This summer, North America will introduce its very first zero-emission train.

After more than ten years of development, a hydrogen-powered train will begin transporting passengers between beloved Canadian locations starting in June. It marks North America's first zero-emissions train.

Named Train de Charlevoix, it will connect two highly popular tourist spots in Quebec: Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, featuring a stunning nearly 300-foot waterfall near Quebec City, and Baie-Saint-Paul, renowned for its scenic mountains and vibrant art galleries. The one-way trip will take about 90 minutes, releasing only water vapor as it operates on green hydrogen.

This innovative train was created by the French green energy company Alstom. Hydrogen power serves as a sustainable alternative to traditional gas, utilizing hydrogen and oxygen to generate electrical energy for the trains, which can reach a top speed of approximately 85 miles per hour.

Globally, very few rail systems are electrically powered—most trains rely on diesel, which is harmful to the environment. This new train showcases a promising alternative. It is the second of its kind; last August, Germany launched the Cordadia iLint, also produced by Alstom, marking the debut of hydrogen-powered passenger trains that replaced 14 diesel units in Lower Saxony.

The inaugural season of Train de Charlevoix runs from June 17 to October 22, 2023. Departing from Quebec City at 9 a.m. and leaving Baie-Saint-Paul station at 4 p.m., the train operates Wednesday through Saturday, designed more for leisure travel than daily commuting. It will stop at seven picturesque riverside towns, including Sainte-Anne-De-Beaupre, Petite Riviere-Saint-Francois, and Le Massif. Round-trip fares begin at $99 for adults and $69 for children, with an extra $10 for seats on the river-facing side.

During the summer, the train will also feature an Eco-Agro tour, where guides will take passengers to three local breweries for beer tastings and insights into the sustainable brewing practices in the area.

Tickets can be purchased at traindecharlevoix.com.