SELKIRK RANGE · Riding The Canadian

The Canadian (Le Canadien) is a transcontinental passenger train operated by Via Rail Canada with service between Union Station in Toronto, Ontario, and Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, British Columbia.  From west to east, east to west, enjoy the view ’cause it’s the best …

All aboard in Toronto, please take your seat-
have a good look around you, these are the people you will meet
on your way across the country to the coast of BC-
we’re all here as friends

Let’s get this train a-rolling, let’s get out on our way-
the first stop is Washago but we ain’t gonna stay
we’ll be passing through Parry Sound and I know one thing for shor’-
that’s a great hockey town and the home of Bobby Orr

We’re riding the Canadian now

Capreol to Gogama, Hornepayne to Nakina-
Savant Lake to Sioux Lookout, there goes Minaki as I shout out
we’re heading for Winnitoba but don’t be shocked if we don’t stop-
’cause it ain’t what you might have thought

Now calling on the Forks where the Cree, Nakota, and Metis met-
The Guess Who formed here in ’65, then Hedberg, Nilsson and the Golden Jet
Winnipeg in its glory, the Dominion at its best-
Union Station 1912, from where the settlers moved west

We’re riding the Canadian now

From west to east, from east to west-
enjoy the view, ’cause it’s the best
Riding the Canadian

Melville Saskatchewan, then on to Saskatoon-
where temperance came to set up shop and spend an afternoon
we’ll grab a big yellow taxi if you will allow-
and spin ’round to Floral for the ghost of Gordie Howe

We’re riding the Canadian now

Edmonton and the Great One, that’s the pairing you’ve all heard-
but the women Grads of basketball were the winningest in the world
Jasper is spectacular and the Rockies how they shine-
we’ll soon be crossing the Great Divide on this mighty CN line

From west to east, from east to west-
enjoy the view, ’cause it’s the best
Riding the Canadian

Kamloops, Boston Bar, Hope is close at hand-
whistle stop, Chilliwack (isn’t that a band?)

65 stops in almost 4 days-
5 provinces and 4500k
for those who want to get a bit sentimental-
this northern train used to be called the Supercontinental

Final stop Vancouver, Stanley Park, the Sea to Sky-
well folks I’m sad to say, it’s time to say goodbye

From west to east, from east to west-
enjoy the view, ’cause it’s the best
Riding the Canadian

Words and music by Gordon Gow, copyright 2020

Written for VIA Rail’s Artists on Board program.