The real question is why wouldn’t you ride the train if you have the time and can afford the ticket. You don’t get to see those types of views in an airplane! This video series makes me what to do this trip.

@stevensteven5144

3 жыл бұрын

And passing through train stations is so much easier than airports.

@BryceCampbell

3 жыл бұрын

I know that Prince Rupert/Prince George, the actual difference between driving and taking the train (minus rail delays due to increased freight) is maybe 2 hours difference. Don't get me wrong, the drive is spectacular, but sitting back and let someone else do the driving while you take it in.. thats what's its all about.

@brandonshaw7619

3 жыл бұрын

On a train you do get scenic sights but you pay 5x what a flight would cost and come on you think a train has better views than a plane

@J_J1711

3 жыл бұрын

@Ari Parker That is why you got a like from me. As somebody with a PPL, I get it.

@OntarioRailfan992

3 жыл бұрын

cuz u can't drive across the ocean

I have loved train travel since I was a young boy aged 4. I rode British, Belgian and German trains in the 1950s! I rode the Wabash Cannonball between Peru, Indiana, and Detroit in the '60s before Amtrak. I rode Canadian trains from Niagara Falls to Windsor, Ontario, and Amtrak trains and high-speed European trains in France and Switzerland. I rode high-speed trains in China AND the maglev that goes from Shanghai city to Pudong International Airport at up to 400 kph! Mike, you nailed it when you said riding the train is a destination in itself. I'm a fan, and I thank you for sharing your experience.

@falconseyeaerialservicesll8176

3 жыл бұрын

Wkyken, I am jealous of U! I am so happy to read someone's comment on their World Travel. Thank you...

This route lets you travel through the mountains in daylight (if on time), unlike the Canadian and the fare is considerably less. Prince Rupert is an interesting place and from there you can take BC Ferries south through the inside passage to Vancouver Island. All worth the price just for the scenery alone. Let's hope this route is never cancelled.

@davidmarshall718

3 жыл бұрын

Or you can go north up the Inside Passage an equal distance on Alaska Ferries to Juneau Alaska, or a little farther to Skagway, where buses connect to Whitehorse Yukon and Farbanks or Anchorage Alaska.

@sarawhite8612

3 жыл бұрын

@@davidmarshall718 the Alaskan ferry doesn't depart from Prince Rupert anymore. A dispute about Canada's lack of armed customs officers is the reason why.

@davidmarshall718

3 жыл бұрын

@@sarawhite8612 --- OK thanks for that update. I travelled through there in 2007. Was it the USA who complained to Canada about unarmed Canadian Customs Officers, or was it Canadian Customs Officers complaining to Canada that they were not armed?

@Raynebow

3 жыл бұрын

??? Took the Canadian from Edmonton to Vancouver. There were some absolutely amazing views in the mountains during the day.

@harpguy1

3 жыл бұрын

@@davidmarshall718 It was US customs that wanted the Canadians to be armed.

Fun fact, my dad was responsible for the scheduling of this train when the CN still operated it in the 60's...

@johnpatterson4272

3 жыл бұрын

It was probably on time back then.

@sometea4741

3 жыл бұрын

My grandpa jack was a cook on the via train and on the cp.

@mrdeedles69

3 жыл бұрын

My father was a telegraph operator with CP Rail up until 1979. Hard to believe that still existed into the 80's.

@johnpatterson4272

3 жыл бұрын

@@mrdeedles69 More tangible technology that could be relied upon.

@redwingblackbird8306

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnpatterson4272 nothing wrong with knowing how to use a less primitive technology, especially if the new fangled stuff breaks down for a bit.

Years ago I took the cross Canada VIA Rail, from Edmonton Alberta to Amherst Nova Scotia. It was a truly remarkable trip, seeing places with no other physical connection to the rest of the world, that is to say, no roads in or out. Canada has a truly remarkable geography, from the prairies of Alberta and Saskatchewan, to all the lakes and forests and rocks of the Canadian Shield in Manitoba and northern Ontario, to the farmland and industrial areas of southern Ontario and Quebec. Then out to the Maritimes with its views of the Atlantic through the trees. Canada is a very beautiful place to live.

"The train is the destination!" Gospel truth.

90% of the containers at the port of prince rupert are actually headed for Chicago, the reason the port is way up north is because it's a day faster sailing time from Japan and Asian ports

I asked Google Maps how long it would take to drive from Prince George to Prince Rupert. Nearly 8 hours, assuming there are no breaks. Sure, the train on schedule takes skosh longer but your breaks were on the train. It's a win! And you also get to enjoy spectacular scenery without worrying about hitting a moose or driving off the road. Thanks for taking us along.

