Alto is the Toronto–Québec City high-speed rail network and is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Canada in the past half-century. The new high-speed passenger train will run on approximately 1,000 km of dedicated and electrified tracks that will connect Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières and Québec City. It will travel at speeds of 300 km/h or more, which will significantly cut travel times between major cities.
By offering short travel times and frequent departures, Alto will make it easier—and faster—for people to travel.
This is a nation-building project that will be built by Canadians, for Canadians.
The corridor between Québec City and Toronto is Canada’s most densely populated region. It is home to 18 million people, which represents roughly 44% of the country’s population, and that number is growing fast. Current transportation systems can’t keep up with the increasing transit demand caused by population growth. This creates delays both for commuters and goods transported by freight.
Alto will deliver significant benefits, including:
- Reduced traffic congestion and shorter travel delays
- Improved connections between major cities and communities
- Freed up freight rail capacity by running on dedicated passenger tracks
- Economic growth
This new intercity travel option is designed to keep the corridor moving efficiently, connected, and competitive for decades to come.
Ottawa–Montréal was selected because it is the shortest and most technically simple segment. It offers the quickest route to getting shovels in the ground and trains on the tracks. This approach also allows us to mobilize construction teams in Québec and Ontario, paving the way to build the other segments almost simultaneously. The shorter distance and simpler construction mean Canadians will see benefits sooner. Two key cities will be connected to serve Ontario and Québec from the outset.
The full network will be built into segments and should be completed in approximately twelve years.
The first construction segment between Montréal and Ottawa (the central segment) is expected to begin in 2029–2030. There is no official launch date yet and we anticipate each construction phase will take between 7 and 10 years.
At this stage of project planning, it is too early to confirm specific construction dates for Ottawa-Toronto (the western segment) and Montréal-Québec City (the eastern segment). However, construction on the eastern and western segments will launch simultaneously and work will start before the central segment is completed.
Once in full operation, Alto anticipates up to 24 million passengers per year by 2055. It is a preliminary estimate, which will be refined as the project evolves.
Ridership estimates depend on several key factors, such as the final alignment, station locations, service frequency, and train capacity. As the design choices and future service concepts are further developed and confirmed, Alto will be in a position to share additional updated information.
Our current working assumptions estimate between $60 billion and $90 billion. These estimates are for planning purposes only and should not be considered as a project budget.
They will be refined as the development and pre-construction phase progresses, based on factors such as the chosen alignment, selected technologies and market conditions.
This is a pivotal investment that will generate significant economic, environmental and social benefits, with upfront costs offset by strong long-term revenue potential.
It is too early in the planning process to provide specific details on ticket prices because the route has not yet been established and the service offering is still in development. That said, affordability is core in Alto’s mandate. The proposed fare structure will ensure the service is competitive with existing options, such as driving, air travel, and conventional rail.
Alto is exploring different approaches, including various fare categories, a range of service levels—such as economy and business class—and targeted discounts for certain groups to reflect diverse travel needs and customer profiles.
Details regarding fare structures and price levels will be refined as the project moves forward.
The high-speed rail network project will provide community benefits that include social, economic, and local infrastructure advantages—beyond the rail network itself. They will be designed in partnership with communities along the corridor to ensure there are long-term opportunities and improvements that help balance construction impacts and support local priorities.
VIA Rail will remain the national passenger rail carrier, while high-speed rail will complement the existing service in the corridor. Together, they will form a stronger public rail network that is better suited to the current and future needs of Canadians.
Once integrated, both services will give passengers more travel options and more convenient schedules.
The answer lies in the scale of present and future travel needs in the Québec City–Toronto corridor and the structural limitations of the existing network.
This corridor, which is home to nearly half of Canada’s population, is experiencing a sustained population and economic growth that the current intercity transportation system cannot sustainably accommodate. Current rail passenger services operate primarily on tracks shared with freight transport, which limits service frequency and can affect on-time performance. Even with improvements, this shared network cannot provide faster and more reliable travel on a large scale.
The new passenger rail service will travel between Toronto and Québec City, including stops at Peterborough, Ottawa, Laval, Montréal, and Trois-Rivières.
