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4.2 stars(17 reviews)
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Duration
17 days
From per person
$12,499
Tour code
CCP28
Mobility Rating 2
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View Dates & Pricing
Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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Travel in GoldLeaf Service on the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer and stay in five iconic Fairmont hotels on this overland Canadian journey from Nova Scotia to Vancouver
Embark on a magnificent small-group tour across the remarkable landscapes of Canada. From Quebec City's world-famous Le Château Frontenac to Vancouver's "Castle in the City," stay in five iconic Fairmont hotels as we journey from coast to coast.

Enjoy two daylight trips on the famed Rocky Mountaineer in exquisite GoldLeaf Service, admiring the spectacular scenery from the unique glass-dome coaches and exclusive outdoor viewing platform.

Marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of Canada's Rocky Mountains and discover stunning sights including Niagara Falls, glistening Lake Louise and the beautiful coastal towns of Nova Scotia.

Unforgettable Experiences

Traveling on Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service
Traveling on Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service
From Banff National Park’s snow-capped mountains to coastal Vancouver, experience two panoramic daytime journeys in unique, onion-domed carriages, learning about the region’s history from engaging hosts.
Staying in five luxurious Fairmont hotels
Staying in five luxurious Fairmont hotels
Relive the golden age of travel in the grand hotels that were built to accommodate wealthy travelers on the trans-Canadian railroads during stays in Quebec City, Toronto, Jasper, Banff and Vancouver.
Journeying across the prairies on the Canadian
Journeying across the prairies on the Canadian
View the ever-changing scenery of bustling towns, forests, prairies and mountains from the comfort of your private cabin or the observation car on a three-night journey aboard VIA Rail’s Canadian from Toronto to Jasper.
Marveling at the beauty of the Rockies’ national parks
Marveling at the beauty of the Rockies’ national parks
Admire glistening Lake Louise and Emerald Lake, the ethereal Athabasca Glacier and the wonders of the Icefields Parkway on explorations of Banff, Yoho and Jasper national parks’ incredible mountains, lakes and forests.
Cruising into the mist of the majestic Niagara Falls
Cruising into the mist of the majestic Niagara Falls
Experience the awe-inspiring power of Niagara Falls on a guided excursion from Toronto. Enjoy an amazing cruise amid the spray and thunderous roar before viewing these natural wonders from Table Rock.
Exploring Vancouver’s historic districts
Exploring Vancouver’s historic districts
Embark on an expertly guided sightseeing tour of this beautiful and characterful city, discovering historic Gastown, the totem poles of verdant Stanley Park and the appetizing food markets of Granville Island.
Savoring a taste of Canada at a sugar shack
Savoring a taste of Canada at a sugar shack
With a local guide, enjoy a sightseeing tour of historic Quebec City, before visiting an authentic 1920s sugar shack to learn how maple syrup is produced and savoring a delicious lunch inspired by this Canadian staple.

See Inside Rocky Mountaineer

GoldLeaf Glass-Domed Upper-Level Seating
GoldLeaf Glass-Domed Upper-Level Seating
Custom-designed coaches provide you with panoramic views. Relax in luxury in GoldLeaf service with a spacious seat on the upper level of a bi-level coach.  
GoldLeaf Dedicated Dining Room
GoldLeaf Dedicated Dining Room
Enjoy elegantly plated meals prepared with local ingredients from the comfort of a dedicated lower-level dining room – All the while, sprawling views of the Rocky Mountains will be unfolding right outside your window.
GoldLeaf Outdoor Viewing Platform
GoldLeaf Outdoor Viewing Platform
Step out onto your exclusive outdoor viewing platform to get closer to the action.  
Award-Winning Service
Award-Winning Service
Rocky Mountaineer hosts are dedicated to making your onboard experience as memorable as the scenery outside.
SilverLeaf Oversized Domed Windows
SilverLeaf Oversized Domed Windows
Oversized windows give you a clean, crisp view with ample opportunities for photography. Take in all the views from the comfort of your reclining chair. Or you can get a little bit closer in the outdoor viewing area.
SilverLeaf in-seat dining service
SilverLeaf in-seat dining service
Enjoy locally inspired gourmet meals served in the comfort of your seat. It might even take your eyes away from the window, at least for a little while.

What’s included on the tour?

Landmark Vacations - An Elevated Take on Travel

The journey itself is an integral part of your vacation, and with this, we have created our most luxurious range of products yet, Landmark Vacations. Travel in comfort and style as you explore alongside a group of no more than 25 guests, enjoying one-of-a-kind experiences and unique accommodations not available to larger groups.