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly!! Definitely the more enjoyable experience!

@ttww1590

3 жыл бұрын

The views from road are epic too, and you get to pull in places you want to see more of. So many amazing stops less than 5 minutes off the road.

@thomascheney6083

3 жыл бұрын

It took 12 hours on the Prince Rupert- Prince George route. Delays do happen as the route is a major shipping route for goods from Asia going to the midwest.

@dtran1414

2 жыл бұрын

You cruised by my home town of Burns Lake. If you ever take a bike trip up this way, message me and I’ll hook u up with a hotel room. Our fam owns a few of them on hwy 16

I'm from Switzerland and the past three years I lived in Vienna, Austria. Between those two places it's a 9 hour train Journey which I took ten times per Year, the flight would be just about one hour. But the scenery and the comfortably atmosphere in the train were just unbeatable, so I never just had one thought to take the plane instead of the train.

I took that train from Vanderhoof to Prince Rupert and back in November of 2019 and the porter told me I was the first person to have the train stop in Vanderhoof in YEARS

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

😂😂👍🏼

@roleplayingpain4349

3 жыл бұрын

little odd comments are interesting enough for me to do a google search. I searched 'Vanderhoof Via Rail Train Station'. I was prompted to Via Rails page for it. I was greeted with: Type of Station: Sign Post. Services Available: Telephone. LOL

@notinservice3724

3 жыл бұрын

@@roleplayingpain4349 i had a piper pa22 airplane and would pick up my mechanics to come and fix in Smithers then return them after, they loved this part

@cambarkman558

3 жыл бұрын

I'm in Vanderhoof. Seen the VIA rail train blast through once. Should get a ticket for shits and giggles

When we moved from New Brunswick to Alberta in 1978 we took the train instead of driving. It took 4 days and 3 nights. I was 7 and my brother was 9. Such great memories!

Wow! It's so beautiful. I should move there! Oh wait, I already live here. It's funny that Northern British Columbians get so caught up with their daily work that we forget how amazing the countryside is. Hands down one of the best places to live in the world and we see it so often we forget how much we have.

@RealCanadianGaming

3 жыл бұрын

I can definitely say I take all of it for granted way too much

@stephenburnage7687

3 жыл бұрын

I moved away but miss it very much.

@Tre16

2 жыл бұрын

I ended moving to Alberta over a decade ago for work and miss BC everyday. Alberta sucks lol

@dlib902

Жыл бұрын

@@Tre16 can’t say the same bout NS

Back in the 1960s and '70s, when CN and later VIA operated this train, it ran overnight between Jasper and Prince Rupert with sleeping car accommodation. In the summer, it ran daily.

@WestCoastWheelman

3 жыл бұрын

Look at VIA's Canadian - back when CP ran it back in the 50's Toronto to Vancouver took 4 days and 3 nights and a normal person could afford it, now it takes 5 days and 4 nights and costs you an arm and a leg and your firstborn. Progress.

@frozen-curmudgeon

3 жыл бұрын

I did the trip in the late '70s as a youngin' with my parents (all the way to Winnipeg). the rec/play area below the viewing car was the best for an 8 year old on such a long trip.

@ace74909

Жыл бұрын

@@WestCoastWheelman its gets even weirder when you realize that via rail is pretty much funded by the government

"The train is the destination itself". Dude, with that sentence you have reminded me why I have become a railwayman in the first place! 👌💯

@fostoriadistrictrailfan3907

3 жыл бұрын

In the U.S its called Railfan. Thats cool learning all the different terms for other countrys!

@peterwy874

3 жыл бұрын

@@fostoriadistrictrailfan3907 If you refer to the term "railwayman"" - that's not a railfan but someone who works on the railways 😉.

@fostoriadistrictrailfan3907

3 жыл бұрын

Kinda thought so. Cool! We just call them Either "Railroad worker" or the Crew witch is Locomotive Engineer and the Conductor (Secondman)

@gemmaluescher-verseckas1243

3 жыл бұрын

You seriously need to get that on a hat or a shirt!

Excellent tour of Northern BC! There's a poetic magic to Canada's northern industrial communities.. Yes, our big cities are great - but being up north, and feeling like you're in an outpost in the middle of a vast area is so special. Oh..P.S. - 'Flexibility is Key' to travelling in the North - parked on a rail line near Smithers, or snowed in at Wawa in July - it's how it goes in the north!

