Great American Railroad Journeys

Great American Railroad Journeys (2016- )

EndedDocumentary showTravel

Michael Portillo crosses the Atlantic to ride the railroads of America, armed with Appleton's General Guide to the United States, published in 1879.

Network
Scheduleevery Saturday at 20:00 (60 min)

Last Episode

Edmonton to Jasper
Season 4Episode 1060 min

Edmonton to Jasper

Michael Portillo continues west through the Canadian Prairie on his thousand-mile rail journey from Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Jasper, Alberta. Following his 1899 Appleton's guide, Michael explores a glossy, glassy, oil-rich Edmonton, second city of Alberta. On the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, he travels three centuries back in time to experience the life of les voyageurs, who travelled huge distances within Canada by foot and canoe to trade fur with indigenous people. 

Michael admires Edmonton's early 20th-century heritage streetcars, preserved by the Radial Railway Society, and seizes the chance to drive one across a spectacular high-level bridge over the North Saskatchewan River. 

Edmonton prides itself on its modern light rail system, offering rapid transit to 80 million passengers per year. Michael hears how this growing city plans to keep pace. His journey across Canada's vast open spaces reaches a dramatic scenic conclusion in the Rocky Mountains. Deep in the Columbia icefield in a massive, all-terrain Ice Explorer, Michael is awed by the scale, not least of the vehicle, but of the vast Athabasca Glacier. 

Travelling via Hinton to Jasper, Michael learns of the race to lay transcontinental rails through the Rocky Mountains on two different routes. 

In the woodland around Hinton, Michael marvels at the scale of Canada's forestry industry and discovers how the enchanting beaver, once slaughtered for its fur, is now pampered.

Mar 28, 2020

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S04E10Edmonton to JasperMar 28, 2020
S04E09Portage la Prairie to SaskatoonMar 21, 2020
S04E08Saint-Anne de Beaupre to WinnipegMar 14, 2020
S04E07Springhill Junction to Quebec CityMar 7, 2020
S04E06Halifax to Prince Edward IslandFeb 29, 2020
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

What was the date and year of the Great American Railroad Journeys premiere?

The Great American Railroad Journeys premiered on January 11, 2016.

Who is the presenter of the Great American Railroad Journeys?

Michael Portillo is the presenter of the Great American Railroad Journeys.

In which US state does Michael Portillo ride the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad?

Michael Portillo rides the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado.

Which famous 20th-century writer lived in Key West and has a museum dedicated to his life and work there?

Ernest Hemingway, a famous 20th-century writer, lived in Key West, and has a museum dedicated to his life and work there.

Which city's Union Station features some of the most magnificent Beaux-Arts architecture in America?

Kansas City's Union Station features some of the most magnificent Beaux-Arts architecture in America.

What is the name of the train that runs on a scenic route near the Niagara falls?

The train that runs on a scenic route near the Niagara falls is known as the Niagara Falls Scenic Railway.

What is the historical significance of the Steamtown National Historic Site that Michael Portillo visits in Scranton, Pennsylvania?

The Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is the former site of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad yard, which once maintained steam locomotives for the eastern seaboard.

Which train station in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a National Historic Landmark?

The Pennsylvania Station in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a National Historic Landmark.

Who is the famous American architect who designed the Detroit's Michigan Central Station that Michael Portillo visits?

The Detroit's Michigan Central Station that Michael Portillo visits was designed by the famous American architect, Warren & Wetmore.

Which scenic train route in Nevada is featured in the show?

The show features the scenic train route in Nevada called the Virginia and Truckee Railroad.

Cast

Michael Portillo

Michael Portillo

plays himself
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Characters

Presenter

Presenter

played by Michael Portillo
View all characters

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