Itinerary

DAY1Your journey begins in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Your cross-country vacation begins today in the attractive city of Halifax, located on Canada's charming Atlantic Coast. On arrival, make your own way to our hotel. Upon checking in and meeting the Tour Manager, the rest of the evening is yours to relax or explore.

One of the most important Canadian commercial ports on the Atlantic seaboard, Halifax retains many of its historic seafaring traditions. Today, it's a cultural center of the Maritimes, with plenty of scenic parks, ocean views and a vibrant food and drink scene.

You might choose to visit Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, one of the world's longest downtown boardwalks, where you can see street performances and try delicious food, or head downtown to visit one of Halifax's many acclaimed restaurants. Overnight Halifax.

DAY2Exploring Canada’s Ocean Playground

With an expert local guide, we explore Nova Scotia, a historic land of fishing villages and coves dappled with small bobbing boats and wooded islands.

Our first stop is Peggy's Cove, a tiny settlement of colorful buildings on a headland dotted with wave-battered boulders. Keeping seafarers safe for more than a century, Peggy's Point Lighthouse still stands on a granite outcropping facing the wild Atlantic. While exploring the coast, look out for traditional inukshuks, age-old rock structures used by the native Inuit to navigate the frozen north. Later, a scenic drive takes us to picturesque Mahone Bay, a village adorned with rustic Gothic revival buildings. Next, we visit the UNESCO-listed harbor town of Lunenburg, where the bright colors of the waterfront houses along Bluenose Drive are reflected in the waters.

Tonight, you dine independently in Halifax, and you might try a local specialty like chowder or the famed Digby scallops. Overnight Halifax.

DAY3An overnight journey on VIA Rail’s Ocean

After a final morning in Halifax, we transfer to the station this afternoon as our rail journey begins.

Boarding VIA Rail's Ocean service, we settle into private sleeper cabins for an overnight journey to Quebec City. Soak up the scenery streaming past your window as our train makes its way toward Moncton before crossing the Miramichi River amidst dense spruce forests. In the dining car, enjoy a three-course lunch and dinner accompanied by local Canadian wines.

During the night, we continue to Chaleur Bay and cross into New Brunswick before making our way along the widening mouth of the St Lawrence River. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Lunch, Dinner
DAY4Quebec City & a traditional sugar shack

We wake up this morning in Quebec City and transfer to our hotel, the elegant five-star Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Built in 1893 and considered the most photographed hotel in the world, the Frontenac was the first of the iconic castle-like hotels constructed to attract tourists to the trans-Canadian railways.

Next, we take a guided sightseeing tour of the city. Our guide introduces us to the local history, including the conflicts between France, Great Britain and the United States that led to Canada's founding in 1867. The British gained control of Quebec City in 1759 after the French surrender at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. Constructed between 1820 and 1850 on early French fortifications, the star-shaped citadel of this city protected British North America.

After visiting the battlefield overlooking the St. Lawrence River, we transfer by coach to an authentic 1920s sugar shack where maple syrup is produced. Surrounded by a maple forest, we learn the history of the syrup on a short tour followed by a tasting of this Canadian staple. Afterward, we sit down for a three-course lunch of traditional, maple syrup-inspired food. In the afternoon, we return to the hotel, and the rest of the day is free to explore the city. Overnight Quebec City.

Includes
  • Lunch
DAY5VIA Rail’s Corridor Service to Toronto

Today, we board VIA Rail's train service to Montreal. Following the course of the St Lawrence River and the shores of Lake Ontario, we arrive in this UNESCO City of Design in the early evening and continue to Toronto.

We arrive in Toronto's Union Station, Canada's largest and most elegant railroad station. The monumental Great Hall has a two-story-high vaulted ceiling while its resplendent limestone exterior is dominated by Romanesque columns. Built in 1927, this glorious Beaux-Arts structure is the third incarnation of the station, a testament to the importance of railroads in connecting Canada.

We transfer to our historic Downtown hotel, which has housed numerous luminaries, including Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, the Beatles and Louis Armstrong. In the evening, you could spend your free time unwinding or exploring Canada's most populous city. Overnight Toronto.

DAY6Cruising amid the mist of spectacular Niagara Falls

One of the many highlights of this grand trans-Canadian journey awaits today as an expert local guide joins us on a coach for a full-day trip to Niagara Falls. Connecting the Great Lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara River plunges down three astonishing waterfalls.

