You are presumed to be honest and responsible without evidence to the contrary beyond a reasonable doubt… on the balance of probablilties you are justified by 51 % likelyhood.
Between Vancouver and Toronto is one of the world’s most iconic rail journeys. Covering 4,466 kilometers (2,775 miles), this transcontinental trek spans five provinces—British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario—offering an unrivaled window into the vast and diverse Canadian landscape.Here is a detailed guide to what you can expect on this bucket-list excursion.The Route and Key Stops the full journey takes approximately four days and four nights (about 96 hours). The train runs twice a week year-round in both directions.While the train makes numerous brief stops to exchange passengers and refuel, there are several “major” stops where you have enough time to get off, stretch your legs, and explore the immediate station area.Major Eastbound Stops (Vancouver to Toronto):
* Vancouver, BC (Pacific Central Station):
Your departure point. * Kamloops North, BC: A brief stop, usually late at night or early morning, in the heart of BC’s interior. * Jasper, AB: One of the highlights. The train usually stops here for 1–3 hours, giving you ample time to explore the town of Jasper, which is nestled directly within Jasper National Park. It’s surrounded by stunning mountain peaks.
* Edmonton, AB:
A longer stop in Alberta’s capital city. The station is a bit far from downtown, so excursions are limited unless you have pre-arranged transport, but it’s a good chance for a longer walk.
* Saskatoon, SK:
Known as the “Paris of the Prairies” for its many bridges. You’ll get a feel for the vastness of the prairie landscape here. * Winnipeg, MB: A significant stop at the historic Union Station. Located at the forks of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, you can often walk to The Forks market area if time permits. * Sudbury Junction, ON: A brief stop as you enter the rugged, lake-filled terrain of northern Ontario.
* Toronto, ON
(Union Station): Your final destination, located in the heart of downtown, right next to the CN Tower and Lake Ontario.Important Note on Delays: Because VIA Rail freight trains typically own the tracks and have priority, “The Canadian” is notorious for significant delays. It is highly recommended not to book connecting travel or crucial appointments on your scheduled arrival day.Onboard Experience: Classes of ServiceThe class of service you choose fundamentally shapes your journey. The Canadian is unique in that it is not just transport; for sleeper passengers, it is a rolling hotel and dining experience.1. Economy ClassThis is the most budget-friendly way to travel, suited for adventure-seekers or those on a tight budget. * Seating: You are assigned a spacious, reclining seat with ample legroom (much more than an airline) in a dedicated economy coach car. * Sleeping: You sleep in your seat. While they recline significantly, it is not a bed. Pillows and blankets are available for purchase, or you can bring your own. * Meals: Meals are not included. You can purchase snacks, light meals, and beverages (including alcohol) from the Skyline car’s service counter. You are also welcome to bring your own food.
* Amenities:
You have access to shared washrooms, power outlets, and a dedicated section of the Skyline car, which features a scenic glass-domed viewing area. * Shower: There are no shower facilities available for Economy class passengers.2. Sleeper Plus Class (The Core Sleeper Experience)This is the most popular choice, offering a true classic train travel experience. It includes accommodations and all meals. * Accommodations: * Berths: Upper and lower bunks located in an open-plan section of the train car. During the day, they are two large facing seats. At night, a thick curtain provides privacy. Public washrooms and a shared shower are nearby in the car. (Lower berths are generally more expensive as they are easier to access and have a window).
* Cabin for One:
A private, small room with a seat that converts to a bed, a small sink, and a toilet (with a lid that folds down to create a seat). A shared shower is down the hall. * Cabin for Two: A larger private room with two armchairs, a private washroom with a sink and toilet, and upper/lower bunks that pull down at night. A shared shower is in the car. * Meals: All meals are included and served in the dedicated Dining Car. Meals are three-course, chef-prepared affairs with several options for each course.
