Last summer I took a train trip so incredibly Canadian they named the journey after it. VIA Rail’s The Canadian train is the train passenger service between Toronto and Vancouver. Not only is it the only way to see the country by rail, but in doing so you are covering the very tracks that united the country over 150 years ago. From a sea of endless green fields to the Canadian Rockies, the trip is as diverse as the country it crosses. It’s also something I have wanted to do for a very long time.
Although the trip itself did not disappoint, VIA Rail’s description and specifics about The Canadian train did. Prior to leaving, I found it difficult to find practical or clear information about The Canadian. This is surprising given the cost of the trip and its popularity. Fast-forward to being on the train and I picked up a few things that would’ve been good to know ahead of time.
With that in mind, here are 10 things VIA Rail doesn’t tell you about The Canadian train but should.
In This Post...
1) VIA Rail Doesn’t Own the Tracks
First up on this list of things VIA Rail doesn’t tell you about The Canadian train is a big one. VIA Rail does not own the tracks it rides on. This may not sound like a big deal however because CN Rail, Canada’s freight line, owns the tracks it means VIA has to give way and stop for freight trains…a lot.
This means frequent stops and delays giving no consistency to the schedule. On my departure, for example, we were delayed over three hours. This is not uncommon.
2) Don’t Expect to Stretch Your Legs
Again, due to the inconsistency in the schedule, stops are not reliable. On top of that, The Canadian train is very much about getting from A to B. The only stops of any significant duration are in Winnipeg where the crew changes, Edmonton where the dome car is added, and Jasper. Even these stops vary in duration depending on how late the train is running.
3) If You’re in a Sleeper Cabin you may be Sleeping on a Toilet
If you are travelling in a private cabin for one, you might want to know ahead of time that your bed folds down on top of your private toilet. Gross right?
During the day your bed converts to a bench seat…next to your toilet. If I booked this cabin I would be disappointed. Considering how much more they are than the upper and lower berths, this is nice to know if on the fence.
4) Berths are in the Hallway
That said, you may want to pump the brakes on the upper/lower berth options as well. It’s not super clear on the VIA Rail website but the berths are in the hallways. This means anyone can pass by, day or night. I did not realize this until flipping through a pamphlet on my train ride from Kingston to Toronto where I was catching The Canadian train.
On the positive, I am happy to report that with the curtains drawn, the berths are actually very private. They are also very cosy. I would not hesitate to book this class again if travelling alone. It’s better than sleeping on top of a toilet!
6) There is a Reason Upper Berths are Cheaper…
Before you decide on the cheaper upper berth versus the lower be warned, there is a sneaky reason why they cost less. The upper berths do not have a window. I’ve heard this can make for a claustrophobic and disorienting journey.
There is, again, no mention of this on VIA Rail’s webpage. The best you get is this vague picture where the guest on top is blocking the window. This makes it unclear and somewhat misleading.
I travelled in the lower berth and thoroughly enjoyed (as does the lady in the picture above!) pulling back the blinds each morning to see where in Canada I was. I would not hesitate to pay more for this feature.
6) Berths Don’t Have Outlets
This is an odd one. Economy seats have power outlets. Cabins have power outlets. Hallways have power outlets. Sleeper Plus berths do not.
Although annoying, this was not that big of a deal and I managed to find power when needed. This is how I came to know about the “toilet single sleepers.” I spent a few hours with my feet up on the can while charging my devices and batteries in an empty cabin. The bar cars also have outlets.
7) Shower When Stopped
This next one is more a tip and less something be VIA Rail doesn’t tell you about The Canadian. You should 100% shower when during stops. If this wasn’t self-explanatory, this is strictly for comfort and for a less comedic showering experience. Since the train stops frequently (see point number one) this is not a problem.
8) The Panorama Car gets Added/Removed in Edmonton
Something that is not evidently clear is the well-advertised Panorama Car is only available for the journey through the Rockies. It is for unobstructed views of the mountains and removed, I assume, to save on weight which I get. It just isn’t clear ahead of time so don’t expect to travel like this the whole way.
On the positive, I found the Skyline and Prestige Park Car (which are attached the whole way) offer a better viewing experience because they are higher up…and serve booze.
