Canada: VIA Rail suspends Montreal-Toronto and Toronto-Ottawa routes through February 13

Event

VIA Rail announced on Tuesday, February 11, that it has suspended train service between Montreal and Toronto and between Ottawa and Toronto until the end of the day (local time) on Thursday, February 13. Train service was being affected in both directions on the two lines due to an ongoing blockade near Belleville (Ontario) by protesters. At least 157 trains have been cancelled, impacting at least 24,500 passengers. Service will continue to operate between Ottawa and Montreal, between Montreal and Quebec City, and west of Toronto in Southwestern Ontario. Further information can be found on the VIA Rail website here.

Further service disruptions, including delays and cancelations, are possible over the coming days.

Context

Tyendinaga Mohawk members have been blocking the railway near Belleville since February 6, in protest of the arrest of demonstrators who are opposing the Coastal GasLink pipeline in northern British Columbia. The protesters said they will continue to block the tracks until police officers leave We'tsuwet'en territory in British Columbia.

Advice

Potentially impacted travelers are advised to keep abreast of the situation, confirm rail reservations, and consider using alternative routes or modes of transportation.