VIA Rail's northern Québec services are a pair of remote trains that leave Montréal together and part ways at Hervey-Jonction in the Mauricie. One branch climbs to Jonquière in the Saguenay region; the other runs northwest through La Tuque to Senneterre in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. They are working trains for the communities, outfitters and cottage country along the way — and a wonderful way to ride into the Québec forest.
They suit travellers heading for lodges, fishing camps and small northern towns, Saguenay-bound visitors who like the journey slow, and anyone curious about the Québec that begins where the highway map starts to thin out.
From the window
Both branches share the first hours out of Montréal, up the Saint-Maurice valley country to Hervey-Jonction. The Jonquière train continues north through Laurentian forest and lake country toward Lac-Saint-Jean and the Saguenay. The Senneterre train turns northwest through La Tuque and follows river valleys deep into the boreal forest of Haute-Mauricie and Abitibi — hours of lakes, logging country and tiny flag-stop clearings.
On board
Both trains are Economy class: comfortable seating, large windows, and light meals, snacks and drinks available on board. These are daytime regional services with no sleepers — the pleasure is the window and the unhurried pace, with request stops along the way for camps and communities, including, on some routes, the option VIA offers of stopping between stations when arranged in advance.
Before you book
- The two branches share one train out of Montréal and split at Hervey-Jonction — make sure you board the correct section for Jonquière or Senneterre.
- Both are full-day rides: bring reading, patience and a picnic mindset, and confirm your return day before you leave — departures are a few times a week, not daily.
- Lodge and outfitter stays along the line are usually arranged directly with the lodge, which will tell you its stop and meet the train.
- VIA allows requested stops between stations on these routes when booked at least 48 hours ahead with the exact mile marker.
- Jonquière connects onward into the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region; Senneterre is a small Abitibi town — arrange onward transport or accommodation before you arrive.
- 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
Montréal is the base at the south end — its Central Station puts the whole city at your feet the night before. At the north ends, Jonquière (part of the city of Saguenay) works as a base for the Saguenay fjord and Lac-Saint-Jean, while Senneterre suits travellers heading on into Abitibi outfitter country.