From the Pacific to the Atlantic - Crossing Canada by Train
2 October - 5 November 2024

Canada 2024
27 October 2024: Day 26

Halifax, Nova Scotia to Quebec by overnight train.

Introduction

Another cool morning so we rugged up in down jackets and set off for the train station by taxi. The VIA train to Quebec was scheduled to depart at 1130, so after checking in and depositing our suitcases we headed to the waterfront to find the Cunard Statue and the Emigrant Statue. Then back to the station ready to board our train. Once on board we departed exactly on time. This was an overnight service to Montreal but we were alighting at Sainte Foy, the stop nearest to Quebec City. We had booked a sleeper berth - it had bunks and a bathroom but was everything in minature. We soon headed for the lounge car - 4 cars away, which surprisingly we had to ourselves for a while. We had opted for the 1200 lunch in the dining room, reheated food but surprisingly edible.

The train headed north then west passing Truro and Moncton before heading northwest into the forests of New Brunswick. We had dinner at 1800 then opted for an early night. Our cabin had been transformed into bunks with a ladder, further constraining the space. It was a tight squeeze between bathroom and bunk. The train rumbled on, rocking as usual and slowing and stopping occasionally. The tracks here seemed in better condition than in other parts of Canada. Zzzzz!