Long known as the Skeena, this is one of Canada's great daylight trains: it never travels at night. You ride from Jasper through the Rockies and across northern British Columbia in two daytime stages, sleeping in a hotel — not on the train — at Prince George in between.
It suits travellers who want the Rockies-to-coast story without a sleeper fare, anyone connecting Jasper with the Alaska ferry or Inside Passage sailings from Prince Rupert, and photographers who want every mile in daylight.
From the window
Out of Jasper the train passes beneath Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, then follows the Fraser River down to Prince George at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako. Day two belongs to the Skeena River: hours of running beside one of the great salmon rivers, through canyons and coastal rainforest, past Terrace and a string of small northern communities, to Prince Rupert on Kaien Island.
On board
The train is Economy class throughout, with access to the dome car for the panoramic view and a selection of light meals, snacks and drinks available on board. Because there are no sleepers, your overnight is on land in Prince George — VIA is explicit that accommodation there is not included in the train ticket, so the hotel booking is part of the trip planning.
Before you book
- Book your Prince George hotel yourself for the overnight stop — it is not included in the fare, and the train will not wait.
- Travel light enough to enjoy the stop: you leave the train for the night with your overnight things.
- In Jasper the train connects with The Canadian, so it pairs well with a transcontinental trip — spend a night in Jasper rather than risking a same-day connection.
- Prince Rupert is the port for Inside Passage and Alaska ferries — check sailing days against train days before you commit to an itinerary.
- Pack to the carry-on allowance for the cabin and check everything beyond it: VIA's rule on long-distance and regional routes is that additional items beyond the basic carry-on allowance must be checked and travel in the baggage car.
Gateways
Jasper is a mountain town worth two or three nights on its own — stay in town and explore the national park before or after the train. Prince Rupert is a working north-coast port town; sleep there at least one night for the waterfront, the Museum of Northern British Columbia and a fresh seafood dinner.