Closet Canuck's Great Big Canadian Train Adventure DAY 12: Edmonton, Jasper and West to BC

We arrived in Edmonton early Sunday morning, and had an hour layover at the VIA Rail Station. As Alberta's capital, Edmonton is called the gateway to the north, due to its strategic location for fur, gold and oil exploration. The city is located on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River.

Daylight and VIA Rail's Canadian makes its way to Jasper, passing through Edson at mile 129. It's midway between Edmonton and Jasper National Park, and from there will be the first view of the Rockies.

The sun breaks through the clouds and blue sky greets us as we enter Jasper National Park.

Things were pretty quiet in Jasper on a Sunday afternoon. The biggest activity was the football game that featured the BC Lions vs. Hamilton Tigers-Cats that was on the TV at the train station.

Everybody back on board! After about an hour in Jasper, passengers reboarded for their final night on the Canadian. Tomorrow morning, Vancouver.

I loved going through the pre-winter wonderland of the Rockies, with snow falling all around us. And even played some Christmas iTunes in my MacBook. Tony Bennett's I'll Be Home For Christmas made me just a wee bit homesick.

One of the more fun loving members of the crew was Fabian from Montreal, now living in Winnipeg. Not only did he tend to the passengers on board in the dining car, he sang and entertained after our final dinner aboard the Canadian.

Photos by Sue Frause

Final Day 13: Homeward Bound to Vancouver BC

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