On arrival, we set sail on a cruise to get closer to one of the world's most impressive natural sights. Sporting our protective ponchos, we marvel at the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the iconic Horseshoe Falls amid clouds of spray and the thunderous roar of the water. Back on shore, we lunch independently in one of Niagara's restaurants before viewing the falls from above at Table Rock.

Continuing our exploration, we reach the whirlpool where the river bursts out of the Niagara Gorge. We conclude our excursion in the pretty town of Niagara on the Lake, where we have leisure time to stroll its quaint streets. Returning to Toronto, you can relive the day's dramatic sights while dining independently. Choose from a range of international cuisines or enjoy a fine dining experience in one of the city's acclaimed restaurants. Overnight Toronto.

DAY7Across the Canadian Shield on VIA Rail’s Canadian

In the morning, we transfer to the railroad station for one of the world's most epic train journeys. Boarding the steel carriages of VIA Rail's Canadian, we settle into our private cabins* for a three-night ride across Canada to Jasper.

Watch the city disappear into the distance as we glide northwest through the pristine Canadian wilderness. Ontario's countryside, with its prairies, lakes and charming towns fly past the windows. We reach Sudbury Junction and roll over the Canadian Shield, an expansive region of ancient rock encircling Hudson Bay. One of the oldest geologic areas on Earth, the Canadian Shield lacks topsoil in many places, leaving the rugged, reddish rock exposed.

You could spend time in the scenic Park car, where panoramic views of the passing wilderness surround you. In the dining car, enjoy freshly cooked meals, regional dishes and Canadian wines. Overnight train.

*Please note: upgrades to Prestige Class cabins on VIA Rail's Canadian available upon request. Please contact our expert team for availability.

Includes
  • Lunch, Dinner
DAY8Into the great wide open of Canada’s plains

Waking up to our first full day on the Canadian, we are welcomed to Winnipeg, considered the geographical center of Canada. We enjoy breakfast on board as we cross into Manitoba, a province with more than 100,000 lakes stretching all the way up to the shores of Hudson Bay.

Later, we travel through the southern plains of Saskatchewan, a province aptly called Canada's "Land of the Living Skies." This region's wide-open grasslands reveal Canada's skies at their liveliest, showcasing beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and the spectacular Northern Lights in winter. With nearly half of its 1.2 million residents living in its largest city, Saskatchewan's wild plains are home to deer, eagles and, occasionally, antelope, moose and bison.

With the endless grasslands of the Great Plains stretching as far as the eye can see, look out for small towns and farms passing by our windows as the Canadian rolls on. Lunch and dinner are also served onboard. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY9Crossing beautiful Alberta

Today, the scenery of remote settlements and serene lakes dotting the landscape transforms into views of glaciers, plunging canyons, soaring mountains and endless pine forests. Watch the Athabasca River flow beside the train as we travel toward the Rocky Mountains.

As the train approaches the region's capital of Edmonton, we see vast forests and distant mountains, contrasting with the previous day's prairie views. From the panoramic Park car, enjoy all-encompassing views of the Alberta countryside.

Enjoy a three-course lunch and dinner onboard. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY10Arrival in Jasper

On our final morning aboard VIA Rail's Canadian, we arrive in Jasper, a traditional mountain town nestled in the Canadian Rockies. Established in 1813, Jasper began as a fur trade outpost, evolving into a railway town and finally a tourist destination at the heart of Canada's largest Rocky Mountain park.

We check in to the luxury Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge resort, set in 700 acres of parkland overlooking the serene Beauvert Lake and majestic mountains in a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

Later, you have time to wander around Jasper. Despite being one of the most important towns for miles and a popular destination for visitors to the Rockies, it retains a calm, small-town feel. You might stop by Two Brothers Totem Pole, a towering 44-feet-high cultural icon on the main road. Watch out for statues of Jasper the Bear, the town's friendly mascot. Overnight Jasper.

DAY11Exploring Jasper independently

Today is free to explore the charming town of Jasper and the beautiful national park.

In this UNESCO World Heritage site, you can enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, glacial rivers and expansive forests. Admire Maligne Lake, the largest glacier-fed body of water in the region. If you're lucky, you may spot some of the park's wildlife. Jasper is home to a wide range of species, including grey wolves, hoary marmot, caribou and moose.