9) Sleeper Plus Class can Access the Prestige Park Car
This one is listed on the VIA Rail‘s website but again, not super clear. If you purchase a Sleeper Plus berth, which is essentially budget class plus a bed, you not only get meal service and access to the dome cars but you can enjoy the swanky Prestige Park Car. This bar car is far superior in service than the Skyline Cars and also has an upper-level dome car with comfortable seating.
I seem to recall that Sleeper Plus passengers can only access this car after 2:00 pm. I tried to verify this through the VIA Rail website on The Canadian but came up empty. Kinda hits home why I am writing this post!
10) The Canadian is the Only Way to See Canada by Rail
Last up on this list of things VIA Rail doesn’t tell you about The Canadian train is, simply, that it’s the only company to offer cross-Canada passenger service by rail. Why am I adding this to the list? Knowing this ahead of time may sway you on the high price. I know it did for me.
Bonus Tip – Be Flexible and Save!
Most of these points may come across as negative but I have to stress that although The Canadian train is not a perfect service, I had an incredible journey and will definitely be doing it again. I will be following up with a post on my unbiased review of The Canadian so be sure to check that out if you are on the fence about taking this uniquely Canadian trip!
Till then, if you are looking to book a trip on The Canadian train try and be flexible. VIA Rail comes out with new discounts every Tuesday and you can find Sleeper Class Plus fares deeply discounted on specific routes and, if lucky, between Toronto and Vancouver.
What say you?
Thoughts on what VIA Rail Doesn’t Tell You About The Canadian train?
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Thank you for this eye opening and unbiased review, albeit magnanimous endorsement of a Crown Corporation (a term which usually means that that same corporation belongs to Canadians) which has been granted license to charge far too much for far too little.
Any actual bias seemingly lies solely with the non-agent Canadian Crown Corporation providing this taxpayer subsidized “service”.
Granted this is written based on experience from thirty years ago this month. Nevertheless, nostalgia aside, we paid $1700 Round Trip for a couple, from Vancouver to Toronto to Vancouver, the price for a private double roomette (sans meals). One was also permitted to disembark at any point along the route, and to then take a later train by booking to continue one;s trip for any other day of one’s choosing.
Apparently, the customer now subsidized and pays fourteen times what was charged in 1990, but without the same benefit of what was at that time unquestioningly the best possible warm and friendly service.
Additionally, if the paying customer is a Canadian they are also the same taxpayer who has already heavily subsidized the cost of VIA upgrades, maintenance, staff salaries, and running costs.
Seen in this light, how are tax subsidies and assured wages for those hostile to good service not tantamount to Crown corporate welfare which, in turn, is almost guaranteed to encourage and engender a marked downgrade in service attitude?
Call me quaint, but doesn’t misplaced tolerance invariably invite abuse?
Clearly your reviews about VIA train travel were written by someone remarkably generous of mind and forgiving of heart. It is a given that the amazing Canadian scenery is part and parcel of the experience. However where we may differ appears to be with regard to just how many of one’s hard earned dollars one is willing to part with in exchange for what at times sounded almost tantamount to contemptuous abuse and marked indifference. It seems relevant to mention that within the terms of
Canadian contract law, the Supreme Court has determined that a contract is only legally valid if both parties are fully satisfied, if the business exchange is seen as a win/win.
I found my only other trip wonderful. Reading this review while considering whether or not such a trip would be affordable a second time certainly helped me to reconsider my plans and adjust my hopes to pragmatically accept dramatically downgraded business standards, as well as to reconsider what should be customer expectations of value for dollar. This article tells me that, at least for the writer, any reasonable expectations which were once a given no longer seem to exist.
While the refurbished train is the same, everything else seems to have changed beyond recognition since my first and (now likely only) train trip from Vancouver to Toronto exactly three decades ago.
Aside for general changes in the cost of living, the hard fact is that being expected to forfeit so much more in exchange for that much less speaks volumes about the seemingly endless limits of Canadian tolerance and possibly even financial complacency as well as lowered expectations for phenomenally higher prices. More than a few other customer review elsewhere described this cross Canada trek as a third world experience compared to almost any other train service in the world.
