On The Canadian

Today, Tim and I began the next phase of our Canadian Rail Adventure, which would take us from Jasper to Toronto over four days and three nights. Our train was not scheduled to depart until 12:45 pm, so I had time this morning to take care of a little business. It was time to have my stitches removed! 

I walked the several blocks from our hotel to the Jasper Healthcare Center, where I found an empty Emergency Room. Amazing! A very friendly nurse removed the stitches, noted that the cut was healing well, and placed several small adhesive strips on the cut as a backup.

No More Stitches, Thanks to My Nurse, But the Bruising Is Still Bad

After returning to the hotel, Tim and I caught a taxi to the Jasper Railway Station. Since we had lots of time to spare, I wandered down the street to check out the Jasper Information Center. This log and stone building is one of the finest examples of the type of Rustic architecture found in many Canadian national parks. Completed in 1914, it introduced a building tradition based on the use of local construction materials. I found it interesting that this Rustic architectural style was popular in both Canadian and U.S. national parks during the early twentieth century.

Jasper Information Center

The Canadian National Railway station at Jasper was built in 1925 and is one of Canada’s Heritage Railway Stations. It was one of the largest and finest stations to be built by the new Canadian National Railway immediately after its formation. In the waiting room, Tim and I reconnected with several of our fellow passengers from our Rocky Mountaineer trip.

Jasper Heritage Railway Station

Tim and I were waiting for the Canadian, a legendary transcontinental train that runs between Vancouver and Toronto and is operated by VIA Rail, Canada’s national passenger rail service. We had decided to take the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver and then begin our journey on the Canadian in Jasper. I anxiously awaited the Canadian’s arrival at the station and my first view of the distinctive, stainless steel cars that reflect the design aesthetics of the 1950s.

The Route of the Canadian - We Boarded in Jasper

Ready to Board the Canadian

As soon as we boarded the train, we were escorted to our cabin and discovered what the Canadian's Prestige class was all about. This “most exclusive” class of service included a large bedroom with a corner sofa that converted to a double bed, a private bathroom with shower, a flat-screen TV with video selection, a complimentary mini-bar, and an extra-large window. Our carry-on bags were waiting for us in our room.

Our Fully-Equipped Cabin

At the end of the train, we found the Park Car, the Canadian's signature vehicle that is the bar/dome/lounge car for Prestige class passengers. The Bullet Lounge at the very rear offers comfortable seating and great views back along the track. Upstairs, a raised observation dome provides panoramic views. Located at the front of the car is the Mural Lounge, which offers a full-service bar.

The Bullet Lounge

The Upper Level Observation Dome

The Mural Lounge - Our Park Car Is Named the Prince Albert Park Car,
Named After Saskatchewan's Prince Albert National Park

I enjoyed hanging out in the Park Car, but I took very few photos of the passing scenes. As we began our journey across the prairies of Alberta and Saskatchewan, I decided to simply enjoy the scenery and not worry about recording it.

A Few Scenes Along the Way

Tim and I enjoyed dinner in the dining car and found the meal and service every bit as good as what we had experienced on the Rocky Mountaineer. We have certainly been spoiled.

The Dining Car

When Tim and I returned from dinner, our bed had been made. It wasn’t long before we were both ready to call it a night. It had been a very good day.

Ready for Bed