Train Journey Across Canada: A Detailed VIA Rail Travel Guide
Toronto to Capreol: Embarking on ‘The Canadian’
We commenced our journey aboard the VIA Rail train, famously known as “The Canadian”, on a drizzly Thursday night at 22:00 in Toronto. This unique train voyages an astonishing 4466 km from Toronto to Vancouver, with stopovers at several destinations along the way. Late August in Canada paints a picturesque view, tinged with a sense of nostalgia as summer is bidding its goodbye. A chilling sensation whispers of the imminent arrival of winter.
We alighted at the remote town of Capreol, Ontario, at 5:30 a.m. Even the VIA employee seemed surprised at our arrival, reflecting the town’s solitude. The ambience, cloaked in a thick mist, resembled something out of a Stephen King novel, sending an eerie chill down the spine.
Capreol to Manitoulin Island: Unraveling Northern Ontario’s Hidden Gems
Our itinerary from Capreol led us to the breathtakingly beautiful Manitoulin Island, a hidden gem of Northern Ontario. This island holds the unique distinction of being the largest freshwater island globally. The island is a marvel, with lakes nesting within it and several islands within those lakes. The Odawa name for the island, “Manidoowaaling“, translated to “cave of the spirit”, is intriguing and sparks a sense of adventure.
The island, studded with 108 lakes, is a piece of my childhood. A dip in Lake Mindemoya sends nostalgic waves, though the eerie feeling of leeches still lingers. We also visited a centennial family farm and relished the nostalgic storytelling of my Great-Aunt Margaret.
We took a trip to a farm that has been in the family for over a century and listened while my Great-Aunt Margaret told stories of the old sawmill that used to be operational there. I thought of my grandmother as a child playing and doing chores here and of myself as a child fishing for crayfish and minnows in the creek downstream from the mill dam. We also went to the local fair in Providence Bay and ate funnel cakes, corn dogs and caramel corn while wandering the grounds.
Winnipeg: A City Rich in Culture and Music
The next leg of our train journey across Canada brought us to Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba. Don’t let Winnipeg’s reputation as cold and dull mislead you. The city vibrates with cultural richness and a lively music scene, boasting a myriad of murals and a blend of aboriginal and western influences.
We spent considerable time exploring ‘The Forks’, the intersection of the Assiniboine and Red River. The nearby National Museum of Human Rights, with its impressive architecture, is a must-visit spot.
Winnipeg to Jasper: The Long Ride
Our onward train journey across Canada to Jasper was delayed by 10 hours. Despite the train being more comfortable than a plane, a 28-hour ride can test your endurance. Arrival in Jasper at 2:30 a.m left us without a place to rest. But thanks to the station master’s generosity, we found a temporary haven in the station.
This VIA Rail journey across Canada is not just a travel plan; it’s an opportunity to explore Canada’s diverse landscapes, from Toronto’s urban hustle to Winnipeg’s vibrant culture and Manitoulin Island’s untouched beauty. The trip may come with its share of unexpected twists and turns, but it offers an unforgettable experience worth every moment.
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I didn’t know you had been writing on your blog? Is there a way to let people know? Wonderful insights into your trans Canada trip. Makes me wish I could have been the proverbial ‘fly on the wall’ to experience it as well.
I’m going to start posting links on social media and I want to try and figure out how I can allow people to subscribe to the blog if they want to. It’s a learning process.