Most would not be inclined to forget mistreatment in place of good service, let alone endorse the trip in spite of it.
I took this trip hree decades ago. In fact it was to be the final trip ever again offered on that particular route and included a spectacular route around Lake Superior.
You wrote: “it’s the only company to offer cross-Canada passenger service by rail. Why am I adding this to the list? Knowing this ahead of time may sway you on the high price. I know it did for me.”
If it can be rationalised that it is acceptable to pay top dollar to a monopoly the highest price possible beyond what any reasonable market would tolerate, particularly for mediocre and even malcontent service from those whose own wages are assured, thanks to unionized, subsidized service, then with no real incentive to improve, nothing will change.
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May 8, 2019
VIA RAIL REPORTS RIDERSHIP AND REVENUE INCREASE FOR A FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
https://media.viarail.ca/en/press-releases/2019/8-may-2019-via-rail-reports-ridership-revenue-increase-fourth-consecutive-year
“VIA Rail adjusted the schedule of its Canadian service between Toronto and Vancouver to address ongoing delays caused by the significant growth of freight rail traffic. These changes were made to ensure the safety of passengers while providing them with the best possible customer experience. By adding 9 hours to the schedule, the goal is to provide passengers daytime viewing of the majestic Rocky Mountains and daylight stops to most of the larger cities. Unfortunately, despite these schedule changes, the Canadian continues to experience significant delays resulting at times in trip cancellations.”
Hey there, that is a hefty comment!
Like I said in this post and my other unbiased review, yes the customer service could have been warmer but they are indeed the only option. Monopoly or not, I don’t see any other company stepping up to offer this service so perhaps the subsidies are required given the vast distances and the cost required. I don’t know. What I do know is the service was nowhere near a third-world experience. Whoever said that has not been on a train in a third world country.
Thanks Shaun
You truly hit it on the head.
My exact thoughts on my trip to quebec city.My next trip to Halifax or BC with more attention.My thinking lower bunk,and plus.LOL
Well we can all thank the Federal Govt for the problems incurred by Via Rail. The railroads were given the land free back in the day, and now they monopolize what goes on their trackage. Go to Europe and compare Rail travel, and its absolutely laughable how far we are behind in rail travel. The “Canadian” should be running on the CP line, CP can damn well deal with track usage, as I said before they were given the land for free. As far as the high cost of train travel, you go on a train ride because you want to go on a train ride period. If you cant afford it, the take the cheap airlines and sit on the block of wood.
Very interested in Train travel across Canada
It’s a great way to see the country!
Thanks for the article, great info. One has to do alot of searching and your review saved alot of time. Curious as to when you were on your trip??
Unfortunately considerable amount of changes have been
necessary due to the pandemic, which is really unfortunate!
The start price is $6500 pp on dble occupancy (base price) ~The Canadian ~10 nights ~Winnipeg to Prince Rupert rtn.
Ad in the WFP offer sounds great, but still so many queries.
On the search now,,,,,, ??
Thanks for the comment! This trip was in 2017. I was planing to do it in the opposite direction in 2020 as I picked up an EV (myevtrips.com) and drove it home from Quebec but the pandemic put a wrench in that.
There are undoubtedly changes to the service due to the pandemic but should return to normal(ish) eventually. Is Toronto to Vancouver not an option right now? Interesting if they are only doing Winnipeg to PR. Regardless, the Toronto to Vancouver leg will return and I would love to do it again!
Just to be clear, the Canadian does not go to Prince Rupert but to Vancouver.
You would have been changing trains in Jasper and then taking the Prince Rupert train (once known as The Skeena), train 5 there and train 6 back.
You would also have been overnighting in Prince George on both legs of that segmentation. You would be on the hook for your own accommodations.
Ya, it’s pricey. That’s the 2 person cabin? I did Toronto to Vancouver in economy. That was quite the experience. Showering was replaced by the liberal use of Wet Naps!
lol wet naps to the rescue!
