September 29, 2026 Team Contributor
Imagine going from downtown Calgary to downtown Edmonton in under two hours. The proposal is now moving ahead. The project could reshape travel in one of Canada’s busiest transportation corridors.
The announcement comes as interest in rail travel is on the rise. Recent developments such as the Great Rail Journeys landmark collection highlight how travellers are taking more interest in rail travel as a convenient and comfortable way to explore destinations.
What was announced
On Sept. 28, the federal and Alberta governments said they will explore high-speed rail on the Calgary-Red Deer-Edmonton corridor.
Minister Eleanor Olszewski spoke on behalf of Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon. Premier of Alberta Premier, Danielle Smith and Alberta Transportation Minister, Devin Dreeshen joined her.
The project will go to the Major Projects Office. The Toronto-Quebec City high-speed rail initiative follows the same approach. A joint governance structure will guide planning and evaluate market interest.
Smith called the project “a generational investment in Alberta’s future.”
The numbers behind the plan
Alberta’s Passenger Rail Master Plan gives some early figures. A downtown-to-downtown trip would take one hour and 45 minutes. Trains would run at up to 320 km/h on new tracks.
The plan puts the capital cost of the Edmonton-Calgary high-speed line at C$38 billion.
The corridor plays a key role because the Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton region is home to roughly 80 per cent of Alberta’s population.
Next steps and timeline
Alberta plans to launch a formal Request for Proposal this fall. Private-sector proponents will be invited to submit bids.
The route would cater to downtown Calgary, Red Deer and downtown Edmonton. It would also reach both major airports and Airdrie.
The province expects to select a proponent by April 2027.
Dreeshen said Albertans told planners that this link is of great importance. “We are excited to move forward with this project,” he said.
What it means for travellers
No construction date has been set. Still, the plan points to a future where visitors could travel to airports and city centres by train.
Olszewski said the project would “bring our friends and family closer together.” Governments also plan to consult Indigenous communities, municipalities, industry and the public to plan the construction.
Plan your trip with an expert
Travel plans can change as new transport options emerge. Travellers can visit our travel advisor platform to meet experienced and reliable advisors. Advisors can help with rail, flights and multi-city trips.
While the project is still in the early stages, the latest announcement shows that governments are reviewing in detail how high-speed rail could fit into Alberta’s transportation future and support growing travel demand in the years ahead.
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