Stories from the Skeena

VIA Rail's journey between Jasper in the Rocky Mountains and Prince Rupert on the Pacific coast reveals the heart of Northern BC

The route offers a remarkable journey through the diverse landscapes of British Columbia, linking Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Prince Rupert on the Pacific coast. This two-day train ride provides travellers with a unique opportunity to experience towering mountain peaks, tranquil lakes, vast forests, and rural communities that have been shaped by generations of settlers and the Indigenous Nations who have stewarded this land since time immemorial.

Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain

Photo: VIA Rail

"The train is a big part of life around here."

Sean Prockter, owner of Robson Backcountry Adventures, is reflecting on how the community relies on VIA Rail's train service that links Jasper with coastal British Columbia.

Based in McBride, BC (milepost 43.4), Sean uses the train himself occasionally but also relies on it to bring in tourists that book his guided experiences through the Robson Valley and surrounding regions.

"That train journey is pretty special overall," Sean says. "It is a smaller, shorter train and you get a bit more of an intimate feel to the surrounding environment as you go by."

Known as the Skeena train because it closely follows the Skeena River for a good portion of its route, it connects remote towns and villages, creating an essential link for both locals and visitors. Although there are several scheduled stops — including an overnight one in Prince George — the Skeena train will stop at any milepost to pick up passengers.

Established in 1914 as part of Canada's national rail network, the Skeena continues to serve as a vital corridor for the forestry, mining, and agricultural industries, while also bringing tourists to the quieter corners of British Columbia

Travelling along this historic route, passengers not only experience the natural beauty of the region but also the spirit of these small communities.

Exploring the Skeena Train: Mileposts

Mileposts are one of the many railway traditions that have remained even as we've advanced in our navigation systems.

As you travel by train, you'll see mileposts on either side of the track (they are usually rectangular) with numbers on the side. The numbers will increase as the train travels east to west, and reset at the start of each subdivision.

Though Canada now uses the metric system, the original markers for railroads were in miles and remain so to this day. Each line is subdivided at railway division points; these subdivisions are not of a standard length, as they were based on the distance a steam locomotive could travel in a day.

It is a charming, if somewhat confusing system. Let's take a look at some of the more notable mileposts along the route.

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Milepost 0: Jasper, Alberta

Photo: Travel Alberta / Roth and Ramberg

Photo: Travel Alberta / Roth and Ramberg

Jasper, the starting point of the Skeena VIA Rail journey, serves as both a tranquil town and an adventure hub in the Canadian Rockies. Known for its vast wilderness, Jasper National Park offers endless opportunities to explore, from hiking and wildlife viewing to stargazing under one of the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserves.

As the train leaves Jasper, it passes by Mount Robson (mileposts 9-12), the highest peak in the Rockies and over Yellowhead Pass (milepost 17.6) that marks the Continental Divide.

Photo opposite: Travel Alberta / META Productions

Milepost 43.4: McBride, BC

Photo: Robson Backcountry Adventure

Photo: Robson Backcountry Adventure

McBride sits in the Robson Valley, which is part of a larger area called the Rocky Mountain Trench.

"If you've not heard of that term before, it's where the two plates collided and formed the Great Canadian Rockies," says Sean of Robson Backcountry Adventures. "And because of that location where the plates collided and then a subsequent glaciation period, you've got this vast, wide open expansive view of peaks on both sides. The Canadian Rockies on the eastern side of the valley and then the Cariboo Mountains on the western side."

Photo: Robson Backcountry Adventures

Photo: Robson Backcountry Adventures

Certified through the ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides), Sean and his team provide full-service guiding in the mountains, whether for a day trip or longer excursions.

"We get a variety of different visitors. We have folks that have never hiked in the mountains before and want the security of a guide to take them around, and then we have some extremely experienced backpackers that are booking 5-day, 7-day backpacking through hikes," Sean says. "We provide the food and we take them to some of the most remote places you could ever imagine."

And with a recent purchase of a side-by-side ATV, Sean is hoping to coordinate with VIA Rail to be able to offer short excursions during rail stopovers.

Photo opposite: The exterior of the Heritage Railway Station in McBride. Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain

Milepost 140: Prince George, BC

Fishing with Reel North Adventures in Prince George. Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Shayd Johnson

Fishing with Reel North Adventures in Prince George. Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Shayd Johnson

The Jasper–Prince Rupert train stops overnight in Prince George, giving travellers a chance to explore this northern hub. With great fishing, forest trails, and local culture, some passengers turn the layover into a longer stay before continuing west (or east) by rail.

If you're after a guided fishing trip, Jerry Daoust, owner of Reel North Adventures, and his team can provide you with everything you need. They provide fishing services on the famous Skeena River as well as others in the region.

Photo opposite: Historic Prince George Railway Bridge over the Fraser River. Northern BC Tourism/Kristopher Foot

Milepost 131.9: Terrace, BC

Kitselas Canyon near Terrace. Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Marty Clemens

Kitselas Canyon near Terrace. Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Marty Clemens

Known as the 'Gateway to the North', Terrace is a small city that sits on the banks of the Skeena River.

It’s known for its strong Indigenous presence, particularly the Tsimshian Nation, and its reputation as one of the best places in northern B.C. for steelhead fishing. Many travellers take time to explore the local museums, walk the river trails, or visit the nearby Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site.

Photo Opposite: Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain

Milepost 92.9: Prince Rupert, BC

Prince Rupert. Photo: Destination BC/@apreswheeler

Prince Rupert. Photo: Destination BC/@apreswheeler

Prince Rupert is the end of the line on the storied Skeena train (or the beginning if you are headed eastbound).

A working port city on BC’s northwest coast, Prince Rupert has some of the most stunning coastline at its doorstep.

Photo opposite: Cow Bay in Prince Rupert, Northern BC Tourism/Shayd Johnson

Photo: Prince Rupert Adventure Tours

Photo: Prince Rupert Adventure Tours

While Prince Rupert is the final stop on the Skeena line, for many travellers it marks the beginning of their journey into the wild beauty of British Columbia’s northern coast.

Jared Davis, owner of Prince Rupert Adventure Tours, offers guided boat excursions that explore the region’s remote inlets, marine life, and rainforest-lined shores. Born and raised in Prince Rupert, Jared is a wellspring of local knowledge — whether it’s the city’s history, the workings of its busy port, or the unique ecology of the coast, he’s happy to share what he knows.

But what he loves most is talking about the landscape itself: the whales, the mountains, and the quiet, expansive places that keep drawing people back.

"On our grizzly bear tours, you're going to see whales as well because we're going right through whale territory," he says. "We're usually seeing humpback whales, but we also do run into killer whales or orcas. We see sea lions, and there are lots of eagles in the area."

Sharing the beauty of the place with visitors is the high point of his job.

"It's just such a unique place."