Wrong forum. Probably belongs in http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/forum/88-miscellaneous-rail-transportation/anyone taken the canadian from toronto to vancouver? how about comparisons between level of service and cost vs. amtrak similar routes.
In other words, “no?” :giggle:Wrong forum.anyone taken the canadian from toronto to vancouver?
I’m not sure this is still true. I’ve had AGR trips that would have cost more than VIA’s Canadian if I paid the asking price. Other than that I’d say your review is spot-on.Cost is more than Amtrak, even more so if you take a sleeper.
Same here. I thought it was a substantial improvement over Amtrak and found the dome cars especially appealing.The service and food was much better than the service and food on Amtrak. The scenery was great, but because my trip was in December, the days were very short. I do not think I would have paid full fare because it would have been cost prohibitive for me. I spent most of my waking hours in the Park (dome) car.
Never had a problem with the facilities myself. I didn’t use the toilets while in the station, but there’s nobody to lock anything down in your room.The worst thing was the restrooms which flush [between] the rails.
Any particular reason why?I prefer the two level Amtrak Superliner cars to the single level ViaRail coach cars.
What a mess.We bought two new suitcases that were the size specified on the website. However, when we got to the train station in Vancouver, we had to put our bags into a "frame" to make sure they were the correct size. The bags would have fit, but the wheels didn't! We had to run around the station looking for inexpensive tote bags. Then we had to repack - putting the clothing for the trip into the tote bags - which DID fit in the frame. Our regular bags made the trip in the baggage car, and they were unavailable to us for the duration of the trip.
They still use toilets that flush on the tracks?The nicest thing about the Canadian was the dome car which was up over the snack bar, kitchen and dining area.
The worst thing was the restrooms which flush beteeen the rails. The conductor locked the bathrooms when the train was stopped at a station. The food in the dining car was fair to sometimes quite good.
Unless you get the senior rate with a companion free or half price, you can do better by riding the Empire Builder which runs every day not just 3 times a week.
My first ride on the Canadian in coach was in October 2001 from Toronto to Winnipeg then another from Winnipeg to Jasper followed by another from Jasper to Vancouver This was on a North America Rail Pass which sadly no longer exists.
I prefer the two level Amtrak Superliner cars to the single level ViaRail coach cars.
Not for a few years now. All cars have retention toilets now and the LRC and REN fleets have always had them.They still use toilets that flush on the tracks?The worst thing was the restrooms which flush beteeen the rails. The conductor locked the bathrooms when the train was stopped at a station.
You can stay at the Days Inn or the Fairmont. Both offer a bed and meals but many are willing to pay more for the service and amenities offered by the Fairmont!The cheapest ViaRail fare Toronto to Vancouver I saw for a trip in February was $530CAD for a 3 day 9 hour trip.
For the same date of start, you can take the Maple Leaf from Toronto to Buffalo - Lake Shore Ltd. Buffalo to Chicago - Empire Builder Chicago to Seattle for a total trip time of 3 days 5 hours. The coach fare for the same date of start is $266
But does the Superliner have a Dome Observation!I still like the bilevel Superliner cars on the Empire Builder better than any ViaRail cars I have ever been on.
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