VIA Rail Station in Jasper, Alberta. The depot (to the left) was constructed by the Canadian National railway in 1925.
In the spirit of a cold winter day I decided to re-visit an incredibly cold layover while riding VIA Rail's CANADIAN train. The Canadian travels from Toronto ON - Vancouver BC. A scenic highlight is traveling through Jasper National Park in Alberta. The train has a built in layover that allows passengers to disembark and explore the town of Jasper while the train is serviced.
With temperatures in the single digits Fahrenheit and a strong wind, this was quite the cold layover! But the quaint town of Jasper is quick to warm you up with it's small town charm and breathtaking mountains vistas.
With temperatures in the single digits Fahrenheit and a strong wind, this was quite the cold layover! But the quaint town of Jasper is quick to warm you up with it's small town charm and breathtaking mountains vistas.
Canadian National Steam Locomotive #6015 sits next to the CN Mainline in Jasper.
Walking out of the depot if you turn to the East you will see the historic Haida Totem Pole, while to the West is a Canadian National Steam Locomotive posed next to the CN Mainline. I can't help but feel sad for the snow covered #6015; she must long to run on the mainline again watching the modern trains pass daily.
Interior of historic Jasper Depot.
As I wandered around the town of Jasper, I would frequently dart inside the depot to warm up. I noticed many of my fellow travelers were doing the same. Fortunately, there was a coffee shop right inside the station! In addition to coffee, it also sold a variety of Railroad Gifts, a fine combination if you ask me!
Trains & Lattes - Yes Please!
The train staff told us it is not uncommon to see elk wandering around the town, however we didn't spot any wildlife during our layover. The scheduled layover in Jasper is 90 minutes in each direction.
The Canadian Rockies loom in the distance over the small town of Jasper Alberta.