@leaf6069

3 жыл бұрын

Our city's are shit

@canadaehxplained77

3 жыл бұрын

@@leaf6069 I've got to disagree with that one - they've got some good bones, and some great people - I just think they can be built a little differently to promote good community and business.

@rustyshackleford3263

3 жыл бұрын

@@leaf6069 thanks to prime minister black face and his unvetted immigration!

"The journey *is* the destination" - 100%, and why I'd love to come and ride some of these long routes, on these near-legendary trains! (And until we can move around the world again - or even my own home country - I don't know where you're going next, but I know I'm glad we can be there with you!)

@TorIverWilhelmsen

2 жыл бұрын

As his fellow Canadians in Rush said it: "The point of the journey is not to arrive."

As a Canadian who has been living in the desert for the last ten years, I sure appreciate the videos you are making. Travelled on train as a kid from Van to TO back in late 60's. Still remember sitting in observation car and sleeping in the upper berth. Guess my folks couldn't afford an actual private room. Also remember dining car. Complete with waiters and white linen tablecloth. Cheers.

Agreed. A train ride is the beginning, the fun in between and the destination...who doesn't love the train?! Thanks again Mike

@ebmaster1015

3 жыл бұрын

I never seen a train with passengers in it

@ryankiser294

3 жыл бұрын

@@ebmaster1015 really?

@ebmaster1015

3 жыл бұрын

I live in a town with -9K people

@bestfriendhank1424

3 жыл бұрын

Trains are over-rated

yo everyone, time for another train video. I wanted to say a lot more than that but my english is a bit rusty. Can you please make longer train videos ? I like the style of your train video. Looks very fun.

"The train is the destination" says it all ! These are the times we never forget, I know, I've taken the train numerous times and it was always because I could ! I've done Halifax to Vancouver three time by way of my thumb and twice by car. Always an adventure, alone, with a friend and then with the children. Next year (2021) If things go right we are planning to do it again, just my wife and I (I'm getting slower so we will be towing an RV) ! Always enjoy these videos ! Never loose the habit, be good and be safe ! Thanks

Oh what I would give for 12 hours of uninterrupted freetime sitting in such a beautiful place.

@jadeyes1

3 жыл бұрын

you would really love the 24 plus hours I've been on it LOL

@DanielPRails

3 жыл бұрын

Same here lol. 12 hours of just freedom from a lot

@nadogrl

3 жыл бұрын

With a mask? No thank you.

@mikejrexec

3 жыл бұрын

@@nadogrl better than sitting in the office with a mask for 12 hours.

@nadogrl

3 жыл бұрын

@@mikejrexec - That would suck. Thankfully, I’m retired.😊

"how do we get people to socially distance on a train? "Take away a 3rd of the space!" *Brilliant!*

@TheAtlantaRailfan

3 жыл бұрын

lol seems a little odd and I'm a little confused why they still attach the lounge car if it closed seems like just a waste of time and causes wear on the car.

@reza121du

3 жыл бұрын

Steve's trains, boats, and other things Maybe it looks better with the lounge car and it's aerdonyic

@TheAtlantaRailfan

3 жыл бұрын

@@reza121du The engine on the front is an EMD F40PH and the front of those locomotives are virtually flat with only a slight wedge shape so it's not very aerodynamic also the lounge car at the rear is a dome/observation combine so its got a big dome on the top which offers even more air resistance, finnaly although the rounded end of the car would provide some aerodynamics it would be much better if the car was removed as it would take stress off of the locomotive which is at least 28 years old (the last f40ph was built in 1992) probably older although it does look better the cons outweigh the pros Pros Looks better Aerodynamic Cons Stress on locomotive and other cars Matinence cost due to use ( repairs to wheels, brakes, couplers, electrical lines, ect ex) Dead weight Wear and tear on track

@reza121du

3 жыл бұрын

Steve's trains, boats, and other things VIAS F40PH is a GMD F40PH 2D

@Zyo117

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheAtlantaRailfan Not to mention fuel cost from the extra weight...though I guess that just counts as "dead weight".

I did this trip a few years ago. We stopped at a siding in the forest and got off to let a freight train pass. As we stood near the locomotive, a bear came out of the woods to munch on a small pile of grain lying between the tracks a couple of metres in front of us. The conductor could probably see how this could play out badly on her resume and quickly hustled us back on board.