* Amenities:
You have access to all public cars, including the Skyline dome car and the Park Car, which is located at the very back of the train and features a bar, lounge, and an even more spectacular scenic dome. Non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary. * Shower: Access to a shared shower in your car is included.3. Prestige Class (The Luxury Choice)Introduced as a premium, all-inclusive luxury option, this is for those wanting the ultimate comfort. * Accommodations: A very spacious private cabin with a large picture window. It features a modular L-shaped leather sofa that transforms into a double bed (on the floor, no upper bunk). The cabin has its own private, en-suite bathroom with a shower. * Meals: All meals are included, with a focus on gourmet dining. You can choose to eat in the Dining Car or have meals served in your cabin. * Amenities: You have access to a personal concierge. All beverages (including alcoholic) are complimentary. You have priority access and reserved seating in the scenic dome cars (Skyline and Park Car). * Shower: Your cabin has its own private, en-suite shower.Things to Do:
On the Train
The main activity on “The Canadian” is, paradoxically, relaxed contemplation. However, the train offers more than just watching the world go by. * Scenic Viewing (The Domes): This is the single best part of the trip.
Spending hours in the glass-domed Skyline or Park cars offers panoramic views of the Rockies, the Prairies, and the Canadian Shield that you cannot get any other way. * Dining Car Experience: For sleeper passengers, meals are a major event. It’s a chance to enjoy high-quality food, meet fellow travelers (seating is often communal), and watch the scenery change as you eat. * Socializing: The lounge areas in the Skyline and Park cars are natural social hubs. It’s very common to strike up conversations with people from all over the world. * Lectures and Presentations (Seasonal): During the peak summer season, VIA Rail often hosts an artist-on-board or a historian who gives presentations in the lounge cars. * Reading and Relaxation: The gentle motion of the train, combined with the lack of reliable Wi-Fi, creates the perfect environment to disconnect and lose yourself in a book. * Photography: The ever-changing light and landscapes make for incredible photo opportunities.A Note on Wi-Fi: There is no reliable Wi-Fi on “The Canadian” for the vast majority of the journey. Cell service is also spotty, vanishing for hours at a time in remote areas. Prepare to be digitally disconnected.
Costs and Rates
Fares on VIA Rail are dynamic, meaning they fluctuate based on how far in advance you book, the season, and demand. Summer (June–September) is peak season with the highest prices, while winter (January–March) offers significant discounts.Important: Prices listed below are approximate, per person, one-way and should only be used as a general guide. They do not include taxes.| Season | Economy Class | Sleeper Plus (Berth) | Sleeper Plus (Cabin for 2) | Prestige Class ||—|—|—|—|—|| Winter (Low) | $450 – $600 | $1,000 – $1,400 | $1,800 – $2,500 | $4,500 – $5,500 || Summer (High) | $600 – $900 | $1,600 – $2,200 | $3,000 – $4,500 | $7,000 – $9,000 |How to Get the Best Rate: * Book Early: This is the single most important factor. Prices rise as the train fills up. Book 6–12 months in advance for the best deals. * Travel in the Off-Season: If you don’t mind the snow, traveling in winter or the “shoulder” seasons (spring/fall) offers massive savings. * VIA Rail Discounts: VIA offers discounts for seniors (60+), youth (12–25), and children. They also have a “Discount Tuesday” email with last-minute deals.In summary, the journey on “The Canadian” is less a trip and more an experience. It offers a rare chance to truly feel the immense scale and beauty of Canada, all while experiencing a slower, more deliberate form of travel.
Help others that Don’t know were they are going as well.
Tour operator, no knows Canada better than Canadians.
Government Compliance
For a new entrepreneur in British Columbia, the landscape in 2026 is shifting away from “general” cash grants toward targeted support for specific industries (like tech, agriculture, and manufacturing) and demographic-based funding.Here are the most relevant programs and routes currently available in BC
:1. The WorkBC Self-Employment ProgramIf you are currently unemployed or under-employed (working fewer than 20 hours a week), this is one of the most comprehensive “entry points.”
* What it offers:
Financial financial support (a living allowance) while you spend 10 weeks developing a business plan and 38 weeks launching your business. * Best for: People who have a solid idea but need a safety net and expert coaching to transition from “worker” to “owner.”
