There are two national rail systems in Canada linking the western and eastern coasts. The Canadian Pacific Railway is privately owned and follows the southern route across British Columbia. The Canadian National Railways crosses farther north. After the Canadian government formed CNR after World War I, one of its first major steps was to acquire the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, on whose tracks it still operates from the prairies to Prince Rupert. The northern route is linked from Jasper through Kamloops to Vancouver. Regular transcontinental passenger service is provided by Canada VIA Rail on CNR tracks from Vancouver through Jasper. Service is also provided on CNR tracks from Jasper to Prince Rupert.
