JASPER – Via Rail has named one of its train cars after Jasper National Park in honour of the community’s enduring spirit post-wildfire.
Parks Canada CEO Ron Hallman joined officials with Via Rail and the Municipality of Jasper to celebrate the naming during a Wednesday (July 2) ceremony at the Jasper Train Station shortly after the Toronto–Jasper service arrived in town.
“The unveiling of this new plaque, which names the train car after Jasper National Park, is an honour for Parks Canada,” Hallman said in remarks. “With this event, Parks and Via Rail are joining Mayor [Richard] Ireland and council, and all Jasperites, in celebrating that Jasper is open for business and happy to welcome visitors.”
The new Jasper train car is joining the “park car” series, which includes cars named after both provincial and other national parks such as Banff, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke and Prince Albert.
The railcar naming provided an opportunity to celebrate the renewed memorandum of understanding between Parks Canada and Via Rail.
“This new three-year agreement aligns with our shared commitment to collaborate on complementary priorities toward fostering a sustainable and resilient tourism industry in Canada,” Hallman said.
The naming also comes as the Jasper station reaches its 100th anniversary since being built in 1925.
Hallman noted the relationship between Parks Canada and Via Rail is underscored by their joint participation in this summer’s Canada Strong Pass initiative.
Until Sept. 2, Parks Canada is offering free admission to national parks, including Jasper, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas as well as a 25 per cent discount on camping fees.
In addition, Via Rail will offer free travel for children aged 17 and under when accompanied by an adult and a 25 per cent discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
Hallman emphasized that Parks Canada-administered places were at the heart of the country’s identity and connected everyone “through powerful stories and breathtaking landscapes, fostering a shared attachment to the places that have shaped who we are as Canadians.”
“They are also powerful economic engines – driving local prosperity, supporting tens of thousands of jobs, and enriching urban, rural and northern communities across the country – including right here, in Jasper,” he added.
Parks Canada is launching a new web page for Via Rail travellers where they can download the Parks Canada app. It can be accessed through QR codes found on posters in select Via Rail stations.