Currently the trip West is only from Winnipeg., a private single room with meals & access to the park car and dome car., one way for a single senior is approx. $1100. The Schedule may start up again in May 2021, from Toronto again the price is pretty much the same for a private room with bathroom including meals and access to all cars. A unique & beautiful train tour so why all the whining?? If you want to save money fly?
Thanks Peter and agree! It’s the only way to see the country by train and it’s a great way to appreciate just how diverse and big Canada is!
Hi Shaun, via rail just released news that Toronto-Vancouver service will return May 17, 2021. Your tips are still valuable regarding what to expect and when to shower. Well done.
That’s great to hear! I would caution that is either subject to change or for essential travel only. BC just implemented strict travel restrictions until the week after May long. Hotels are to turn down guests, road checks are being implemented, and ferry’s are denying customers if non-essential. I would assume this will apply to train travel as well. Fun times!
This was incredibly helpful Shaun. Thank you very much for sharing all these details. You helped to answer a lot of my questions that no amount of research in VIA’s brochures or website could answer. Much appreciated!
Thanks Penny! I found the website and brochure lacking when I booked. Sounds like not much has changed!
Be sure to check out my full review on the experience as well!
https://www.thislifeintrips.com/via-rails-the-canadian-review-unbiassed-experience/
Shaun,
Just found this site and thank you. I traveled from Vancouver to Winnipeg on the “Canadian” 44 years ago when Canadian Pacific ran it. I still am in awe all these decades later. I can’t consider taking Via’s edition of it for several reasons. First, it is way to slow with the freight train issue. Second, the most scenic line is the CP mainline from Calgary to Vancouver. Third, the pricing for any sleeping accommodation is ridiculous. Ok, I am a train buff, so here’s my recommendation again not cheap.
Fly to Calgary and take the Banff to Vancouver “Rocky Mountaineer” which stops overnight in Kamloops. Not cheap either, but you will see all of the route in daylight. The operation gets raves. I would love to see the “Canadian” restored to the original route with decent timekeeping. Ok, Mr. Trudeau and the House of Commons, get going on regulations and gines to give the train priority. Thanks again.
Thanks, Joesph! The Rocky Mountaineer is on my list and I do make mention of it in the full review I did.
–> https://www.thislifeintrips.com/via-rails-the-canadian-review-unbiassed-experience/
So cool that you got to experience Canada on the CP line. Both my Grandparent worked for CP (ran the station in Mckerow Ontario) and I have memories of stories my Grandmother told on travelling to Vancouver!
Enjoyed the article. Does the upper berth of the single sleeper only lack a window at night when the bed is up, or is there no window view during the day as well?
Thanks! Unfortunately, there is no window in the upper berth at all. During the day the beds are folded up so there technically isn’t an upper berth during the day.
Hope that helps!
Thanks for explaining the “concealed toilet” mystery. It certainly wasn’t clear in the brochure what that meant. Do these single toilet-under-bed rooms have lockable doors or just curtains? That is not clear either.
lol yes not clear at all.!The door to your room is the door to the toilet essentially. I don’t think there is a separate curtain within the room itself.
No, there isn’t a curtain – you are by yourself. Do you have a curtain in your bathroom?
If you need to use the toilet in the middle of the night all the cars have public washrooms at the end of the car.
Good point!
In 1989 I went from Revelstoke BC to Montreal. I think I had an upper berth. Had to change trains in Sudbury for Ottawa and Montreal. The VIA engine broke down between North Bay and Ottawa and it took several hours for CP to supply a Freight locomotive to schlepp the whole train including Via engine all the way to Montreal, arriving there about 5 to six hours late. Luckily the disabled VIA loco was still able to provide power to the dining car so I didn’t miss out on dinner! Towards the end of April we will travel from Vancouver to Halifax, which includes either 2 nights in Toronto or 1 night in Toronto and another night in Montreal. Such is the lack of connectivity between trains in Canada. And never mind the price difference between then and now!
Thanks so much for your review on Canada’s only passenger train travel options! Their website was very vague and frustrating to navigate around. I am a senior in a wheelchair and I would require a cabin for two (my caregiver escort),with private toilet. Do they have connections all the way from Calgary to New Brunswick????? Do you know the best place to get an authorized, yet unbiased, travel agent to help me plan this huge journey??????
