Catching the Canadian in Winnipeg

In May 2000 Ursula and I flew to Winnipeg, Manitoba, to attend a wedding.

With VIA’s Canadian being tri-weekly, I was hoping to see it since we were visiting for just a few days.

On May 11 I ventured to the Forks in downtown Winnipeg, an historic site, meeting place and green space located at the confluence of the Red and the Assiniboine rivers.

From the Forks Market Tower I was able to get a good view of the arriving eastbound Canadian. Here are some photos of VIA train No. 2 arriving at Union Station.

Photographs by Edward Ribinskas

VIA Extends Long-Distance Suspensions to Nov. 1

The suspension of the Canadian and Ocean of VIA Rail Canada has been extended through Nov. 1.

In a news release, VIA said sleeper class service on its Winnipeg-Churchill, Manitoba, trains has also been suspended through the same date.

“While there is still a great deal of uncertainty as to when both domestic and international travel will resume, VIA Rail will continue to assess how it can support the recommendations of the public health authorities in their response to the pandemic and in preparation for the progressive service recovery,” the company said in the news release.

VIA said that during the service suspension it will accelerate an inspection and modernization program for its heritage passenger equipment that began in 2018.

The carrier said it will contact passengers who held reservations for travel on the affected trains about reimbursing their fare.

Passengers holding tickets during the suspension period also are encouraged to contact VIA by email at service@viarail.ca

VIA can be reached by phone at 888-VIA-RAIL(888-842-7245).

VIA CEO Cynthia Garneau said the carrier will continue to assess and identify which measures to implement in order to get back on track as soon and as safely as possible.

Garneau said the equipment overhaul program will enable VIA to progressively bring back its long-distance trains to full capacity for the 2021 peak season.

VIA has reduced the number of seats available on trains that are still operating as a way to promote social distancing.