*exactly* "the train is the destination in itself" I think taking the train is synonymous to life. You are on a path, a journey and you are not in control so just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, the experience. (great video btw. great views)

You can learn so much from a train trip.. the towns that you've never heard of. The people. The history. Plus you get a view that you can't get if you ride plane, car, or bus. This is well worth a trip.. To bad you did not get to stay in Prince Rupert much longer. Would have love to have seen more of the town, especially the port. Great video and content as always Michael!

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Christopher. Ideally, I would have liked to have had another full day in Prince Rupert as well, but the train schedule just didn't allow it.

Beautiful. I'm glad virtually no one in the Netherlands ever gets stuck on a train as long as you did, because our rail network is much more closely knit so you can typically go around a road block even if it takes hours, but we don't get the majestic views you did!

@jdigg2007

3 жыл бұрын

Yah unfortunately in Canada our politicians privatized our national rail system and passenger service was absolutely decimated. So yah, passenger rail transportation in Canada is effectively a joke and likely won't be around much longer. I'm positive more would use it if it was given priority on the rails and was made more affordable for regular people. Otherwise, it will continue to be a cruise on wheels for wealthy boomers.

I so agree with the way you feel about the train. I take Amtrak every couple years, not this one :(, from the West Coast to the Midwest and I love the whole thing. I've always had great train crew, some of the most breath taking scenery, met people from around the world and a chance to just slow and calm down. Sometimes being the tortoise instead of the hare truly is the way to go.

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

Well said!

I thought Vancouver got the most rain. It feels at times it rains 360 days a year. It is a good thing you were not in a hurry to get somewhere. British Columbia I feel is the most beautiful Province in Canada. Awesome video

@IgorRockt

3 жыл бұрын

Well, Vancouver actually gets on average more annual precipitation (47.24") than Prince Rupert (39.37") - and Halifax (where I'm living now), actually gets much more than both of them (57.87")... :-O weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-precipitation-Rainfall-inches,vancouver,Canada weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-precipitation-Rainfall-inches,Prince-Rupert,Canada weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-precipitation-Rainfall-inches,halifax-nova-scotia-ca,Canada PS: And yes, it's raining here today... ;-)

@IgorRockt

3 жыл бұрын

But when it comes to rain days/year, it actually looks a bit different: Vancouver - 165.1 days Halifax - 142.9 days Prince Rupert: 246 days - and that's where Prince Rupert got that title from! ;-)

@frozen-curmudgeon

3 жыл бұрын

@@IgorRockt Generaally The Halifax precipitation total has a fair amount of snow factored in, alot more than Vancouver and Prince Rupert. That being said this summer just may push Rupert higher up the rainfall ladder. 800mm (31.5" rain from June - August alone, August had only ONE day without precipitation) It rained alot in my 10 years living there and I knew it was more than the rest of Canada but that much rain is gonna affect even the hardiest Rupertite.

Nice to see the Skeena route is still going. I can't wait to take the Canadian again. Apparently they are totally refurbishing the cars during the covid stoppage. I've taken it 35+ times, both in sleeper and coach. Lots of vlogs on my channel (bilingual too)🙃

I've been to Prince Rupert on my trip to Terrace. Back in 1996. I was 14 and we were by car. That's why I love these travels... Well, that and more.

Terrific video! You've got the right attitude for travelling VIA. A year ago my friend and I took VIA from Thompson to Churchill. The train was 10 hours late on the way back (track work), leaving about 4:30 AM and arriving about midnight. It was great. That train did have full meal service, so that kept us cheerful. Keep on travelling!

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

Margaret, I just did that trip, and those videos will be out in a couple of weeks!

I travelled by train decades ago to visit my grandmother for a few weeks. The trip was one day each way. Really cool. A trip by train should be on everyone’s bucket list.

I am an American who legally cannot drive and so for me train rides are a world of joyous fun and adventure for me

Prince Rupert is a nice tourist stop. Loved visiting that town when we stopped there.

Love your positive energy throughout the trip! Definitely something you need on these types of adventures! Can't wait to see more! :)

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

Definitely!!

We did the Skeena Express about 8 years ago. We had taken VIA 1 from Toronto to Jasper. Delays were common place on both routes. Loved our lengthy stop at New Hazelton. We were lucky because we managed to collect late refunds. They don’t do that any more. We used the it to defray the cost taking the Ocean from Montreal to Moncton.

