Join us in Halifax on July 15, 2025 for a special open train event as we honour Canada’s oldest passenger rail service
From its very first journey to today, The Ocean has helped connect generations, communities, and coastlines. As North America’s oldest continuously operating named passenger trains, it has a story worth celebrating — and we’re inviting you to be part of it.
Celebrate with us in Halifax!
📍 Halifax Station | 1161 Hollis Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 2P6, Canada
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
11:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time)
Admission is free, but we ask attendees to register for planning purposes.
Online registration is now full — but don’t worry!
A limited number of spots will be available for walk-ins between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. on the day of the event. Please note there may be a short wait depending on attendance.
Step aboard a piece of Canadian rail history!
Join us at Halifax Station for a special one-day celebration marking 120 years of The Ocean. Explore the train, meet the passionate people behind the journey, and discover stories from across the decades. Whether you're a rail enthusiast, a local resident, or just curious, there’s something for everyone.
Explore select train cars from The Ocean
and learn about the people and moments that shaped its legacy.
Meet our team
including onboard crew and station staff – and hear their stories.
Historical displays
fun for all ages: miniature train, photo zone, and so much more!
Stay refreshed at our water station
don’t forget your reusable bottle!
Connect with fellow travellers
history lovers, and VIA Rail team members.
Discover the romance of the rails
Even after 120 years, there's something special about train travel. Though it’s not a luxury liner, The Ocean remains a symbol of connection, resilience, and routine journeys that still matter.
From transporting soldiers and immigrants to serving generations of Atlantic Canadians, this train has been more than transportation — it’s been part of people’s lives.
This event is a chance to reconnect with that feeling — and to see the train up close.
Did you know?
- Its first trip was on July 3, 1904
- It’s the oldest named passenger train still operating in North America
- It has carried mail, soldiers, immigrants, and generations of families
- The route spans over 1,300 km and crosses three provinces
- It remains a key connection between Halifax and Montréal, serving thousands of passengers every year
Accessibility
We’re looking forward to welcoming you aboard The Ocean for this special milestone event!
While the Halifax Station is accessible, please note that access to the train itself is limited due to the historic nature of the equipment:
- Two cars are equipped to accommodate guests using wheelchairs, though they are not adjacent;
- The narrow corridors on board unfortunately do not allow movement between cars with a wheelchair.
We understand this may impact the experience for some visitors and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. Our on-site team will be ready to welcome you with care and do everything they can to support your visit and make the day enjoyable for all.
Learn more about accessibility services at VIA Rail: Accessibility on board our trains | VIA Rail
Share your memories
Have you travelled aboard The Ocean?
Tag your stories and photos with #Ocean120 #VIARail on social media — we’d love to feature your memories.
See you there! Plan your visit
We can’t wait to welcome you on July 15 at Halifax Station to celebrate a truly Canadian legacy.
Don’t forget to confirm your attendance and help us plan a great day for everyone.
Media Resources
Journalists and partners, access our media kit, photos, and event materials here: Download the media kit
For media inquiries, please contact: medias@viarail.ca