Across Canada by Train

Our train journey started in Toronto. Before we left we had time to go up the CN Tower but cloudy weather restricted the view. It was still pretty spectacular though, especially the glass floor.

The train journey west was about 3800km to our hop off point in Kamloops. The first part was all snow laden conifers and birch trees. Then the terrain slowly flattened out and we were into the prairies – think grain silos, red barns and massive flat fields.
The four hour stopover on day two in Winnipeg was desperately needed. We got off and just walked for 3 hours around the river front and city. Back on the train we were treated to a concert by a musician who was doing the trip both ways courtesy of the train company.

It is our last day now and the landscape has changed again. Snow and frozen lakes are back as we climb slowly towards Jasper and the Rocky Mountains. The expected skirmishes over seats in the observation car never eventuated and we got to see all of the mountains that weren't shrouded in cloud. We also spotted mountain sheep, elk, and bears.

It has been a very different travel experience for us. It has taken three days and three nights to travel two thirds of the way across Canada. You really appreciate the size of the country when you travel by land. The Via Rail experience has been very comfortable, with delicious meals and soft wide beds. It just takes a while to get used to the constant movement of the train. We are both looking forward to a big long walk tomorrow and catching up with friends in Kamloops.