I think Riley questioned your entire friendship after that cowpuccino’s joke. 😂

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

😂😂

I couldn't agree more; the train is the destination.

My grandma took me on this train when I was a young kid. I remember riding in the dome with spectacular views of the mountains.

Thanks! Amazing trip and breathtaking scenery! For me, a very timely post - this past September, I took a train trip from Detroit, MI to Denver, CO (via Chicago). As a train nut, it was utterly amazing! As far as your assertion about the journey over the destination, I could not agree more. I am already looking forward to my next train trip - whenever and wherever that will be!!!

@DownieLive

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

The wet spot under the toilet is the sink only. Up until the early 2000s, the toilets would flush onto the tracks.

@janetyeoman1544

3 жыл бұрын

As a kid I remember timing the toilet flush at crossings. Entertainment for a bad kid.

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

Lol

@ALuimes

3 жыл бұрын

@@janetyeoman1544 You'd never get the satisfaction of seeing the results though

@beanman6684

3 жыл бұрын

And he said the car was last updated in the 90s... Interesting...

What a joy to watch. Thank you! When you "teased" that you were made to disembark, I thought maybe you guys had been misbehaving, and they THREW you off. Glad to see that wasn't the case. I join the others who put this journey on the "to do" list, once we're able to travel, again. And, I'll take the Coast Starlight, and Canadian connections to get to Via Rail.

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear Caty! Thanks! Enjoy your travels!

The train is definitely the destination. I did a long haul (three week), trip across the US and Canada on Amtrak and Via Rail back in the 90's, on my own, and it is so memorable and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Short and sweet......well done young man! Your classes were worth the subscription price! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Sincerely, G.T. Galimore Amtrak Engineer and 36 year railroader

As an European I find a bit difficult to not see trains as something created to take people from point A to point B (mostly because I live in a country where cities are quite close and train trips don't take more than six hours, if you want to go slow), but I see your point, that train trip is completely different from what I'm used to.

"On night trains it happens in different ways: sometimes you really want to sleep, but other times you won't sleep a wink during the night."

Looks like an amazing trip! I was lucky enough to travel by train from Toronto to Quebec City, with stays in Ottawa and Montreal, a few years ago. It was such a relaxing and scenic way to travel through a beautiful part of Canada.

Great trip! As you say the delays just add to the adventure. The scenery is way better than driving. When I was in college even though I had may car I used to take the train sometimes when I went to visit my Grandparents on weekends in the winter. It was so enjoyable and I didn’t have to worry about bad roads or blizzards. Your videos make me want to travel by train rather than drive. Thank you for the great trip!

Mike..awesome as always...I felt like I was there...the waiting and all...you are a superb cameraman...good job...can't wait to see more of Canada...one of my favorite trips was from Charleston South Carolina to Washington DC by rail...it was delayed by freight trains...still an awesome trip....don't know where your going next...but I will be there...Bravo my friend!

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks again!

@davidg8945

3 жыл бұрын

@@DownieLive no thanks needed...your the best!

loved Riley's bathroom announcement, drone views were cool as well. I still like the idea of travelling cross country by train, timing out from the world a bit and watching it go by and taking in the non foggy scenery, seems like a nice experience as long as your not in a hurry

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree! I hope to do it again soon.

@notinservice3724

3 жыл бұрын

@@DownieLive let me know and I could tag along and help

100% agree. I took that trip about 30 years ago with my parents and brothers. It was an amazing trip that I'll never forget. So glad to see it hasn't changed. Great video!

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Karl. Glad you can appreciate these kinds of trips.

I took the Ocean and The Canadian across Canada a few years back. Started in Moncton NB and finished in Abbotsford BC. The Ocean was an overnight to Montreal. Took the corridor between Montreal and Toronto. The Ocean was fine no time delays at all. During the corridor we were stopped for 3 hours making us late. The Canadian was due to leave the same night at 10pm but we learned early that The Canadian was not leaving that night so VIA had to put us all into a hotel. The train finally left around 1pm. The Canadian stopped often and by time we hit BC were we 24 hours behind.

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

Yep, that happens.

It's really cool that this train is a truly tourist train and only travels in the day (normally). I feel like so many of the sites on Amtrak get lost because you travel overnight.

@mikelastname1220

2 жыл бұрын

That's why I have never taken Amtrak from Chicago to Seattle. It's the Empire Builder, I think, but almost all the beautiful scenery takes place during the night.

I love the "why would you take the train?" Questions at the end. Made me chuckle.

