Canada's railway heritage, no longer passes through Craigellachie due to track cession to a luxury train operator.
• Declining service levels over the years, evidenced by reduced frequencies and increased journey times, largely due to priority given to freight trains.
• Via Rail's efforts to maintain a balance between operational costs and providing service, amidst changing transportation preferences among Canadians.
• The stark division of passenger experiences by ticket class, from the luxury of Sleeper Plus to the basic amenities of economy class.
• Evolving perceptions of train travel, from an essential mode of transportation to a tourist experience, with challenges such as affordability and accessibility.
• The potential and limitations of train travel in connecting communities and supporting tourism within the vast geographical landscape of Canada.

Lynn Cunningham's piece in 'The Walrus' shares a reflective account of journeying across Canada via 'The Canadian,' operated by Via Rail. As the narrative unfolds, it exposes the stark contrasts between the romanticized image of train travel and the realities faced by modern-day passengers. Highlighting the journey’s historic routes, such as the iconic passage through the majestic Rockies, it delves into Via Rail’s struggle to maintain this national heritage in the face of operational challenges and changing passenger needs.

Despite efforts to preserve the allure of train travel, the service has seen a consistent decline, marked by reduced frequencies and extended travel times. The prioritization of freight over passenger trains exacerbates these issues, leading to lengthy delays. Furthermore, the article discusses the apparent class divide within the train, contrasting the luxurious accommodations of Sleeper Plus with the much more modest offerings of economy class. This segmentation reflects broader trends in transportation and societal shifts towards more exclusive travel experiences.

Cunningham’s account also touches upon the broader implications of this decline for Canadian identity and connectivity. The railway once served as a vital link for settlers and played a crucial role in the nation’s development. Today, however, it struggles to find its place amid evolving travel preferences and economic considerations. Through personal anecdotes and historical context, the piece raises questions about the future of train travel in Canada, pondering whether it can continue to serve as a unifying national emblem or if it will recede into a niche tourist attraction.

Read the full article here.

Essential Insights

• Via Rail: Canada's Crown corporation responsible for intercity passenger rail services.
• The Canadian: A train service operated by Via Rail, offering a cross-country journey from Toronto to Vancouver.
• Craigellachie, BC: Significant historical site for Canadian railways, marking the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
• Pierre Berton: A popular Canadian historian known for his works on the nation’s history, including the construction of the railway.
• Rocky Mountaineer: A luxury excursion train operator focusing on tourist journeys through the Canadian Rockies.