How early should I show up for a train via rail?

How early should I arrive for my train?

Okay, so you're wondering how early to get to the train station? I get it, I hate rushing.

For Corridor trains, those shorter hops like, say, Toronto to Montreal...aim for 30 minutes before departure. Seriously.

But! For long-distance journeys, like across the country or something epic? Give yourself a full hour. Trust me on this one.

I learned this the hard way, actually. Back in August, (August 15th to be exact) I almost missed my train from Vancouver to Jasper 'cause I showed up only 45 minutes early. What a nightmare!

The ticket checking, the baggage, the crowds...it was chaotic! Cost me like, 800 bucks for that ticket, almost lost it because I was late. Never again.

Honestly, better to be bored at the station than stressed and sprinting for the platform. Plus, sometimes there are delays, so you have to factor that in too. You never know.