Train de Charlevoix

As early as 1928, regular year-round passenger service operated once a day as far as La Malbaie (then referred to as Murray Bay). A seasonal second train per day service operated from June to September from Quebec City.[2] By 1931, the service was extended to Montreal. At this time, only freight would continue to Clermont.[3] By 1944, the extra train operated during summer months was dropped from the schedule, resulting in a once-daily schedule year round.[4] In February 1971, Canadian National Railways extended service to Clermont.[5]

In 1977, VIA Rail Canada took over operation of most Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National Railways passenger services. By this time, Gare du Palais was closed for renovations, and Ste-Foy became the origin of all trains on the route, with a stop at Limoilou near the core of Quebec City. VIA Rail began operating the service daily with Budd RDCs.[6] VIA Rail cancelled the train by the end of 1977.[7]

Work on starting the train began in September 2008, when renovation of Charlevoix Railway trackage began, partially funded by grants from the national and provincial governments, and with a total cost of C$18.4 million.[8][9] In April 2010, work began on rebuilding eight railcars at a cost of close to $5 million;[10] the cars were originally built in 1955 and 1956 by the St. Louis Car Company and were previously used in commuter rail service in Chicago.[1] Once refitted, the eight cars had a total capacity of 550 people, and along with two MLW RS-18 locomotives comprise the rolling stock used for the train.[1][10] The refurbished rolling stock is now in storage, with the current rolling stock being two married pairs of DB Class 628.1,[11] with a third added in 2018 for increased service.[12] In early 2019, it was announced that the train would begin operating during the winter months in partnership with a new Club Med location opening at the ski hill.[13]