
VIA Rail Canada has reported the triumph of its winter edition of the Canada Strong Pass, which was available from December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026. This initiative’s goal was to enhance travel accessibility, offering complimentary travel for children and teens aged 17 and under when traveling with an adult, as well as discounted fares for youth aged 18 to 24. Thousands of families have been encouraged to discover the country during this high travel season, aiding local tourism and fostering family connections.
During this winter campaign, more than 24,000 bookings were recorded, accounting for over 21 million kilometers traveled, while Canadian families saved over $19 million (US Dollars) through the offered discounts and free travel. Mathieu Paquette, Lead Executive of VIA Rail, remarked, “The winter edition of the Canada Strong Pass once again demonstrated how meaningful accessible rail travel can be for Canadians.”
The initiative underscored the rising interest in sustainable travel among Canadians, with popular routes like Montréal to Halifax and Toronto to Vancouver highlighting the picturesque winter scenery of the nation. Jonathan Goldbloom, Chairperson of VIA Rail’s Board of Directors, expressed his pride in the program’s achievement, stating, “The continued success of the Canada Strong Pass reflects both the strength of the program and Canadians’ growing desire to rediscover their country in an environmentally responsible way.”
As Canada’s national passenger rail service, VIA Rail remains committed to strengthening connections among communities and supporting local economies, thereby promoting accessible and sustainable travel throughout the country.
