Among all the countries that currently operate high-speed rail networks, there could soon be one more on the other side of the Atlantic. Canada is seriously considering developing its own high-speed rail system.
Service Twice as Fast as Current Options
This idea, while debated for years, has now been officially endorsed. The creation of a high-speed rail line connecting Toronto to Quebec City via Montreal could finally become reality. This would represent significant progress for passenger rail service, which has traditionally taken a backseat to freight in Canada. The current passenger trains are often criticized for being slow, delayed, and too infrequent for a network that seems inadequate given the country’s size and potential opportunities.
When it comes to building high-speed rail, who better than French companies? Working alongside Canadian partners, they could bring this multi-billion dollar program to life. If realized, the project wouldn’t open to the public until sometime in the next decade.
The proposed project logically targets maximum ridership on routes that wouldn’t be so long that passengers would still prefer flying.
That’s why the region bordering Lake Ontario and following the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City was selected. This area is home to one in two Canadians – nearly 20 million potential customers. By serving seven major cities in Ontario and Quebec between Toronto and Quebec City, the line makes perfect sense. Especially since travel times with these new trains, capable of speeds up to 186 mph (300 km/h), would dramatically reduce current journey times and automobile traffic.
Montreal to Quebec City would take just 1.5 hours, and Toronto to Quebec City only three hours – compared to more than double that currently for each route. This would also attract tourists, another audience Canadian authorities hope to capture to make these lines profitable. Officials project that over 15 million people annually could use this new high-speed rail service.
Now all that remains is for the project to move forward and maintain support from both local and national authorities between election cycles.
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