@qjtvaddict

3 жыл бұрын

Those are all Americans cause they aren’t used to trains that actually do their job

I've taken Amtrak in the US from Miami, to NYC, to Chicago, to Colorado, to Spokane, to Portland. Yes, I could have flown in a day, but the trip was the adventure.

I’ve taken the train many times and was on one of the last trains from Montreal to Calgary. After that they all went to Edmonton. The route you just did was one I did by bus, all the way from Ottawa. Now THAT was a trip!

Well, that trip is on our agenda once Covid lets up. Consider the antique mode of travel you need antique entertainment....books.

Always great to see a DownieLive video..... I'm planning on taking "The Ocean" from Montreal to Halifax next summer. Hope it goes a bit smoother than your voyage on the The Canadian!

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

That sounds like such a beautiful segment of tracks. I really want to do that when I can as well.

In my youth, I rode coast to coast for my orthodontist (braces) appointments, and it was a 90 minute ride. Oh, it was the trans-isthmus railroad in the Panama Canal Zone. Not as picturesque as Canada, but there was plenty of water and jungle to see.

5:01 - I been on every mile of that route (I was working) and stayed in Smithers for several days. That 'glacier' is a remnant. When the train station was built, the glacier filled the bowl between all of those peaks.

Miniature board games come into their own at times like this. I always carry 3 or 4 when I'm travelling just in case.

Your right to be proud to be Canadian, I have visited many times with work, I've spent a lot of time in your beautiful country, East and West Coast, not to Prince Rupert though.... that is definitely on the cards. As a British person, I always feel really at home in Canada.

You've described VIA rail well.. I took the train from Ottawa > Halifax > Toronto > Winnipeg > Jasper > Vancouver > Ottawa ... in one month... spent 17 days on a train, no sleeper car, no shower, endless delays from freight trains, gas leaks, solar flares, etc. etc. but it was a great experience. You hit the nail on the head!

Thanks for the great video. I’ve always been a fan of trains, dreaming of taking “The Canadian”, “The Shinkansen in Japan.” And “The Ghan” in Australia one day. Your video is a cool way to show how fun train travel is and you’re right the train is the destination, this is definitely one to add to the bucket list. I had a similar situation when I took via/Amtrak from Toronto to Chicago and we had to stop cause of track issues, and we ended up right next to a farm house. It was cool as the family came up to the train and talked to people. It’s little things like that that make train travel fun. Keep up the great work w your videos, cheers!

I love the trains.

This route looked so beautiful, so hopefully it keeps on running for a long time to come. I love riding trains, they are always such a unique experience every time, even if you are on the same route over and over. Anyone can say they hopped in the car, on a bus, on a plane, etc., and while those each have their own experience (well ok not the bus, cause ew), none are quite like the train. The views you can't get any other way. The unique service you can only get on the train. The fun and interesting people you get to meet, and share stories with. All of which make me want to choose a train over flying any chance I get. Delays just add to the experience of it all. They can give you more time to relax, see the views, and chat with those new people you met, and even meet more people. Use the time to make more memories, not more stress. :)

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! You get it! Glad to hear it and enjoy your travels!

I enjoyed your train ride on The Skeena. My longest delay ever was 4 hours on a train trip. It was all about sharing the track with freight trains. I have taken AMTRAK on all its long distance train routes west of St. Louis. In 2009 I rode The Canadian back and forth between Vancouver and Jasper as part of an AMTRAK trip trhough Seattle. It's a great way to see The West. I saw a Skeena train parked at the Jasper train station and wondered about the trip you just showed me. Thanks! From St. Louis

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome Larry. I’m glad you finally got to experience it.

My dad worked the Prince Rupert to Terrace route in the 60’s then eventually out of Kamloops. As a college student I worked maintenance gangs between Mt Robson to Jasper many a summer . The memories are thick as you passed through the areas I spent my summers. I would like to take that train again to Rupert like we did often as kids on my dads railroad pass. You appreciate those memories more as you get older.

14:41 - that mountain in the background looks a lot like Lion Rock in Hong Kong!

An interesting fact to note is that cargo train companies own the lines and the passenger trains are given a lower priority.

@SebisRandomTech

3 жыл бұрын

Much the same in the United States unfortunately.

@TheIndecisive0

3 жыл бұрын

Well ya, all the money is in the freight.

@neosystem852

3 жыл бұрын

It’s a shame, the governments aren’t willing to spend more money to pay freight companies in order to give passenger trains the priority.

