Jasper Transportation

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Anyone thinking of taking Via Rail's somewhat expensive 4 day trip across Canada on Via Rail's route #1 "The Canadien" had best be aware that the best part of the trip, ie crossing the Rocky mountains, will be completed in darkness from not long out of Jasper until dawn breaks in BC, in the flat area around Abbotsford. It is amazing that this is not discussed in Via Rail literature as many people on the train were totally unaware that they were going to miss the most spectacular part of the whole journey.

The only way to see this incredible part of the rail route is to take the Rocky Mountaineer Railway to or from Jasper - Vancouver which is all done in daylight. From Toronto, this means leaving the Canadien in Jasper and depending on timing, an overnight stay to catch the Rocky Mountaineer the next day, which can add a huge amount to the overall cost of the trip but is something that is well worth doing as the views are incredible

When coming to or leaving Jasper by trian' one thing is for sure; you will enjoy your trip by train. For example, The SKEENA is a train that leaves Jasper (only). & travels westward to Prince George & on to Prince Rupert on the Pacific. This is a 2 day trip by train in both Directions. When leaving Jasper you overnight in Prince George & then on to Rupert. The same when you go east bound from Pr. Rupert; you overnight in Pr. George. Leaving Jasper you stop in McBride for a 30 stretch & enjoy the many little gifts & refreshments at the Gift Shop here. Then on to Pr. George. with evening arrival. We took this on our 25th Anniversary & it was one of the best trips ever. Enjoyable, Relaxing, and Romantic. You meet friends from all parts of the world on the train & leave with many memories & pictures. Don't forget to have plenty of film, especially when you pas the Bears standing on the side as the train go by and with their paws up, it looks like their waving. You will actually see this. The train conductors let you know when one of the many animals is spotted & they slow down for you to take pictures. This is a true fact you will experience.

A restored steam locomotive, CN 6015. This one is standing at the rail station of Jasper. What a great view!

This steam locomotive, CN 6015, Mountain type, sits beside the station on display in Jasper. It served for many years on the CN main line between Vancouver and Edmonton