The exact route—which is often called ″alignment″—is still being developed in collaboration with Cadence. Through extensive consultations and technical evaluations, Alto and Cadence will ensure that the final route takes the needs of all stakeholders into account and maximizes the benefits for all Canadians.
We are currently studying a corridor that is approximately 10 kilometres in width. No specific route (alignment) has been determined. The anticipated alignment will be about 60-metre wide.
In the coming months, technical teams will review environmental studies, technical assessments, and feedback gathered during the first phase of public consultation to refine and narrow the corridor. A second round of public consultation will be held before the end of 2026 on the narrowed corridor for the central segment, with the other segments to follow.
Laval is the third-largest city in Québec and benefits from a substantial base of users and workforce, supported by steady population growth and strong regional economic ties. Located between Montréal and Ottawa, Laval serves as a gateway to Montréal’s North Shore, which includes rapidly growing municipalities such as Terrebonne, Sainte-Thérèse, and Saint-Eustache. Laval is also one of the seven cities designated by the Government of Canada, in the mandate given to Alto, to host a station.
No alignment has been selected and both northern and southern study corridors are being assessed through technical analysis. The public consultations will inform the final recommendation.
Beginning in January 2026, residents and local stakeholders were invited to share their concerns, questions, and suggestions. Public input and technical studies will help inform the final recommendation, which is why Alto has consulted early in the process.
As a federal Crown corporation, Alto's mandate, given from the Government of Canada, is to develop a high-speed rail network between Ontario and Québec for seven stations: Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières, and Québec City.
Any future network extensions or additional stations would be decided by the Government of Canada and would require further studies.
Route selection is based on a rigorous analysis combining the technical requirements of high-speed rail, feasibility, social and environmental impacts, public support and financial outcomes.
Input from the public, municipalities, stakeholder groups and elected officials plays an important role in this analysis.
The project first seeks to follow existing corridors, such as roads, railways, or power lines, in order to limit impacts on living environments.
Where the corridor intersects with existing roads, we will work closely with municipalities, local communities, and emergency services to maintain safe road access. Crossing solutions will be developed in collaboration with local authorities to avoid isolating areas and to preserve territorial connectivity.
Where the corridor intersects with existing roads, we will work closely with municipalities, local communities, and emergency services to maintain safe road access. Crossing solutions will be developed in collaboration with local authorities to avoid isolating areas and to preserve territorial connectivity.
Protecting farmland is at the core of our approach when analyzing and refining the route. We will seek to minimize impacts by following existing infrastructure or lot lines wherever possible.
We want to maintain the land’s agricultural production and limit its fragmentation. Engineering solutions such as overpasses or underpasses will be determined to ensure access to land.
We’re also working with farming organizations to identify fair mitigation and compensation measures tailored to local realities.
Alto will transform the corridor and regions between Québec City and Toronto—into one major and interconnected economic hub. By enhancing connectivity between destinations, Alto will create significant business opportunities for Canadian companies and workers, stimulate investment, and boost local economies.
Once operational, the project is expected to deliver economic benefits worth approximately 24.5 billion, which is equivalent to 1.1% of Canada’s GDP.
Better links between major urban centres and smaller communities along the route will improve access to affordable housing, education, leisure and employment opportunities. Faster and more reliable travel will also attract tourists, further contributing to the economic development of the regions it serves.
The project will create more than 50,000 jobs during construction, ranging from skilled trades to roles in engineering, project management, manufacturing, and supply chain management.
Once operational, the network will support approximately 5,000 jobs in areas such as train operations, station management, and customer service. It will also create indirect opportunities in related sectors, such as tourism, amplifying the impact well beyond the rail corridor and strengthening Canada’s position to compete on a global scale.
Guided by the Government of Canada’s Buy Canadian policy, we are committed to ensuring that Canadian businesses, workers, and communities, including Indigenous Peoples, benefit directly from this project.
We plan to source key components of the high-speed rail network from domestic companies. Where international expertise is required, we will ensure it complements Canadian capabilities, helping to deliver a world-class transportation system while creating opportunities to upskill Canadian businesses and build capacity for future operations.
Some specialized project components may need to be imported if they are not produced in Canada. However, our procurement strategy is designed to give Canadian companies a fair and competitive opportunity to win contracts. This includes early engagement with local industries to prepare businesses for upcoming opportunities, encourage partnerships, and help them meet technical requirements.