You will need to book 3 trains: the “Canadian” from Edmonton to Toronto, a day train from Toronto to Montreal and the “Ocean” from Montreal to New Brunswick (along the north coast). Other than that you’ll need to find your own way to Edmonton. Phone Via Rail, I have found that their agents are very helpful. All the Cabins for 2 have their own private toilets. You WILL need cabin F if you have a wheel chair. It is significantly larger than rooms A-E. There is one handicap room in the Prestige car that you don’t have to pay Prestige prices for – you will just not have all the extras that the Prestige customers have paid for and the room is very spacious and comfortable. We just completed a Prestige trip last week (April 2022).
All I can say to this article is you didn’t do your homework (I’m a retired teacher)! We read lots of blogs about the trip before we left and knew all that you didn’t know before you left. We have traveled all over the world, but only after doing our homework.
lol well, I see you aren’t retired from scolding 😉 I certainly did read up before departing and, at the time of publishing this several years ago, there was not a lot out there. It’s also about what VIA Rail lacks or doesn’t make clear, not other sites like this. As you can see by the comments in this post, VIA’s website lacks some information so I am certainly not alone here. Hope you had an enjoyable trip, it really is a fantastic way to see Canada!
thx for the insights. planning a trip now and this is really helpful. cheers,
Cheers and enjoy your trip!
I took the train from Vancouver-Toronto and back about a half dozen times.. – The last time was around 2005.. – I have been on it during all four seasons.. – I enjoyed Winter the most, with the beautiful snowy vistas.. – I just LOVE taking the train,, it is very nostalgic for me, as I used to go see my parents who lived in Toronto.. – They are gone now; I’d love to take the train across and back one more time.. – One way now, costs the same price as a return ticket the last time I took it.. (roomette). – Anyway,, I have always encouraged people to go for it, as there’s nothing like it in the whole wide world.. – It’s the only way to go !
Many thanks for the review. You are right, it is very difficult to get information from the website or anywhere else really. Especially up to date due to pandemic. We are Brits travelling from Halifax to Vancouver by train at end of May 2022 (fingers crossed). We are breaking the trip in Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg and Jasper but are still on the trains for 5 nights all told so have booked sleeper cabins on the Ocean and the Canadian. My query is what food and drink is included, if any? Can’t seem to find the info anywhere. Website says about Business and Economy but not sleeper.
Thanks, Claire and I am jealous of your trip! Meal service is included with sleeper car passengers on the Canadian (Toronto-Vancouver) and the Ocean (Halifax-Montreal). Alcohol is not included but believe juices, coffee, tea etc are. Meals and alcohol are included in business class tickets between Montreal and Toronto.
More info here: https://www.thislifeintrips.com/is-via-rail-business-class-worth-the-upgrade/
Let me know how your trip goes! The Ocean is still on my list and I hope to get to it this fall!
Thanks for the tips although I think I was aware of most of your points from searching the web. I am scheduled to do the journey westbound on June 1. My only question is luggage allowances. The VIA website gives specific dimensions for on-board luggage. However I will have a bedroom for two entirely for myself and hoping I can bring my roller suitcase which is about 10 inches taller than what their specs say is allowed. As there should be plenty of room in the bedroom do you think I will have any problem with this? I really don’t want to check the bag and have no access to it for the while trip.
Thanks Joe. I would think it is ok although size might be limited to avoid blocking hallways. Best to contact VIA directly and confirm.
1 (888) 842-7245
Fantastic post, thanks a lot for sharing this as it comes with a lot of details and has been very helpful
Cheers!
Thanks for the helpful post! Would you recommend booking economy or sleeper plus from Vancouver to Jasper? I’m not sure if it’s worth it to pay for sleeper accommodation when the trip is just one night long.
I would say depending on the departure times. If you are travelling through the Rockies at night you might as well get a good sleep! Otherwise, economy and enjoy the view.
Trying to book the Canadian in September, going in either direction. All private sleeping accomodations are “sold out”. Wonder if they are just not offering this service by eliminating cars or if they are truly sold out 2 months ahead? Business must be great for Via??
