History of Passenger Train and Rail Service in Canada

History of Passenger Rail Service in Canada

Travelling across Canada by train is more than just a means to get from one place to another – it’s a journey and experience steeped in history, culture and engineering marvels.  If you’re familiar with Via Rail’s iconic Canadian running from Toronto to Vancouver or its Atlantic counterpart, the Ocean, between Halifax, Nova Scotia and Montreal, Quebec, you know it’s not just about comfort and stunning landscapes – it’s about the journey itself. 

Yet for all of the tradition that passenger rail service has in Canada Via Rail itself is a relatively new part of the story, providing a service that was never envisioned or a priority at the outset.  So, how did this transcontinental rail service come to be, and what makes it so special?  From the formation of Canada as a nation, to the dramatic beginnings of railways to its present-day role as an essential means of linking communities and luxury travel across the country. 

The Birth of Canada and the Transcontinental Railway

As one railway guidebook notes, the development of Canada’s transcontinental railway from 1880 to 1885 had everything, including political tensions, fear of American expansionism,  “corporate greed, political skulduggery, brave men, bankruptcy, war, danger, death, [and] glory”. The undertaking of the transcontinental railway would make British Columbia part of the fledgling country, forge Canada into a nation, create national heroes, and collapse the government of the country’s first prime minister. Beyond these dramas, the construction of a railway line from coast to coast was an engineering marvel that many thought would be impossible and the means by which much of the country would continue to develop and be shaped.

Despite the challenges, the last spike of the transcontinental line was driven in Craigellachie, British Columbia, in 1885, marking the completion of the Canadian Pacific line across Canada. Once completed, the railway would almost immediately prove its worth by enabling the fledgling nation to be able to quickly send troops across the continent to halt the Northwest Rebellion of 1885.  Proving that the railway was not just an engineering marvel but a lifeline, enabling the transit of troops, supplies and people from coast to coast, all while helping the young nation confront the looming threat of American expansionism. Ultimately, a very expensive undertaking, the building of the transcontinental railway was also a successful venture that bound the nation together and transformed the dream of a country from the Atlantic to the Pacific into a reality. 

Emergence of Passenger Rail Travel in Canada

The completion of the Canadian railway quickly led to an interest in creating a passenger service to the west.  Europeans in particular had a growing and insatiable interest in seeing the natural wonders of North America and the Pacific Northwest.   Passenger rail travel was soon seen as a profitable and attractive option, and on June 28, 1886 the first scheduled Trans Canada rail journey, known as the Pacific Express, departed Montreal bound for Port Moody, BC which it would arrive at on July 4, 1886.  

The potential to rapidly travel in relative safety and comfort by rail from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast was an instant success.  This CPR route would be in continual service until 1899, with the westbound train known as the Pacific Express and the eastbound return train known as the Atlantic Express.  As the nation developed, the western terminus would be moved from Port Moody to the community of Granville which soon developed into the city of Vancouver.  According to reports, the trains were nothing short of glamorous for the period.  First-class passengers were treated to impeccable dining, with exquisite food and fine wines being served.  By comparison, Economy or Coach passengers would eat during refuelling or service stops where restaurants and hotels were available. Train travel across the nation soon became synonymous with style, elegance and wonder, offering passengers glimpses of natural wonders and otherwise inaccessible locations.  Over the years, these trains would be used by settlers to see and relocate to the west, as well as by global travellers and explorers curious to see the western frontier of North America. 

The transcontinental train service would soon have a wider impact on Canada.  CPR would go on to establish a national telegraph network, support the postal service and begin to develop communities and popular locations across the country.    Originally, only dining stops, CP began to build hotels to bolster their revenue from passenger traffic.  Hotels were built in popular locations and at hubs that connected with other train routes.  

These luxurious accommodations were modelled after glamorous and elegant European hotels and palaces.  As William Van Horne, the president of CP Rail, once noted, “If we can’t export the scenery, we’ll import the tourists.”   These hotels can still be enjoyed today and are now some of the most iconic buildings in Canada including: the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, QC, the Royal York in Toronto, ON, the Royal Alexandra in Winnipeg, MB, the Banff Springs in Banff, AB and the Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC. 

Seeing the potential for profits, one of CP Rail’s main competitors, the Grand Trunk Railway, would also build grand hotels to attract passengers, such as Ottawa’s Chateau Laurier and Winnipeg’s Fort Garry Hotel.  Years later, Canadian National would also construct its own series of grand hotels, including the Bessborough in Saskatoon, SK and Hotel Vancouver in Vancouver, BC

Competition and the Rise of Canadian National

Given the success of CPR, others would strive to copy the company by building competing passenger rail services across Canada.  The chief among these rivals would be the Canadian Northern Railway and the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway.  By the turn of the 20^th century, there would be a number of both complete and incomplete lines across the nation.    The proliferation of so many railways that could not be financially supported by either the business needs or the population of the new country would lead to their collapse. 