We are currently in the development and pre-construction phase of the project. While formal procurement has not yet begun, early engagement with industry to assess capacity and interest is underway. This includes market outreach to key sectors such as the steel industry.
As planning advances, detailed information on procurement activities and timelines will be shared publicly to ensure Canadian and international suppliers understand the opportunities and requirements for participating in the project.
The project represents major investments that will generate numerous opportunities for Canadian businesses.
Guided by the Buy Canadian policy, along with our partner Cadence, we aim to maximize benefits for local workers, suppliers and businesses, including Indigenous businesses.
Interested companies can visit the Cadence website to learn more about calls for tender and to register as potential suppliers.
Our ridership forecasts are based on internationally recognized models used in several high-speed rail systems around the world. They take into account current demand, population growth, the shift to rail and new travel options made possible by rapid and frequent service. These forecasts will evolve as the route, stations and services are further defined. Our goal is to provide prudent, credible, and evidence-based forecasts.
In March 2025, we published ″Fast Forward: Shaping Canada’s Future with a High-Speed Rail Network. The document includes preliminary long-term ridership estimates with snapshots for 2055, 2084, and across a 40-year operating horizon.
These preliminary estimates indicate potential growth from roughly 3 million trips in 2024 (with the current existing passenger rail service) to about 24 million trips by 2055 with Alto.
Ridership estimates depend on several key factors, such as the final alignment, station locations, service frequency, and train capacity, which are still being refined as part of the ongoing development and pre-construction phase.
As the design choices and future service concepts are further developed and confirmed, we will be able to share additional information.
Our priority is to minimize impacts on private properties by following existing corridors—such as highways, railways, utility corridors, and lot lines—whenever possible. At the current state of the project, we have not yet defined the alignment so it is not possible to determine which properties may be required for the project. Once an alignment is defined, we will be able to clearly identify the properties that could be impacted and engage with property owners.
We are committed to an owner-centred approach that prioritizes open dialogue and negotiated agreements with property owners. They will be compensated at market value for the property to be acquired, as well as for losses and reasonable third-party fees incurred. Any compensation would be determined on a case‑by‑case basis, taking into account the specific circumstances.
While the intent is to prioritize discussion and negotiation, expropriation could also be used in an appropriate and responsible way. If expropriation were required, the federal Expropriation Act would apply, and would be administered by Public Services and Procurement Canada. In this case, compensation would therefore be determined as per the act.
The project is still in the development phase and it is still too early to assess the project’s potential effect on property values. The alignment will be defined with the objective of minimizing impacts, including noise and visual effects. We will work closely with communities, municipalities, and local stakeholders to define appropriate mitigation measures as analyses progress.
Near stations, improved connectivity can enhance the attractiveness of serviced areas. In many countries, high-speed rail has supported the development of mid-sized cities and contributed to increasing housing supply, which can help moderate prices over time. We are working with municipal and regional partners to ensure these benefits support balanced local development.
Alto understands that proximity to the future network is an important concern for nearby property owners and communities. While the alignment is being defined, we are examining potential impacts associated with the project and identifying ways these may be reduced or managed. This work is informed by engineering, environmental, and field studies, as well as experience from similar high-speed rail projects.
What Alto is currently examining:
- Practices from other high-speed rail projects, including what types of activities or construction may be permitted near the future network, typical setback distances, and the use of safety measures such as physical barriers
- Noise and vibration, including how these may be managed through measures such as sound barriers, track design, and operational approaches
- Visual impacts, and options to reduce them such as landscaping or screening
- Drainage and land use, including how proximity to the future network may affect water flow, access, and use of land
- How impacts and mitigation approaches may differ in urban, suburban, and rural areas, and across residential, agricultural, and commercial properties
As the project advances and the eventual alignment is defined, Alto will continue to share information about potential proximity impacts and how they may be addressed.
Trains will operate at speeds of 300 km/h or more.
Journey times between cities will be significantly reduced, compared to current train travel times.
