VIA Rail The Ocean Review: Is Canada’s Coastal Train Worth the Price?

If you’ve been following along on my travel adventures, you already know I love a good train trip. From zipping across Europe with a rail pass to cruising through India on a luxury train, there’s something unbeatable about slow, scenic travel with a bar car in tow.

So when the opportunity came to try VIA Rail’s The Ocean train this past Mother’s Day weekend, I jumped on it—literally.

This post covers my full VIA Rail The Ocean review: the route, sleeper cabins, meals, service, scenery, and whether it’s worth the high ticket price.

The VIA Rail Ocean Route

The Ocean train is one of Canada’s oldest passenger rail lines, running since 1904. It operates three times a week in each direction between Halifax, Nova Scotia and Montreal, Quebec, covering 1,346km (836 miles). Key stops include Moncton, Miramichi, Campbellton, and Rimouski before rolling into Montreal’s Central Station. It’s a storied and scenic ride—on paper, anyway.

When it comes to train travel in Canada, I’ve logged my fair share of miles. I’ve ridden VIA Rail’s The Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver, as well as from Vancouver to Edmonton, and made multiple trips throughout the Ontario–Quebec corridor in both economy and VIA Rail business class.

Compared to those journeys, The Ocean train Canada offers a different vibe: shorter in duration, but rich in Maritime charm and coastal scenery. While it lacks some of the grandeur and onboard amenities of The Canadian, the route has its own appeal, especially when paired with a few days (or even 24 hours) in Halifax or Montreal.

This background makes me well-equipped to give a fair VIA Rail The Ocean review.

VIA The Ocean Cost: Is It Worth It?

Let’s not sugarcoat it—train travel in Canada is not cheap. VIA Rail is the only national passenger rail provider, so they don’t have much competition. I paid around $1,200 CAD for a Cabin for Two in Sleeper Plus class for my mom and me. (Pro tip: Book on Tuesdays! VIA Rail often offers discounts. I saved $200 per ticket by doing so.)

For comparison, economy tickets start around $150 CAD, but don’t include meals or private cabins. Sleeper Plus includes lunch, dinner, and breakfast, along with private washrooms in some cabins and free coffee and tea in the lounge cars. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

VIA Rail Ocean Sleeper Cabin Review

The Ocean Sleeper Plus cabin is compact but cozy—a relaxing way to watch the Maritimes drift by. While space is tight for two people, it still feels comfortable. I had plenty of room to stretch out while my mother was off in the bar car making friends. Each cabin comes with a large window, a private toilet, and a sink.

Some cabins also include a small shower, which is worth noting when booking. At night, the attendant folds the seats down into bunk-style beds. If having a shower onboard is important to you, be sure to select one of the shower-equipped cabins when reserving your ticket.

Compared to The Canadian, the beds here are firmer, and I did find a long hair pinched in the bedframe,, which was a bit gross and highlighting a theme of the trip, attention to detail is lacking. Still, it’s comfortable enough for a night.

On the positive, cabins do include power outlets, something lacking on the Canadian Train.

The Lounge and Bar Cars

Here’s where The Ocean starts to show its age. The lounge car is basic. There are dated TVs that don’t work. When I asked if we could stream a hockey game, the response was laughter.

It’s unfortunate because a functioning modern entertainment system that you can stream to could be a small but meaningful upgrade.

Wi-Fi is available in the lounge and dining cars, and it’s decent—again, something The Canadian train does not have. That said, there’s no dome car, which really limits sightseeing compared to the Prestige experience on The Canadian.

The bar car? Also a letdown. It has a bartender, but drink options were limited. I ordered a Caesar, which came from a can, not freshly made. The bartender didn’t know much about the beer selection either. It’s nowhere near as enjoyable as The Canadian’s Prestige bar car.

Dining Car and VIA Rail Ocean Menu

The dining car was serviceable but lacked charm. Bench seating replaces proper chairs, which felt less upscale, although easier to get in and out of. Food quality was decent—nothing to write home about. Meal service also felt rushed and impersonal, and staff didn’t always offer coffee refills or follow through on listed service times.

Highlights included crepes for breakfast and a few well-prepared main courses, but don’t expect the elevated culinary experience of The Canadian.

Still, considering the kitchen is on a moving train, something I will always find impressive, the meals were decent.

Pre-Train Experience: A Day in Halifax

My VIA Rail Ocean experience began after an overnight flight from Vancouver to Halifax. My brother and mother had been road-tripping around the East Coast, including a scenic trip to Prince Edward Island, and we arranged to meet up in Halifax.

