VIA Rail service to and from Prince Rupert to increase as summer tourism season nears

Whether it's a ride across the Northwest for residents to and from Prince George, or part of a travel excursion of Western Canada, Prince Rupert is on the VIA Rail map with an increase in service announced this month that will see three runs of the route along the Skeena and points east set to start on June 10th.

Service across the run had been curtailed to one trip a week through the COVID pandemic period and as travel demands now pick up, so too will the VIA Rail service along one of the most scenic journey's that the rail service has to offer.

“This is a celebratory and crucial milestone in our service resumption plan after an incredibly challenging two years. We look forward to welcoming more of our customers back on board our trains and doing our part to encourage Canadians and tourists to get out and explore this beautiful country for the summer travel season.” -- Cynthia Garneau, President and Chief Executive Officer. 

For the Jasper to Prince Rupert service the first run of the new service comes on Sunday June 12 when the train arrives at the Prince Rupert Station at Fairview Cove at 8:25 PM. 

Though VIA does advise that the launch of their three times a week service is subject to change owing to infrastructure availability.

Specific dates are subject to change slightly as VIA Rail is currently finalizing details, including access to the infrastructure

You can access the scheduling options as they evolve from the VIA Rail website

The Jasper / Prince Rupert route was just one of a number of changes ahead for the summer from the passenger rail service.

The twelve hour transit from Jasper to Prince Rupert is interrupted by an overnight stay in Prince George and the last stretch between Terrace and Prince Rupert can at times be a challenge for those with a time deadline owing to frequent siding breaks to allow for freight trains to pass through.

However, for those on a tour of the region, the rail journey is one that has been hailed for its travel through some remarkable landscape and one that offers a wide range of spectacular vistas for review and photo taking.

While the volumes of tourists that it brings to the North Coast are not particularly large, the VIA Rail experience does put Prince Rupert into focus for those making travel plans for visits to the northwest British Columbia

More notes on rail travel in the Northwest can be explored here.

An overview of tourism in the region can be reviewed here.