For example:
- Toronto–Ottawa: ~2h
- Toronto–Montréal: ~3h
- Ottawa–Montréal: ~1h
- Montréal–Québec City: ~1h30
Yes. Many countries, such as Finland, Norway, Sweden and Japan, operate high-speed electric trains in climate conditions similar to Canada’s. The Harbin–Dalian corridor in China demonstrates the robustness of the model: trains travel at speeds of up to 350 km/h despite extreme temperature variations ranging from –40 °C to +40 °C. From East Asia to Russia to Scandinavia, winter-specific rail technology enables high-speed and conventional trains alike to provide a necessary service.
Operational procedures, inspections, and maintenance protocols will be adapted to guarantee safe and reliable performance during both winter and summer weather extremes. Alto’s activities will also have to comply with strict safety regulations.
High‑speed rail requires a very high level of protection, and one of the core safety principles is that the line must be fully grade‑separated and fenced for its entire length. This is standard international practice and is also part of Alto’s planning framework.
This design reduces the chance of vehicles, people or animals coming in contact with trains.
Other specific safety measures will be determined through rigorous analysis of the proposed route and will consider public safety as well as the movement of wildlife or livestock in the area.
Our passenger rail service will be built to be accessible to all. Train and station design will put safety and universal accessibility first, in addition to offering support services for people with disabilities or reduced mobility.
We are committed to minimizing impacts on the environment through tailored mitigation and compensation measures. Potential impacts on ecosystems and species are being identified through field studies conducted as part of the Impact Assessment process. This will allow us to evaluate effects on both natural and human environments and guide the design of mitigation measures, such as wildlife crossings, fencing approaches, and habitat‑protection strategies.
Yes. Assessments by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada are part of the several government reviews set to take place.
We will complete all required steps, processes and assessments with the Impact Assessment Agency.
Alto and its private developer partner Cadence are advancing the development of the future high-speed rail network by launching the next stage of its field studies program, which will involve collaboration with certain property owners located in the corridor under study. These activities are essential to supporting the environmental impact assessment process, developing a thorough understanding of local conditions and to informing planning, engineering, and environmental analyses.
Field studies may include wildlife observations, soil sampling, sound-level measurements, as well as the analysis of waterways and wetlands. These activities are carried out by qualified professionals using recognized methodologies and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Learning more about the terrain will help us limit or avoid its environmental impacts and design optimal mitigation and compensation measures.
The sites identified for field studies represent a range of environments, including rural, urban and suburban, and do not indicate the project’s final route, which has not yet been determined. Properties selected for the field studies program were chosen based on the quality of data that can be collected, ease of access, and the safety of field staff.
Minimizing environmental impacts is central to Alto’s approach. At this stage, Alto has identified a broad study corridor—not a final route—to allow teams to examine different options, conduct field studies, and document existing environmental and social conditions. These studies will establish a solid baseline that informs technical design decisions.
The information collected, combined with technical expertise, Indigenous knowledge, and public input, guides avoidance, mitigation and, where required, compensation measures. This may include solutions such as wildlife crossings to maintain ecological connectivity, where appropriate.
The project will also be subject to a federal impact assessment that will rigorously evaluate environmental effects and mitigation measures before any final alignment is approved.
Noise and vibration levels depend on factors such as location, train speed, and technology. As a result, impacts can differ from one area to another, and it is still too early to be specific about them.
Field studies are underway to establish baseline noise levels, and additional data will be collected as route selection progresses. We will design mitigation measures adapted to each context, such as welded rails, noise barriers, or vibration reduction systems, with the goal of meeting or exceeding regulatory requirements.
Protecting cultural heritage, including cemeteries, is a priority. As part of field studies, heritage elements, whether visible or underground, will be identified.
This information feeds into the impact assessment and helps guide design decisions to avoid sensitive sites wherever possible. Throughout the development and pre-construction phase, we will also consult with communities to prioritize solutions that avoid, minimize, or, where necessary, responsibly and respectfully mitigate potential impacts.
Yes, extensive public consultation is a cornerstone of Alto’s development. The first round of consultation took place between January and April 2026.
We are committed to meaningful, two-way dialogue, where listening is as important as informing.
Engagement is ongoing and inclusive, with multiple opportunities for the public, municipalities, and Indigenous communities to shape the project, from route alignment and station design to defining local priorities and potential community benefits.
We will offer different forms of consultation based on best practices: public meetings, open consultations, engagement meetings with municipalities and organizations, etc.
