VIA Rail Celebrates 70th Anniversary of “The Canadian” Journey

VIA Rail marked an important milestone today at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station, celebrating the 70th anniversary of The Canadian—the iconic cross-country journey that has linked travellers from Toronto to Vancouver since 1955.

This anniversary comes at a pivotal moment, as VIA Rail undertakes the most significant modernization program in its history. Backed by the Government of Canada’s 2024 commitment to invest in a new Pan-Canadian fleet, VIA Rail launched a competitive procurement process to secure new locomotives and passenger cars to replace its Long-Distance, Regional and Remote (LDRR) fleet. The selection of suppliers is expected in early 2026.

“For 70 years, The Canadian has given Canadians a chance to slow down and experience the beauty of this country in a way that no other journey can offer,” said Mario Péloquin, President and CEO of VIA Rail. “It has sparked countless memories: children seeing the mountains for the first time, families crossing the country to be together, strangers becoming friends over coffee in the Skyline car. Its legacy is carried not only by the steel of the rails, but by the people and the stories it connects.”

The investment means a future of modern, comfortable, accessible and sustainable rail travel. It ensures the enduring legacy of The Canadian while paving the way for a fully renewed VIA Rail fleet nationwide within the next decade—enhancing the rail experience for travellers and partners across Canada.

“For seven decades, The Canadian has been more than a train — it’s been a moving celebration of who we are as a country,” said The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport. “Running between Toronto and Vancouver, it has connected Canadians to one another and to the vast beauty of our land. Through initiatives like the Canada Strong Pass, we are helping more Canadians discover the richness of passenger rail travel and strengthening the connections that bind our communities together.”