Although I had just over 24 hours in the city on this visit, I was eager to make the most of it. After dropping my bags at the hotel, I headed straight for the waterfront. It was a beautiful morning—perfect for a leisurely stroll.

I wandered the boardwalk, stopping first at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, home to exhibits on Nova Scotia’s rich seafaring history, including a moving tribute to the Titanic and the 1917 Halifax Explosion.

Next, I revisited Pier 21, Canada’s national museum of immigration. I’ve explored this site in more detail during a previous trip—check out my full review of Pier 21 for a deeper look into how it captures the emotional and cultural impact of Canada’s immigrant story.

I capped off my walk with a stop at Alexander Keith’s Brewery, where I joined a guided tour and enjoyed a well-earned pint with my brother and mother in one of Canada’s most historic breweries.

The theatrical tour, heritage setting, and fresh beer made for a great send-off before boarding the train.

If you’re spending more time in Halifax, be sure to check out my 3-day Halifax itinerary for even more recommendations from a previous visit.

Where to Eat in Halifax Before Taking the Train

Halifax is known for its seafood—especially lobster—and its unique take on the Donair, topped with an oddly sweet (but surprisingly tasty) sauce. There’s no shortage of either in the city.

I couldn’t visit Halifax without having a lobster roll for lunch. I originally headed to Dave’s Lobster Shack, though I was a bit skeptical since it’s right in the middle of a touristy area. The reviews were decent, but there were no prices listed.

When I asked, it turned out the cost wasn’t much different from what The Bicycle Thief—one of Halifax’s top-rated restaurants—charges for a lobster roll. So I opted for The Bicycle Thief instead.

It was a great call. The lobster roll was excellent, I scored a seat on the patio, and paired it with a cold local beer—an ideal Halifax lunch.

After lunch, I was in search of a memorable spot near the train station to grab a mid-afternoon pick-me-up—and I found it at Listen and then some.

This café/record store hybrid turned out to be a highlight of my short time in Halifax. The owner not only handcrafts excellent espresso drinks but also DJs in the space.

The vibe is laid-back, the vinyl selection is worth flipping through, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet his senior pup, Baby—who lounges near the counter with her tongue adorably hanging out the side of her mouth.

It’s exactly the kind of offbeat, local gem I love to stumble across while traveling.

Dinner was at Edna, one of Halifax’s best restaurants, as listed by Air Canada enRoute. Despite fumbling our reservation (I booked the wrong date), they squeezed us in. The halibut cheeks and scallops were the stars, and the sticky toffee pudding dessert sealed the deal. Highly recommend.

Where to Stay in Halifax Near the VIA Rail Station

For ultimate convenience, the Westin Halifax is your best bet—it’s literally connected to the VIA Rail station. But while it wins on location, it lacks charm.

Since you’re about to embark on a classic Canadian rail journey, I’d recommend starting with a stay that has more personality. I chose The Halliburton, a historic boutique inn just a short walk from the station—and it was the perfect fit.

Originally built in the early 1800s as a series of townhouses, The Halliburton blends heritage character with cozy comfort. The rooms vary in layout, each offering its own mix of antique touches and modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, plush bedding, and fireplaces in select suites.

The property includes a lovely garden courtyard and an on-site restaurant, Stories, known for its fine regional dining. The latter, unfortunately, was closed on my visit and iscurrently only open for private dinning.

Best of all, the Haliburton Inn is only about a 10-minute walk from the VIA Rail Halifax station—and you can swing by Listen for a great coffee along the way.

My VIA Rail Ocean Journey

After a good night’s sleep at The Halliburton, I had a relaxed breakfast at the hotel before heading to the station. I met my brother and mother at Listen for one last espresso, a flip through the record bins, and a quick handoff with my mom before walking over to board the train.

Boarding was a bit rocky. A small desk marked for The Ocean staff served as the check-in point, and while it was efficient, the greeting was less than warm. We were the last to arrive, and a staff member made a pointed comment about it that felt a little cold—similar to the dismissive tone I encountered during baggage drop-off when taking The Canadian out of Toronto.

That said, we were able to bypass the economy passenger line and head straight to the sleeper cars. There, we were met by our service director, who immediately turned the tone around.

Friendly and engaging, he joked with my mother in French and walked us through the cabin setup, including how the keys work, how to convert the beds and how meal service would work. We chose our preferred dining times and settled in as Halifax disappeared in the distance.

