VIA Rail Canadian and the Canadians

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#2 went to Kamloops, turned and went back to Vancouver. #1 to Saskatoon and turning. Not sure why Saskatoon? Are there other prairie fires?
 
TheMalahat said:
#2 went to Kamloops, turned and went back to Vancouver. #1 to Saskatoon and turning. Not sure why Saskatoon? Are there other prairie fires?
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My brother lives just outside Saskatoon and told me visibility was 50 yards (or was it feet, meters?) the other morning on his drive to work, that much smoke might affect how things run too. Just checked his text, he said 50 feet.
 
JWM said:
I was seventeen when we took the "Canadian" from Vancouver to Winnipeg with a stop in Banff. I've always wanted to take it again, but the timekeeping is as ridiculous as the price.
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There is currently a sale:

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this is an example of fares for 1 in December.
 
JWM said:
I was seventeen when we took the "Canadian" from Vancouver to Winnipeg with a stop in Banff. I've always wanted to take it again, but the timekeeping is as ridiculous as the price.
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I took the Canadian last summer in Coach from Vancouver to Edmonton - had a great time for a crazy cheap price. Coach passengers still have access to a dome and VIA lets passengers spread out among the coaches so it's easy to get 2 seats for yourself in coach. One night in coach is worth it!

The biggest negative is the lack of the dining car. The VIA rail snack bar is very limited.
 
xzperu42 said:
https://www.viarail.ca/en/fares-and-packages/discount-tuesday

The dates and discounts vary by route. This is an extended Tuesday sale I guess… last day is tomorrow. Canadian and Ocean discounts are valid Nov and Dec (20% cabins and 30% berth)
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It's also worth knowing that if you travel in November and December, Sleeper Plus passengers have unlimited access to the Park Car. (If you go in the summer, the Park Car is restricted to Prestige Class until after 4 PM.)
 
MARC Rider said:
It's also worth knowing that if you travel in November and December, Sleeper Plus passengers have unlimited access to the Park Car. (If you go in the summer, the Park Car is restricted to Prestige Class until after 4 PM.)
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I'll have to look up YouTube videos from people who have traveled on the Canadian in November and December. I expect a warm coat/hat/gloves would be essential for travel during that period, especially at "fresh air" stops.
 
MccfamschoolMom said:
I'll have to look up YouTube videos from people who have traveled on the Canadian in November and December. I expect a warm coat/hat/gloves would be essential for travel during that period, especially at "fresh air" stops.
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I travel regularly in November. A heavy leather jacket, gloves, and a muffler works for me. The prairies are the coldest area. It has ranged from around 0°F to the upper 30s F there on various trips. When it was close to zero, I was pretty quick to reboard.

They don't call it "Winterpeg"for nothing.
 
Within the last hour, the fire has moved towards the outskirts of the South Jasper townsite. Extremely concerning at the minute.

I also read CN opened their line again this afternoon? I would assume they will change their minds.
 
MccfamschoolMom said:
I'll have to look up YouTube videos from people who have traveled on the Canadian in November and December. I expect a warm coat/hat/gloves would be essential for travel during that period, especially at "fresh air" stops.
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I am a Floridian and I traveled on the Canadian in December 2011. It was 15 below in Winnipeg when I attempted to go for a walk. I lasted 5 minutes. I was wearing quite a bit of clothing. I managed a walk when it warmed up to 1 below.
 
pennyk said:
I am a Floridian and I traveled on the Canadian in December 2011. It was 15 below in Winnipeg when I attempted to go for a walk. I lasted 5 minutes. I was wearing quite a bit of clothing. I managed a walk when it warmed up to 1 below.
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And I barely lasted in Shelby (Montana) in October! It was like 16 degrees and I was freezing.
 
Unfortunately, the south end of Jasper is burning. Buildings along the outskirts are on fire, hopefully the train station is able to be saved. Maligne Lodge as well as the Petro Canada gas station are gone for sure. Most likely the fire is burning deeper into the town, but we can't confirm until it's safe to do so. It's going to be awhile before VIA & Rocky Mountaineer are able to come back.
 
Fenu S said:
Unfortunately, the south end of Jasper is burning. Buildings along the outskirts are on fire, hopefully the train station is able to be saved. Maligne Lodge as well as the Petro Canada gas station are gone for sure. Most likely the fire is burning deeper into the town, but we can't confirm until it's safe to do so. It's going to be awhile before VIA & Rocky Mountaineer are able to come back.
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I’ve received confirmation from a usually reliable source within VIA that the station building in Jasper has burnt down, which would undoubtedly delay the resumption of services between AB and BC.

Edit: the information I am getting now is conflicting, please take the above with a grain of salt until we have actual confirmation about its fate.
 
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MccfamschoolMom said:
I'll have to look up YouTube videos from people who have traveled on the Canadian in November and December. I expect a warm coat/hat/gloves would be essential for travel during that period, especially at "fresh air" stops.
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I went the first week of November. Winter Wonderland across the Canadian Shield. Cold and icy sidewalks in Winnepeg. Chilly at Saskatoon. Light snow in Jasper, got heavier as we crossed the Rockies. I didn't have full winter gear, just a Gore-Tex outer coat, a light down jacket, a fleece, waterproof trail shoes, light gloves, and, of course, a tuque. It's actually pretty warm inside the train, the only reason you need to worry about the weather is at the fresh air stops.
 

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