Canada is taking a major step toward building its first-ever high-speed rail network, and the Ottawa–Montreal corridor will lead the way.
Framed as one of the country’s most significant infrastructure undertakings in decades, the Alto High-Speed Rail project is expected to reshape mobility in the Quebec–Ontario corridor, stimulate economic growth, and support a wide range of Canadian industries.
The network is designed to hit speeds of up to 300 km/h and eventually span 1,000 km from Toronto to Québec City.
Big news for Montreal: Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon, alongside Alto President and CEO Martin Imbleau, confirmed that the Ottawa–Montreal section will be the first to move forward—chosen for its shorter 200-km distance and its potential to deliver visible benefits early in the project.
By allowing teams in Quebec and Ontario to begin work simultaneously, planners say communities will see improvements sooner while workers develop the expertise needed for future expansion.
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Will there ever be a high speed rail in Canada?
According to a recent press release, construction is slated to begin in 2029.
Starting January 2026, Alto will roll out a three-month consultation process, including open houses, virtual sessions, and an online engagement platform.
The feedback collected will help determine the final route, station locations, and measures to reduce environmental and community impacts.
The press release highlights that Alto will maintain continuous engagement beyond the initial consultation phase, actively involving municipalities, public institutions, and Indigenous communities throughout the project’s design, environmental assessments, construction, and long-term operations.
What is the new high-speed rail route in Canada?
The high-speed rail network is positioned as a long-term nation-building project.
Alto estimates it could add as much as $35 billion to Canada’s GDP and generate tens of thousands of skilled jobs across fields such as manufacturing, engineering, construction, digital technology, and electrical systems.
The federal government has labelled the project a transformative national priority, supported by the Major Projects Office.
Why is the Ottawa-Montreal segment coming first?
Officials say focusing on the Ottawa–Montreal connection allows the project to advance more efficiently.
The relatively short distance creates an opportunity to demonstrate early success while preparing the groundwork for the larger Toronto–Québec City corridor.
According to Alto, advancing two provinces at once will speed up the entire network’s rollout and amplify local economic gains.
What are the key facts about this project?
Canada’s first high-speed rail system, from Toronto to Québec City
- Speeds up to 300 km/h, cutting travel times in half
- Approximately 1,000 km of track linking major population and economic centres
- Up to $35B in GDP growth and more than 50,000 construction jobs projected
- Pre-procurement beginning in 2026
For more information about Canada's new high-speed train, click here.
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