Looking much like one of the great streamliners of the early 1950's when almost everyone road trains, a 21 car VIA Canadian heads east from Jasper. I like this image because it clearly shows the train from end to end. It is approaching the end of double track at Henry House and you can barely see the end of a long CN freight that is waiting at the switch to follow the passenger train east. While the train has the appearance of 1950, the consist and schedule reflect a fundamental change in the market for long distance rail travel. Up front are only three coaches, and most of the train is sleeping cars that cater not so much to "travelers" but to vacationers enjoying a "land cruise". Instead of the old three night schedule between Vancouver and Toronto, the train now allows a liesurely four nights. But while much has changed, much has remained the same and the Canadian is a grand train in the best tradition. The stretch of track from Jasper to Swan Landing is one of the most scenic stretches of track in Canada, and that is saying a lot because Canada has a lot of wonderful scenery.
