On April 24, 1955, CP introduced its new transcontinental train between Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, the Canadian. In 1978, Via Rail Canada acquired the service, and, on January 15, 1990, designated the Canadian as its sole transcontinental service, between Toronto and Vancouver. The new service replaced the former Super Continental CN flagship passenger service, and continues to run as of 2023 primarily over Canadian National tracks.
The Canadian offers three main classes of service: Economy, Sleeper Plus, and, since 2014, Prestige. It additionally includes one or more dining cars, at least one Skyline (dome) car per class, a Panorama car (west of Edmonton), and a Park car.
Sleeper Plus and Prestige passengers have access to the Via Rail business lounge, if available at that station. Prestige passengers are offered exclusive access to a dedicated business lounge area. Sleeper Plus and Prestige passengers are pre-boarded. No smoking is permitted in any Via station or on board the Canadian, including e-cigarettes and marijuana. The Canadian will make extended stops at some stations, which allow passengers to step outside the train and smoke if they so desire.
Sleeper Plus and Prestige include three-course meals in a dining car, including non-alcoholic drinks during meals and coffee/tea/snacks at all hours. Prestige additionally includes unlimited drinks, including alcoholic drinks, with a dedicated concierge who will bring requested drinks to the room. Economy gives access to a cafe car with light meals available for purchase. A Sleeper class which included accommodation but no meals was discontinued in 2015. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is open seating, with an additional continental breakfast available in the Skyline car. Lunch and dinner are served in two or three seatings, usually chosen the previous evening. All classes have access to their own Skyline car. Sleeper Plus and Prestige passengers also have access to the Panorama car. Prestige passengers have semi-exclusive access to the Park car, a licensed lounge at the back of the train. Talks and activities are scheduled during the summer months. If a singer or musical group is travelling with the train, separate performances will be available to each class of service. Prestige uniquely has an in-cabin flatscreen television, with a selection of TV channels and movies.
[caption id="attachment_24128" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Deutsche Nationalbibliothek (DNB) – German National Library[/caption][responsivevoice_button voice="UK English Female" buttontext="Listen to this Post"]The German National Library (German: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek or DNB) is the ce...