@geographyinaction7814

2 жыл бұрын

@@neosystem852 Passenger trains are a drop in the bucket compared to freight, how can you prioritize passengers?

@the_retag

2 жыл бұрын

@@geographyinaction7814 because a passenger train that doesnt have to wait for hours is one with way more passengers, while a sceduled stop for a container that was on a ship for two weeks is not much of a problem

Took VIA Rail from Brownville Junction, Maine to Montreal on 08JUN86. This was our Senior class trip. That was one of the last times the train ran that route from what I was told. Good times.

Travelled this route in 1990. Neither the great scenery nor the punctuality have changed (freight trains tend to get priority). I went Vancouver-Jasper (change)-Prince Rupert with 6 hours scheduled to see Jasper. I got 6 minutes because the first leg was late. But at least didn't need a taxi ride! Kudos to Prestige Hotels for welcoming you at 3 am!

The "Wet Spot" is from the sink drain....toilets have a storage tank that keeps sewage contained. Its not 1908 anymore

@jadeyes1

3 жыл бұрын

VIA stopped laying it on the line when these cars came into service

@NeonNion

3 жыл бұрын

In russia they dump 3rd and 2nd class crap on to the tracks.

I am so glad to see this video uploaded, the last week has felt so long waiting for the update 😂 I take my first trip on Amtrak a week from today and am so excited! I've been binging your videos lately and am loving the content. You make awesome vids with awesome content

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, Mason! Enjoy your firs trip!

@masonmcclenahan9861

3 жыл бұрын

@@DownieLive thanks!

I did Truro Nova Scotia to Montreal by myself a few years ago and I can relate a lot to this video. Met some other passengers, some delays and stoppages but still had a great trip and seen many beautiful views along the way.

I've done the full Canadian plus the short hop from Edmonton to Vancouver, I've done part of the White River (as it used to be called) from Sudbury to Chapleau and back, I've done the Agawa Canyon trip from SSM and many of the VIA Southern Ontario routes (Windsor, Sarnia, Ottawa, Montreal) but need to do the Halifax run and of course the Skeena (as it used to be called). I think I'd need to do it alone. Nobody I travel with would be able to cope with the potential delays. I can do it though. It's all part of the adventure. Thanks for the excellent trip report.

Well done very interesting . I think id like to take this train Living in Ontario BC Is just amazing to me. I have family that lives in Vanderhouf.

I’m Canadian and I wish we put more resources into train travel in this country. Europe and Asia are getting it right. Love your videos Sir! :)

Back in 1967 we took the CN ( in those days ) from Montreal to Edmonton , took three days I think . We had just arrived from the UK . Saw a lot of trees and lakes !

Ive been sitting in my tiny apartment for a year now and being able to go on this trip is amazing. This video is fantastic dude.

Omg you saw cn heritage unit lmao that is 100 CN!

I would LOVE to take VIA Rail anytime. Especially in the mountains. I LOVE TRAINS

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed.

@murraymaxwell835

3 жыл бұрын

And I very highly reccomend that one from Jasper right to Prince Rupert. However you will spend a night in Prince George on the way. As the train does.

Your videography is quite well done. Almost every time I pause the video, It's like a perfect screensaver. Canada is so beautiful

Thanks for showing us this beautiful part of Canada! I had planned to take an eastern Via Rail trip in 2020, but had to postpone it due to the pandemic and border closures. Still hoping to plan a rail trip in late 2021 and will definitely look into traveling in Western Canada.

So sad that the east coast of canada has lost CN Rail's passenger train services way back in the early 90's.....such a beautiful adventure..

i love the train ride from Prince George to Prince Rupert beautiful magnificent scenic view its so relaxing😊 The freight trains making it sucks! There’s 2 train tracks and both are use by the freight train, one for moving and one for parking freight train with engine problems😤 CN keep your stuffs moving!

@TevelDrinkwater

3 жыл бұрын

This is one of the big problems with Via, I don't think there is much effort on CN or CP to minimize waits. Like at the beginning, where boarding was delayed because there were freight cars *at the passenger terminal*.

@Zyo117

3 жыл бұрын

That's what happens when via rail doesn't want to build any of their own tracks. Canada is one of the few countries around the world where passenger trains yield to freight trains.

@MarceloBenoit-trenes

3 жыл бұрын

@@Zyo117 that is not correct, there are a lot of countries with the same problems, BUT in USA and Canada the delays are bigger than in other places. The issue is that VIA is unable to built them because nobody cares about passenger trains in Canada and it needs MONEY.

