AS CANADA ROLLS BY
Photographer Kayle Neis spent two months earlier this year criss-crossing Canada by train, chatting with and photographing passengers and crew along the way. They included Robbie Hancock, who serenaded travellers. More on Neis’ experiences on
Q Why did you decided to travel the country by rail?
A I first heard about the Via Rail 150 Pass through a social media platform. I heard that they were giving away free Canada 150 passes for unlimited travel for a month. I thought it was a neat opportunity and put it on a to-do list. In classic fashion, I missed the deadline but as I was searching the website, I found a cheap two-month pass. I bought something similar when I went to Europe after high school and thought it would be a great way to get around.
Q Where did you start your journey and how far did you travel?
A I started in my hometown of Saskatoon. I decided to go east to meet a friend in northern Ontario and continue my way to Halifax. The idea was to go coastto-coast. In classic fashion again, I assumed you could hop on and off when you pleased. I very quickly realized the train system was bogged down by all the new 150 travellers.
The farthest I made it on my first leg of the trip was to Montreal, where I enjoyed an extended break, mostly sitting with a friend and drinking cider in a neon-clad bar. I jumped back on the westbound train after realizing I couldn’t get to Halifax at that time. I went home for a short time, then booked a proper ticket right to Halifax. From Halifax, I took the long way to Vancouver, then back to Saskatoon.
Q Had you ever travelled Canada by train before?
A No. I have taken the train all over Europe, through a bit of India and took a night train in North Africa. I do have a love for the train.
Q What did you enjoy the most about the experience?
A I think it always comes down to the people. I was able to listen to some great stories and get perspectives on life that I didn’t have before. I also made a point to meet as many photographers as I could in other cities. Just those little conversations helped me grow.
Q What kind of people did you meet on the trip?
A I got to meet such a diverse crowd of people. The first half was surrounded by the young Canadians who received the pass. Most of them had just graduated high school or were in their first years of university. Everyone was wide-eyed and ready to explore.
The camaraderie on the train was also very noticeable. When I first got on the train it felt like everyone in the communal cars had been friends for years. The second half was much quieter, which had its own merits. The passengers were mostly young families travelling with their kids across the country or individuals getting to where they needed to be.
Q What did you learn about Canada?
A This trip really helped me fill in the blanks on what Canada actually looks like. I’m a very visual person and being able to see so much of the landscape definitely broke down my assumptions and expectations.
Q What did you learn about travelling by train?
A It takes a very long time to travel by train. But the food is actually good, so you will survive.
Q Do you think it’s important for Canadians to have access to train travel? Why?
A Yes, it’s a historically significant method of transportation for us. It’s definitely like stepping back in time. A train is also a great place for reflection. As you move across the country you’re really able to see how far we have come. You also get to think about where we need to be as a diverse group of people. Sitting in the communal car allowed for a lot of those conversations to happen.
Q What do your photos say about the experience?
A I think the photos really show an intimate look at life in the economy car. It’s not always an exciting place, but I wanted to show people making the best of their trip and catching those little slices of life.