You might also choose to explore downtown Jasper, a lovely area with a small community and a laid-back atmosphere. Explore the many shops, restaurants and historical sites at leisure. Enjoy dinner tonight at the hotel. Overnight Jasper.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY12Along the incredible Icefields Parkway to Banff

Leaving Jasper this morning, we journey by coach along the famous Icefields Parkway, a 144-mile road between Jasper and Banff that passes through breathtaking scenery.

After a brief stop at the Athabasca Falls, we continue toward the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center to gather for an included excursion on the giant, all-terrain bus known as the Ice Explorer. On this iconic Canadian Rockies experience, we ride across the ice field to the otherworldly Athabasca Glacier, where we disembark and step onto the ancient ice, before taking a shuttle to the glass-floored Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Alternatively, you might like to explore the area or enjoy lunch independently at one of the Discovery Center's restaurants.

Later, we travel by coach toward Peyto Lake, passing rugged mountains and a blanket of pine forests, before admiring the stunning turquoise waters of the lake. Finally, we journey through the Canadian Rockies, past many of its highest and most formidable peaks. On arrival in Banff, we check in to the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs, one of the most historic properties in this charming mountain town, built in eye-catching Scottish Baronial style. Overnight Banff.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY13The beauty of the Rockies’ national parks

In the morning, we explore this sensational part of the world by motorcoach. Our first destination is the glacial Emerald Lake. Looking out at the pristine turquoise waters, it's easy to see why the lake was given its name.

Next, we travel to Lake Louise, another stunning body of water and one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies. Now a symbol for the region, Lake Louise is even more incredible in person.

Another highlight of today's coach journey is observing the famous Spiral Tunnels, where trains curve through the mountains in loops. Our route takes us within view of this engineering marvel in Kicking Horse Pass, once a foreboding environment for 19th-century pioneers. On returning to the hotel, we enjoy dinner together. Overnight Banff.

Please note: the Spiral Tunnels viewpoint is open from mid-May.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY14Boarding Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf

Today brings one of this vacation's highlights - a daylight journey on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops. We travel in GoldLeaf Service, enjoying stunning panoramic views from glass-domed cars on the upper level and delicious gourmet meals featuring local produce in the dedicated dining room. As we relax in our spacious seats, we can enjoy the award-winning service provided by dedicated hosts who tell stories about passing landmarks, announce wildlife sightings and top up our glasses of wine.

Soak up the pristine landscapes as our train winds through Banff National Park, with its towering peaks and glittering lakes, before crossing the Continental Divide. Look out for Castle Mountain, a towering outcropping named for its resemblance to an early medieval castle. For a closer look at the scenery, you might step out onto your exclusive outdoor viewing platform.

Along the shore of sprawling Shuswap Lake, look out for the mythical Shuswaggi, an eight-foot lake monster bearing a remarkable resemblance to Scotland's Nessie. In Kamloops, we disembark for an overnight stay. Overnight Kamloops.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY15Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver

Our luxurious Rocky Mountaineer journey continues this morning along one of the most dramatic stretches of the line. We pass through green forests and dramatic valleys, home to an abundance of Canadian wildlife, along the Thompson and Fraser canyons. Another beautiful spot is Rainbow Canyon, where myriad colors are reflected in the rocks. Look out for hoodoos, the tall, skinny spires of rock which protrude from the arid Thompson Plateau. Local mythology describes these as giants, turned to stone by the Great Spirit.

Our Rocky Mountaineer journey comes to an end as we arrive in Vancouver and check in to our elegant Fairmont hotel in the heart of Downtown, set amongst high-end boutiques and impressive art galleries. Known as the "Castle in the City" due to its Châteauesque copper pitched roof, Hotel Vancouver is one of Canada's grand railroad hotels.

In the evening, you have time at leisure to unwind or head out to try some of western Canada's finest cuisine, including top-class seafood like salmon, oysters and Dungeness crab, or delicious local versions of Asian and Mexican dishes. Overnight Vancouver.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY16Exploring the sights of Vancouver

Today, we discover Vancouver's most characterful and historic districts with a local guide. One key destination is Gastown, a charming area named after talkative sailor and barman "Gassy" Jack Deighton. Redbrick Victorian buildings dot the tree-lined streets surrounding pretty Maple Tree Square. Many upmarket fashion boutiques, contemporary coffee shops, art galleries and the famous Gastown Steam Clock can be found here.