@MarceloBenoit-trenes

3 жыл бұрын

Sadly the Prince George-Vancouver BC Rail service was cancelled when the line was leased to CN...

@Zyo117

3 жыл бұрын

@@MarceloBenoit-trenes Where was I wrong? I suppose no, it's probably not just a few countries that have the problem, but of the 7800 miles of track that Via Rail runs services on, they own about 250. Their timeliness entirely depends on other companies not having delays. The delays are bigger here in Canada and the US because of the sheer size of the countries, and the fact that much of Canada is single tracked, as you might expect, so there's going to be not only delays from what trains ahead of you are doing, but because of trains coming the other way. CN rail likes to go on about their "precision scheduled railroading", but I'd bet Via Rail's track rights aren't a very high priority for them when they can maybe squeeze just one more train through the single tracked portion before Via's train gets there...

i took the train from toronto to edmonton once. i loved the trip. at the time it was cheaper than a plane ticket and i had lots of free time on my hands. it was a 2 and a 1/2 day trip and we were only let off the train 2 times, i spent all my time in the observation bubble and met some really nice people. id do it again in a heartbeat if i could.

I took the ferry to Prince Rupert in maybe 1970 and I can tell you, it was nothing like this! We walked for about an hour and saw only where trees were being cleared out for construction. We picked up a cache of old bottles that had been turned up by the work. Best thing about that stop, then took the ferry back.

I wish I could ride that. I'm stuck in Japan. : C

Us Boomers love the "Steamroller" GenX/Y epiphany.

@Mark.Taylor.

3 жыл бұрын

Take GenX out of that.

@kellyplumb7024

3 жыл бұрын

I'm 1964 the last of the boomers and man I love steam trains coal powered electric diesel any kind of train and travel I'm really enjoying your videos they're excellent and they're away for this grandma granny to share travel with my grandkids during the covid and after!

I love watching this. In 1991 I tree planted in that area. Later my brother married up in Prince George, and my best friend got her first real job in Vanderhoof. VIA Rail's dome car went off the rails when I was taking it through Clearwater. We got rescued and dropped off in Vancouver ahead of schedule, still in our emergency blankets. I was back about 4 years ago. Would do it again!

What I like most when I travel by train are the landscapes andwhen it is raining. Never been to Mtrak Train or another in North America, just here in Brazil where I live and we don't have much options.

Me watching this at 3:00am and not even being delayed by a train 😳

@lifewithjosef

3 жыл бұрын

0150 for me!

I took the train from Toronto to Vancouver and it took SO LONG. Almost a full day longer than scheduled and it already takes DAYS. It was torture. Sometimes when they got held up they would slowly run the train back and forth, which gave me the worst motion sickness of my life. I got to know the staff really well and met awesome people from all over, I really do recommend it, but you have to check your anxiety at the door, turn off any A-type personality assumptions about schedules, and pack whatever motion sickness meds work for you. I'm an islander so I didn't think motion sickness would get to me with all the time I've spent on boats, but this did.

An excellent adventure! Thanks Mike! I took the train from Toronto to Vancouver some years ago. Loved it, especially from Jasper to the coast. Look forward to your new adventures.

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds great!

Just found this channel and I'm loving it!!! Planning all my next train adventures because of you!! Thank you! Love the adventures!

I got this video dropped in my you may also like column this morning. First time seeing your work. I loved it! Thank you for introducing me to this amazing rail experience. Added to my travel list!

@DownieLive

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Awesome awesome awesome watched all 3 vids. Thank you for sharing you and your Dad’s adventure and showing us how Beautiful the North is and our Awesome Country! Keep it up and more Power‼️

Great video, guys. Great promo too (for VIA, trains in general, Prince Rupert, BC and Canada).

Ah, the joys of rail travel! We've taken the Via from Windsor to Quebec City many times. Sometimes we've experienced delays, but nothing too extreme... just enough to get a substantial discount on subsequent tickets, though. The Amtrak from Chicago to Detroit, aptly nicknamed The Wolverine, can be a nightmare of delays. One year, in March, a tornado near Dexter, Michigan shut down the track for 14 hours... and the heat broke down! (and the lady seated behind us had to call EVERYONE on her contact list to describe the scene!) Love the channel! I've even downloaded the Chek+ app to catch your "network" show. You've got a great attitude when it comes to travel. When traveling by train, the journey really is the destination. Keep up the great work!