Hi Jerry, given they are the only passenger train going across the country they certainly book up in advance! You could try to/from Winnipeg or Jasper as some people spend a couple days there.
You can check out VIA’s 50% off deals; they offer mostly sleeper berths but still a lot cheaper! I was also interested in a September trip but noticed that it’s all booked!
https://www.viarail.ca/en/offers/sleeper-plus-class-deals/toronto-vancouver
Great tip!
I’m planning to go from Vancouver to Toronto in a lower berth. Which is the best side of the train for views?
Thank you for an informative post and follow-ups.
Great review but you are dead wrong about the cabin for one. Yes, there is a toilet but, no, it is not a bother at all a certainly not gross. The lid covers it securely and snugly and turns it into a foot stool or another place to sit. I have travelled in these little cabins many times. Although a bit tight, they are a very comfortable and enjoyable way to travel. I will be heading out again in January for a trip from Toronto to Vancouver in a roomette (as those in the know call them) and I can’t wait.
Thanks, Mike. I guess it’s still a bit odd to me but not having to leave your cabin in the middle of the night certainly has its perks!
Enjoy the next trip! I am hoping to do another one in the winter to experience it that way.
We just did the Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver in a sleeper cabin for 2 (added Montreal to Toronto at the start also).
+Pluses (Many)
+ trip of a lifetime, and I am VIA convert! Just booked another trip for a business trip Vancouver to Saskatoon rather than Westjet and more flight delays.
+ Service was great
+ Food was very good
+ scenery was never boring, and gave a very clear sense of the immensity of the country.
+Always loads of room in the observation cars
+ Wonderful people travel on the train. Dining with strangers and becoming friends along the way was loads of fun
+ 100% recommend the trip!
Negatives/cautions
– I would suggest to book a break in the middle of the trip (Banff?/Winnipeg?) and reconnect the next train, as the stops are generally very forgettable, and you don’t really experience any of the cities.
– The staff is overworked, as almost every business in Canada is short staffed. Give them a break, and say thanks, and they are marvelous!
– A shame the tracks are freight priority first. As a result, don’t get too anxious about exact timing. They do their best.
Finally, make sure you sign up for the loyalty program. Lots of travel points for future trips!
Bon voyage!
Great points Jacques, especially on the overworked staff and the loyalty points. Their reward system really is great!
In 1990, my husband and I wanted to take our honeymoon on first class rail. The cost from Ottawa to Vancouver was very expensive. So, rather than rail to Vancouver and the USA, we decided to fly to LA and boarded a pre-booked room on Amtrak to LA, New Orleans, Washington home to Ottawa; great service and staff, food and beverages included. Another fantastic journey is The Indian Express from Perth to Sydney in a gold twin room, again great service and staff, food and drinks included. Both of those rooms have a shower, sink and toilet.
Sadly, rail service in Canada will never come close to the above two journeys.
As an aside, my husband knew the staff at the Ottawa train station. When he asked about the high rail price; he was told that VIA’s pricing was based on Japanese tourists who are not concerned about travel costs. Save your money and find fantastic rail travel in another country. Too bad we have two useless oceans separating two large land parcels… what a rail journey that would be!!!
Thanks Susan. I think given the cost to operate and the vast distance travelled, ticket prices are somewhat justifiable. I am not sure about your comment about specific tourists holds up but the prestige car is certainly catered to those that can afford it. This is similar to other luxury trains out there that are also costly. I have been on a couple in Portugal and South Africa. I am heading back on Rovos Rail next month so stay tuned for that!
This is the most Canadian thing that I have ever come across. The entire trip and everything associated with it is just so Canadian. The fact that they have named the trip after it as well just tells you how Canadian it is.
So very true!
Hi Shaun,
Thank you for your article and answering all these questions.
My husband and I went on the Canadian for the first time in December 2011 from Toronto to Jasper and then the “Skeena” to Prince Rupert. We took a ferry to Haida Gwaii, stayed there for a week and then took a ferry to Vancouver Island, and bus to Parkville where we took the Via train to Victoria. After Victoria we went to Vancouver for a few days and then back to Toronto on the Canadian using “Romance by Rail”. This was a trip of a lifetime but it was our honeymoon. We splurged but it was well worth it. We talk about it all the time.