VIA Rail Food Experience

We headed to the dining car for lunch shortly after departure. While the food was decent (especially considering it comes from a small galley kitchen on a moving train), as mentioned, the service felt rushed and impersonal.

The staff treated it more like airline food service—efficient but transactional—rather than part of a memorable travel experience. It was especially noticeable compared to the warmer, more attentive service on The Canadian.

There were other small misses: coffee wasn’t offered after one meal, and during breakfast, staff announced a “last call” well before the published end time. When we asked for a refill, it felt like we were inconveniencing them.

VIA Rail the Sleeper Plus Experience

The Sleeper Plus class on The Ocean promises a comfortable overnight experience, but it definitely shows its age. The cabins are compact and functional, but the years of service are visible—scuffed paneling, worn upholstery, and in my case, a long hair pinched in the upper bunk’s bedframe, which was not exactly a welcoming detail.

The beds themselves are firm—borderline hard—and not nearly as comfortable as the ones I’ve experienced on The Canadian. While I managed to get a few hours of rest, it wasn’t the kind of sleep that leaves you feeling overly refreshed.

My mother, who was in the lower berth, struggled even more. Between the firmness of the bed and the unfamiliar setting, she hardly slept.

If you’re considering Sleeper Plus, I strongly recommend packing an eye mask and earplugs. The cabin lights don’t fully black out, and ambient noises from other passengers and the train itself can break your rest.

You won’t find luxury here, but if you manage expectations and come prepared, the experience is still enjoyable—especially if you’re focused more on the journey than the sleep quality.

That said, for those new to rail travel or looking to check it off their Canadian travel list, Sleeper Plus still offers a nostalgic, charming way to cross provinces—just with a few trade-offs in comfort.

Scenery and Service Gaps

One of the biggest gaps, though, was the scenery. Despite being called The Ocean, there are surprisingly few coastal views. There’s a scenic stretch along the St. Lawrence River and as the route approaches the Bay of Fundy, but for much of the journey, it’s trees, farms, and more trees. It’s still pleasant—but don’t expect dramatic vistas.

Where to Stay in Montreal Close to the VIA Rail Station

We arrived in Montreal ahead of schedule—a pleasant surprise, especially considering my past experiences with VIA Rail in Western Canada, where passenger trains often yield to freight traffic, making delays the norm rather than the exception.

Knowing this, and anticipating we might not get the best sleep on the train, I wanted a hotel close to the station for both convenience and comfort. The Marriott Château Champlain delivered on both.

Located just a 4-minute walk from the VIA Rail Montreal station, the hotel is also connected via the city’s underground pedestrian network—perfect if you’re arriving in bad weather or just want to avoid navigating busy streets with luggage.

The hotel itself didn’t disappoint. I enjoyed relaxing in the stylish café area and made good use of their spacious gym before catching my flight to Colombia later that night. For a short stopover or a smooth transition from rail to air travel, it was the ideal base.

I also recommend checking out my guides to Montreal must eat food if you’re exploring further. My mother and I enjoyed a couple days hitting up our favourite spots like Schwartz Deli as well as a late Mother’s day high tea at Paparmane in beautiful old Montreal.

VIA Rail The Ocean Review Final Thoughts

So, is The Ocean worth it?

Despite the criticisms I’ve shared—especially around attention to detail, aging equipment, and rushed service—I genuinely enjoyed my Ocean train experience. I’m a big fan of train travel in general, so I’ll admit I’m a bit biased.

There’s something inherently relaxing about letting the landscape roll by while you sip a coffee or share a meal with family. That said, I recognize that not everyone may feel the same.

If you’re paying full price for Sleeper Plus, it’s important to manage your expectations. While the nostalgic charm is still there, the overall experience may fall short for travelers expecting luxury or highly attentive service.

For those used to the elevated experience aboard The Canadian, especially in Prestige class, The Ocean can feel like a downgrade—particularly considering the price point.

For visitors to Canada or those considering a cross-country rail journey, I’d recommend opting for the Vancouver to Edmonton segment of The Canadian instead. Not only is it often priced more affordably than The Ocean (depending on class and season), but it also includes a stop in Jasper National Park—one of Canada’s most scenic gems.

Plus, you get the bonus of observation cars and, if you’re lucky enough to book it, access to the Prestige bar car, which really elevates the experience.

Ultimately, The Ocean remains a unique and enjoyable way to experience the Maritimes—just know what you’re signing up for. If you’re a rail enthusiast like me, you’ll probably love it. If you’re seeking value, luxury, or wow-factor scenery, there may be better VIA Rail routes to explore.

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