During the economic depression of the 1890s, this situation became even worse and by 1917, a Royal Commission into the matter concluded that these lines should be acquired by the government and reorganized.  In 1923, the federal government did just that and, except for CPR, collapsed the numerous competing lines from Grand Trunk, Grand Trunk Pacific, Canadian Northern, and the Intercolonial lines into Canadian National Railway.  CNR was soon successfully and profitably shipping both freight and passengers across Canada. 

Modern Luxury

Following the Second World War, passenger service continued, largely relying on aging pre-war rail cars that were both dated and losing their popularity.  At the time, the new symbol of modern and stylish travel was being defined by the California Zephyr cars made in the United States.  These trains were streamlined, stainless steel cars which were built in a number of different styles, including economy seating and those with cabins, while others came with domed observation roofs and dining rooms. 

By the early 1950s, Canadian Pacific decided it was time to update their fleet, and in 1953, they ordered over 170 of these stainless steel cars from the American Budd Company.  This order included: 18 rear dome cars, officially called Park Cars or bullet domes, 18 Skyline dome and lounge cars, 30 coaches, 18 dining cars, 71 sleeper cars with berths and cabins, and 18 baggage cars.    

When delivered, the interior of these cars would be completed in Canada, and each would be named after leading Canadian explorers, artists, leaders or national parks. Canadian Pacific would officially name its new Transcontinental train the Canadian and began their new service on April 24, 1955 running between Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.   The look of these modern trains soon made the Canadian one of the most iconic rail journeys in the world.

Notably, at the same time CP’s main competitor, Canadian National, also began a nationwide train service, called the Super Continental - though CN’s service would take a different route, not be as stylish or even include dome cars until 1964.

Automobiles and Airplanes

Despite the purchase of these new rail cars that CP hoped would appeal to a new generation, fewer people would travel across Canada by train than ever before.  One study suggested that throughout the 1950s and 60s, passenger travel would collapse by more than 50% in Canada.  This drop in ridership is attributed to the increase in automobile usage and the rapid construction of both roadways and highways across Canada.   A situation that would only worsen for CP with the construction of the Trans Canada Highway in 1962.  In addition to this, air travel was increasingly being chosen by those venturing over longer distances.  The journey was now less important than the speed of travel and getting to the destination.

Rail services in Canada and America were not the only ones to have to contend with these new challenges.  Companies like Cunard, with its beloved Transatlantic Ocean Liner service, were also facing declining interest and passenger revenues.   

Despite persisting for years in this manner, both CP and CN would conclude that passenger service across Canada was a financial liability.  By 1970, CP  asked the government for permission to discontinue the Canadian.  However, owing to the need to supply remote communities and connect passengers across the nation, this request was denied.  As a result, CP reduced the operation of the Canadian as well as the services offered on board.  Eventually, CP would require government subsidization to keep the transcontinental rail service running even at these reduced levels. 

The Rebirth of Passenger Rail Service in Canada

By the end of the 1970s, a more substantial solution was required.  To limit the costly and non-profitable rail service while at the same time ensuring the services to rural communities, the federal government would, on October 29, 1978, combine the passenger services and trains of CP and CN into a single new crown corporation: Via Rail.  

Via Rail’s own iteration of the transcontinental service would use the name of CP’s iconic train, ‘The Canadian’, but would ultimately follow along CN rather than CP tracks.  The end result being that by 1990 Via was the sole transcontinental service in Canada but would no longer go to some of the nation’s largest urban centers, such as Calgary, AB, Regina, SK, and Thunder Bay, Ontario.

A New Era for Via Rail

In the 21st century, Via Rail’s Canadian train has experienced something of a renaissance. Although it’s no longer the primary means of travel for most Canadians, the Canadian route is still one of the most scenic and beloved train journeys in the world. The route spans 4,466 km (2,775 miles) from Toronto to Vancouver and takes 4-5 days, with stops in iconic places like Jasper, Winnipeg, and Melville, Saskatchewan. Whether you're a local or a traveller from abroad, this journey offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the beauty and vastness of Canada.

In addition to the Canadian, Via Rail operates several other routes, including the Ocean, which travels from Montreal to Halifax, and the Hudson Bay, which connects Winnipeg to the northern town of Churchill. Via Rail now serves over 400 communities across Canada, ensuring that even remote areas stay connected. 

The Enduring Appeal of Train Journeys

Despite all the changes over the years, the core experience of train travel in Canada remains remarkably unchanged. The Canadian journey offers a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life, reconnect with nature, and take in the country’s diverse landscapes in comfort. There’s something magical about sitting back in your seat, watching the landscape shift from the urban sprawl of Toronto to the wild beauty of the Rocky Mountains. 

In many ways, Via Rail is continuing the legacy of Canada’s early rail pioneers. Just as the original transcontinental trains helped bind the country together, Via Rail’s services continue to connect Canadians from coast to coast, offering a slower, more reflective way to travel. For those seeking adventure or simply a new way to explore this beautiful nation, there’s no better way than aboard one of Canada’s legendary trains.

See you on the trails and on the rails!