The process will allow residents to access detailed information about the project, to have a voice on how Alto and Cadence should mitigate impacts and be consulted every step of the way to make sure the High-Speed Rail Network benefits all Canadians.
Public input is considered in our decision-making process. We have chosen to consult early, before selecting a route, so feedback from residents, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and organizations can directly inform technical analyses and design choices.
The comments and concerns expressed during consultations are documented and referenced to inform the refinement of the corridor under study. They help identify local areas or issues that warrant special consideration—such as sensitive or significant environments, agricultural realities, community priorities, or technical challenges—and assist in shaping mitigation measures. A report will be issued at the end of this first phase of consultation.
Our objective is to identify the alignment that best balances long-term benefits and minimizes impacts based on studies and what is heard through consultations.
Our consultation process will continue well beyond the selection of the route. Once the alignment is confirmed, there will be multiple opportunities for communities, municipalities, Indigenous groups, and other stakeholders to provide input on station locations, station design, and measures to reduce local impacts.
Feedback collected during this stage will help refine project details, guide mitigation strategies, and ensure the high‑speed rail network is effectively integrated into each community it serves.
Our “consultation first” approach means engagement is ongoing throughout planning, design, construction, and even in operations, so you will have chances to participate at every stage of the project.
You can follow Alto’s progress and learn about consultation opportunities on our project website, where information on timelines, route planning, public engagement sessions, and project milestones is updated regularly.
You can also subscribe to our email newsletter to receive updates directly in your inbox, including invitations to upcoming consultations and summaries of feedback collected. All upcoming opportunities will be communicated through our website, newsletter, and social media channels so that you know when and where to participate.
Alto began early project introduction and relationship‑building with potentially impacted Indigenous communities in 2017, and engagement and consultation continue as the project advances. Alto works directly with community leadership and technical representatives on project planning, which includes socio‑economic participation, archaeology, field and environmental studies, and potential impacts on Aboriginal and Treaty rights.
Alto is fulfilling the constitutional Duty to Consult and, where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous communities and groups, with the aim of securing free, prior, and informed consent. Through engagement with potentially impacted Indigenous communities, Alto is advancing the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
Yes. The participation of Indigenous groups is essential to the success of the project. To support and encourage their participation, funding is available to eligible recipients who would like to participate in project-related engagement or consultation activities.
Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Alto is a federal Crown corporation that was established in November 2022 under the name VIA HFR—VIA TGF Inc. and is an agent of the Crown.
Its main role is to lead and manage the high-speed rail network project. Alto represents the public sector and works closely with its private partner, Cadence, to make sure the project is designed, built and delivered to the highest standards.
Alto’s responsibilities include:
- Overseeing project planning and delivery
- Working with Cadence to co‑develop the project
- Engaging with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders
- Ensuring environmental and regulatory compliance
- Maintaining strong governance and accountability throughout the process
Through this partnership model, Alto ensures the project serves Canadians’ interests while benefiting from the expertise of both public and private sectors.
Cadence is Alto’s private developer partner. It is a Canadian-led multinational group of companies that brings together world-class expertise in designing, financing, building, operating, and maintaining large-scale, complex rail infrastructure and integrated transportation networks.
The Cadence team members are industry leaders, including:
- CPDQ Infra
- AtkinsRéalis
- SYSTRA Canada
- Keolis Canada
- SNCF Voyageurs
- Air Canada
Cadence was selected through an open and competitive procurement process led by the Government of Canada.
Cadence is collaborating closely with Alto to refine the project’s design, scope, and technical specifications. The team will support the achievement of key milestones and contribute expertise that will help inform the Government’s final decision on proceeding with the project.
Drawing on global best practices, Cadence will integrate innovation throughout the development phase and, when approved, will lead the final design, financing, construction, and long-term operation of the network.
Given the size, scale and complexity of the project, the Government of Canada has chosen an innovative public-private partnership model. This collaborative approach combines the strengths of both public and private sectors to deliver the project more effectively.
This model also encourages innovation because, as the private-sector developer partner, Cadence has a vested interest in building efficient, high-quality solutions that will serve Canadians for generations to come.
Ask a Question
If you have a question, a comment, a concern, or a community contribution that you would like to share, fill out the following form and we will get back to you.