VIA Rail Train 15, The Ocean, Canada's Oldest Named Passenger Train

USPA NEWS - The Ocean provides service from Halifax to Montreal and in reverse 3 days a week.
The Ocean's route provides service to the following communities; Halifax, Truro, Amherst, Moncton, Miramichi, Bathurst, Campbellton, Matapedia, Mont-Joli, Rimouski, Rivière-du-Loup, Sainte Foy and Montreal. In Montreal, passengers are able to make connections with other trains for many destinations throughout Canada.

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, VIA Rail Canada convened a press conference in Halifax to mark the 120th anniversary of "The Ocean," Canada's oldest named passenger train. The Ocean, the inaugural train service from Halifax to Montreal, launched in July 1904. The event also showcased VIA Rail's plans to deploy refurbished train cars to enhance service between Halifax and Montreal. VIA Rail Canada CEO, Mario Péloquin, addressed the government's commitment to modernizing the entire VIA Rail fleet.

The CEO indicated that the federal government has undertaken to renew the corporation's entire Canadian fleet within a decade. In the short term, Péloquin outlined plans to refurbish stainless steel cars being retired in Central Canada for deployment in the Atlantic region. Nonetheless, Péloquin expressed doubts regarding whether the refurbished cars would be adequate to reinstate daily service on the Halifax-Montreal line, currently operating three times a week. The event also served as a reminder of VIA Rail's strategic plan, VIAction 2030, which aims to establish VIA Rail as a best-in-class operator in North America and a leader in integrated mobility.

Recently, I had the pleasure of conversing with a gentleman who revealed that he had undertaken at least thirty round trips between Halifax and Montreal on the Ocean over the years. I inquired about his preference for the Ocean over faster alternatives, to which he responded, "The Ocean offers a unique blend of geographical landscapes, a relaxed pace, opportunities to meet new people with intriguing stories, and exceptional service provided by a staff that consistently exceeds expectations, ultimately weaving train travel into the fabric of our nation." Numerous others with whom I spoke, shared captivating stories and memories of the Ocean service. Additionally, I conversed with a lady who boasted to have made dozens of round trips between Halifax and Montreal on the Ocean over the years. When asked about her preference for the Ocean, she replied, "It provides a welcome respite from a world where everyone seems to be in a perpetual hurry, often neglecting the subtle moments that are frequently overlooked in our fast-paced, technology-driven society." These testimonials remind us of the profound impact that the Ocean still has on our region and it's people.