Crossing East Hastings Street, we arrive in the largest Chinatown in Canada, where we relish the sights and sounds of the lively streets and tranquil squares. From leafy Stanley Park with its colorful totem poles celebrating local Native American history, we travel to Granville Island, a buzzing district boasting independent stores and mouthwatering food markets.

After the tour, the rest of the day is free to explore independently. You can spend time on Granville Island or return to our landmark city center hotel. For dinner this evening, indulge at a restaurant nearby. Overnight Vancouver.

DAY17Traveling home

On this spectacular trip, we stayed in iconic Fairmont hotels and journeyed on the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer in premium GoldLeaf Service, crossing the world's second-biggest country and witnessing many highlights.

From Halifax, where we viewed some of Nova Scotia's most attractive towns, and a night in the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac to visiting an authentic sugar shack and the majestic Niagara Falls, the experiences we had are unforgettable. After time in Toronto, we traveled on board the VIA Rail's Canadian train for three nights. The beautiful national parks around Banff and Jasper were followed by awe-inspiring vistas on Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver.

Your grand journey comes to a close this morning upon checking out of our Vancouver hotel, and you are free to begin your travels home.

Additional information

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

Hotels

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff
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The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax
The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax
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Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper
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Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City
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The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto
The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto
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Fairmont Hotel, Vancouver
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Trains

More information about the different trains used on this tour.

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Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer

The world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer train offers a unique and memorable trip through one of the most diverse countries in the world. On board, you'll see spectacular vistas that you can't experience through any other mode of travel, all viewed through a stunning panoramic glass dome so you won't miss a thing.

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VIA Rail's Canadian
VIA Rail's Canadian

On The Canadian, we experience an epic journey through Canada, highlighting constantly changing landscapes and dramatic scenery. The train ventures between coastal Vancouver, the stunning Rocky Mountains and the modern city of Toronto on a 2,775-mile route, providing travellers with up to four nights of classic overnight rail travel.

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VIA Rail's Ocean
VIA Rail's Ocean

he Ocean passes through some of Canada's most breathtaking backdrops, weaving into the Monteregie Hills and along the coast of Baie-des-Chaleur, on its overnight journey between Montreal and Halifax. Covering over 835 miles in Eastern Canada and presenting breathtaking scenery of the countryside, the Atlantic Ocean and small coastal towns, the train offers a classic rail experience.

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VIA Rail's Canadian Prestige Class
VIA Rail's Canadian Prestige Class

The Canadian is a truly iconic train and transports us in restored carriages across the country in comfort. Enjoy freshly prepared meals while on board and spend relaxed daytime hours lounging in the armchairs of the Bullet Lounge, where panoramic windows immerse us in beautiful, everchanging landscapes. We travel in comfortable curtained berths on The Canadian. Upgrading to Prestige Class is available on request.

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Enhance your trip

Prestige Cabin Upgrade - The Canadian Train

Enhance your experience on The Canadian train with an upgrade to the highest level of comfort: Prestige Class. With this upgrade, you enjoy the luxury of a private cabin with a modern modular sofa which converts to a full-size double bed, a private bathroom with a shower, and a flatscreen TV which includes a selection of films.

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As a Prestige Class passenger, you also enjoy personal concierge services and unrestricted access to viewing cars. Additionally, Prestige Class gives you priority boarding, reserved seating in the Park car, and Dining car. Gourmet meals, snacks and bar service are included during your journey.

Upgrades to Prestige Class on The Canadian have limited availability - please call for details.

Reviews

4.2 stars4.2 / 5 · 17 reviews

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Mary Ann Thompson

5 stars

Submitted 5/Oct

Wonderful once in a lifetime trip. Landscape was fantastic. Hotels were 5 star.

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Mark Clayton

4 stars

Submitted 6/Sep

We enjoyed the trip very much with a few exceptions. The hotels were outstanding.Food and service on the trains was exceptional. Our tour manager was professional, concerned, delightful and funny. Linda Metcalf was a joy to be with on this trip. However, the trains with of exception the Rockie Mountaineer, were old cars that were uncomfortable, rough riding and cramped. I know that Great Rail Journeys have no control over the traiins but could have and should been more upfront when we asked questions about the trains. Being over 75, I would have liked a little more honesty about the sleeping conditions and feel the upgrade to one bed rooms should have been offered without the higher price tag. One other item. You present this train trip as a continuos uninterrupted journey. Never was I informed that we would spend a third of our day waiting for freight trains pass us.

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