2. Community Futures
(Rural & Regional Support)Since you are in a regional area like the Nicola Valley, Community Futures Nicola Valley (located right in Merritt) is often more accessible than big provincial bodies. * Programs: They offer small business loans (often with more flexible terms than big banks), one-on-one business counseling, and specialized programs for entrepreneurs with disabilities or Indigenous youth. * 2026 Focus: They are currently emphasizing “Business Resilience” and “Digital Transformation,” helping older businesses or new startups integrate AI and modern tools.3. Innovate BC & Tech-Based GrantsIf your venture involves any level of innovation or technology (including specialized manufacturing), Innovate BC has several active “micro-grants.” * Go-To-Market Microgrants: These provide up to $50,000 (covering 75% of costs) for sales and marketing to help a new product get traction.
* BC Employer Training Grant:
If you do plan to hire even one person, this grant covers 80% of training costs (up to $10,000 per employee) to help them gain the skills your new company needs.4. New 2026 Tax IncentivesThe recent BC Budget 2026 introduced a few “hidden” benefits that act like grants by saving you cash immediately:
* Manufacturing Investment Credit:
A new 15% refundable tax credit for businesses investing in buildings, machinery, or equipment. * Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit: The budget for this was increased to $53.5 million this year, which encourages local investors to put money into your startup by giving them a 30% tax credit.
Summary Table of Funding Types
| Type | Program Name | Best For ||—|—|—|| Living Support | WorkBC Self-Employment | Unemployed individuals starting a first business. || Startup Loan | Community Futures | Rural entrepreneurs needing capital and mentorship. || Growth Grant | Innovate BC Go-To-Market | Scaling a product or service into new markets. || Training Grant | BC Employer Training Grant | Upskilling yourself or a new hire in specialized tech/trades.
Entrepreneurship in Canada currently exists in a state of cautious optimism rather than full capacity. While Canada ranks highly (4th globally) for early-stage activity—meaning many people are starting new ventures—the “established business” rate is significantly lower. This suggests a latent potential where the spirit of innovation is high, but the ability to scale and sustain businesses is hampered by narrow profit margins, rising operational costs, and a complex regulatory environment. As of early 2026, many business owners are shifting from “survival mode” toward strategic growth, though they remain constrained by labor shortages and inflation.Becoming an entrepreneur is often a choice driven by a desire for independence rather than a lack of traditional jobs. In the Canadian context, there are no formal “degrees” required to be an entrepreneur, but the functional qualifications include high financial literacy, risk tolerance, and the ability to navigate provincial and federal regulations. Legally, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) distinguishes an entrepreneur (self-employed) from a worker based on control and financial risk. If you provide your own tools, have the chance to make a profit or suffer a loss, and decide how the work is done, you are technically an entrepreneur.
Key Comparisons: Entrepreneur vs. Worker
| Feature | Entrepreneur (Self-Employed) | Worker (Employee) ||—|—|—|| Income | Variable; unlimited upside but includes risk of loss. | Stable salary or hourly wage with a “ceiling.” || Control | You decide the “how, when, and where.” | The employer directs the work and methods. || Tools | You provide and maintain your own equipment. | The employer typically provides all necessary tools. || Benefits | Responsible for own insurance, CPP, and taxes. | Entitled to paid vacation, EI, and health plans. || Liability | Personally or corporately liable for errors. | Generally protected by the employer’s liability. |When to Make the SwitchTransitioning from a worker to an entrepreneur is typically recommended when:
* The “Specialization Gap” Closes:
You have gained enough niche expertise that your skills are more valuable as a service to multiple clients than to a single employer.
* Risk Capacity is High:
You have a financial buffer to handle the “startup phase” where income is often non-existent or negative.
* Market Opportunity:
You identify a specific problem (especially in high-growth areas like clean energy or AI-driven services) that existing companies are not solving.
* Autonomy Over Security:
You value the freedom to steer your own ship more than the “safety net” of a corporate paycheck.
Driven people do better at this then others “See a need and fill it” has been the most credible motivation for these sorts of things in the past.
Opinion
Help is available, local community futures organization or work BC. These organizations are doing these things often and will help somebody that has a ambition.