On the way out west, we stopped for a few days in Winnipeg and Saskatoon and of course one night in Prince George. These were great breaks and fun ways to see more of the country outside of the rail scenery.
It was in winter so it was a bit cheaper and the staff weren’t as busy so it was fun talking to them. Via staff are awesome! The Skeena trip was unforgettable and they had a VIA tour guide on the train that told us when to get our cameras ready for good shots that were coming up. She really loved her job and it showed -she had a lot of stories. The best one was about the hairless bear that comes out sometimes to show himself to VIA passengers! Ask me and I will tell you about this.
Also, the one car VIA train on Vancouver Island is no more and we are so glad we got to experience it.
Romance by Rail – I don’t know if they still have it but in those days they did not have any cars with double beds. So coming back to Toronto, we splurged and booked the one double room which came with breakfast in bed and endless champagne…seriously!
Now, I really want to take my parents on this journey (without the stops) before they can no longer get around. I search the net for my job and I agree with you that as much as I like VIA their information about the Canadian is woefully lacking. Even though I have taken this train twice, I have many questions which are just not easy to find or are not available anywhere. I even called their main line to find out more but the general booking agents do not know much. I am going to try and find someone who knows right now and I think it will take some time before I am successful.
Thanks again for all your information and replies. They have helped me and many others.
Thanks for the kind words and for sharing your story! I would love to have traveled on Vancouver Island by train.
I just took the Canadian again a couple weeks ago between Vancouver and Edmonton and will share updates from that
Experience soon. In short, still great and pretty magical in the winter!
I appreciate your assistive notes, and enthusiasm. I agree the VIA web site could be improved: more up front photos/diagrams of cars (they are a bit buried and not numerous), list of what cars are on each train, schedules published with both directions in one document (one must pull up each direction separately), generally more pizzaz reflecting the love and benefit-of-doubt train fans give this tradition.
I have witnessed that the Toronto and Ottawa stations do not open the doors until 5:30. I have stood outside in the cold with others.
I agree the phone staff have been helpful and caring (going away to get current info on punctuality, not guessing/bluffing – and in fact punctuality has been pretty good). The live train tracker (you’ll need to know the specific train number) on the web site is helpful as is the offered service of text message updates on service.
To get the CAA discount (worthwhile), on the VIA start page, click Offers then CAA. It’s the only way in to that portal/pricing; you can’t punch your number in at any other stage. Do enter your Preference number and password while on the ticket search page as it is not requested later in buying.
Refund/exchange details are only seen once you select a trip and fare, not before. Escape fare has no refund, and all other fares have refund/exchange with a cost. Do take note.
As of October, 2022, buffer cars have been added at the front and, disappointingly, the rear of The Canadian (and other trains). So you can’t look out the back window down the track. A February, 2023 article on the situation here: https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/ride-the-via-rail-canadian-while-you-can-analysis/
What was your experience with the time of day when berths transform to seats? Is it scheduled? What if lower/upper are strangers and their desired time to get out of bed differs? Thanks and cheers. Happy rails to all
Two comments: Firstly I believe that Grant’s answer to the question some months ago about curtains in the cabins-for-one is mistaken. Having booked these rooms several times I can attest that there are ( were?) heavy wool curtains just inside the door. These are necessary for you to be able to use the toilet when the bed is “down”. I recall that I had to unlatch the bed and make it rise up at an angle to get access to sitting on the toilet. ( It seemed necessary.) There isn’t really enough space to do all of that with the door closed so you might have to pull the curtain across, ( it zips up the middle I think ), slide the door open and then slightly step out into the hallway with the curtain protecting your modesty.
My other comment is purely philosophical: We all have bona-fide grievances and angst about the service(s) provided by VIA: there are endless deficiencies to feel let down or mislead about. I think the only way we will ever enjoy the unique experience here is to suck it up and lower our expectations against perfection. Its a bit like the prodigal son analogy. We need to continue to complain and bring about change but we’ll miss out on all the good stuff if we become overly distracted with aggravations. It won’t ever be perfect in our lifetimes so I prefer to savour what we have left while we can.