Both the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina, Italy, have just concluded. Here are the final medal counts for the host nation, Italy, from both events.Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics(February 6–22, 2026)Italy achieved its best-ever performance at a Winter Olympics, setting a new national record for the total number of medals won.| Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total ||—|—|—|—|—|—|| 4 | Italy (Host) | 10 | 6 | 14 | 30 |Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics(March 6–15, 2026)Italy also delivered an exceptional performance at the Paralympic Games, surpassing its previous best medal haul to set a new national record.| Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total ||—|—|—|—|—|—|| 4 | Italy (Host) | 7 | 7 | 2 | 16 |
Former Merritt Mayor Neil Menard at a Telus presentation in Merritt. Neil Menard was a great supporter of the merit centennials before the change from League. He did a lot for the team as far as gatherings at Voght park. Including using the team as support for community fundraising in Marathon running.
Neil Menard has passed on some time ago, but we still think of him when this entennials whistles go from the arena and the sirens sound when they score from the arena even if we’re not at the arena. Rest in peace, Neil Menard.
The relationship between the Revelstoke Grizzlies and the Merritt Centennials has quickly intensified into a premier KIJHL rivalry, fueled by back-to-back playoff meetings following Merritt’s transition from the BCHL in 2024. As they enter Game 3 of their 2026 best-of-seven series, the narrative is one of a “rematch with a physical edge”; the Grizzlies eliminated the Centennials in five games during the 2025 postseason, a defeat that prompted Merritt to intentionally “get bigger” in the off-season to match Revelstoke’s notorious grit. While Revelstoke entered this year as the top seed in the Bill Ohlhausen Division, the gap has narrowed significantly, evidenced by their 5–4 overtime thriller in Game 1 and a series of high-penalty regular-season matchups. As the series shifts to the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena for Game 3, the Centennials are leaning on their home-ice “battle culture” to disrupt the Grizzlies’ momentum, turning a once-unbalanced pairing into a heavyweight fight where every “dive” into the corners is a test of Merritt’s revamped physical identity against Revelstoke’s championship experience.
Update
At 21:06 The score is tied three-three with less then 4 minutes. Gone out of a third…
First day of last time change in British Columbia…
Spring ahead one more time with feeling ….
Clock Shock to end
Staying on Pacific Time throughout the year would mean staying on Pacific Standard Time (PST) and not observing Daylight Saving Time (DST). Based on the image you provided, which captures a tranquil morning scene in a cafe, here are some distinct advantages, particularly in terms of well-being and daily rhythm.
1. Alignment with Natural Rhythms (Circadian Health)
The image depicts people enjoying a relaxed morning, bathed in the natural, warm light of early day. This soft light is more readily available on Pacific Standard Time. * A Natural “Wake-Up” Call: PST ensures that natural light appears as early as possible in the morning. This is crucial for regulating our internal clocks. Waking up with the sun is a primary cue that synchronizes our circadian rhythms, making us feel more alert and less groggy.
* Better Sleep Quality:
In the image, people seem rested and calm. Forcing school children and workers to commute in the deep dark of morning (as would happen with a year-round DST clock) goes against our biology, which expects light upon waking. Year-round PST prioritizes quality, naturally timed sleep.2. Mental and Emotional Well-beingThe peaceful, unhurried atmosphere in the image would be a daily reality. The anxiety that often peaks during “spring forward” is completely eliminated.
* Removing the “Clock Shock”:
Eliminating the need to switch clocks twice a year avoids the widespread disruption of sleep that occurs during the “spring forward” (switching to Daylight Saving Time). This biannual change is scientifically linked to increased levels of stress, anxiety, cardiovascular incidents, and workplace and car accidents.
* Increased Productivity and Focus:
When our sleep is better and our circadian rhythms are in sync, our overall focus and mood improve. The balanced light environment suggested by the image—waking to light rather than fighting darkness—means more consistent productivity.
3. Safety and Practicality
The bright, visible street outside the window suggests a safe and clear environment for pedestrians and commuters.
* Safer Commutes:
Dark mornings are significantly more dangerous for driving and walking, particularly for school children. Year-round Pacific Standard Time (PST) ensures that for the vast majority of people, the morning commute, even in the middle of winter, is done in daylight. The light you see in the image would be a common feature of mornings, making everyone more visible and alert.
In summary, the key benefits of year-round Pacific Time (PST) align with the image’s tranquil, natural, and human-centric atmosphere. It prioritizes health, sleep, and a safer, more stable environment over artificially prolonging afternoon light.
Kevin Griffiths
percypaschal
The Proprietor Review 