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Here is my "nuts and bolts" write up from my trip VAC - TWO in Oct 2010.

Also located in the travelouges section here.

Yes, it is expensive if you pay "full price", however off season there are deals,

as well as up to 75% off if you are flexible with your dates. This is what I did.

It was also a total rail trip for me with Amtrak connections to and from VAC and TWO.

Definately worth doing!

Greetings, I recently returned from a cross Canada trip and wanted to pass on some of my experiences. I won’t try to post a curve by curve account and will try not to make too many comparisons to Amtrak. Just the “nuts and bolts” of the journey and hope it will answer some of the questions I had before making the trip.

I booked an upper berth in a section, Vancouver to Toronto.

Pre Boarding Vancouver - I arrived early at the CP station and found the VIA staff friendly and helpful. I received my ticket and was able to leave my bags, which were then placed on the train in my section. I spent the better part of the day exploring Vancouver.

The CP station is in a good part of town, a 15-20 minute walk to the upscale Yaletown area and Chinatown, both with stores, restaurants, sporting events, theater, etc. The Vancouver light rail is across the street should you want to venture further. Bars, restaurants, attractions in the immediate area. The station its self is comfortable, there is some light remodeling going on in the Amtrak area. There is a McDonalds, coffee bar, sushi bar, currency exchange, news stand in the station and a nice park across the street.

The Panorama Lounge, for the Sleeping/Touring passengers, was opened around 5:30pm.

Coffee, tea, water and snacks were set out, free wi-fi was available. Additionally an outside covered patio, with tables and chairs, was opened up with a lounge type singer/musician playing. It was fun watching the workers prepare the train and the music was a nice touch.

Boarding - began about 8:15pm for the 8:30pm departure. Coach passengers boarded first and VIA rail staff had carts for any folks who needed a ride to their car. It was a long walk out to my car as there were 26 total cars on this consist (several cars deadheading east). I arrived at my car and was greeted by the attendant, who pointed the way to my section, she said she would stop by when underway to brief me on the car and to answer any questions. I found my assigned section and my bags were waiting for me, along with a VIA bag that contained towels and toiletries. My first impressions were of how clean and well maintained the car was, that the windows were clean and how cool the stainless steel is. The attendant stopped by and after an orientation and answering my questions invited me to the champagne send off in the Dome car. The on board staff were friendly and younger then I expected. The passengers I met and saw were a mix of families, 30 somethings, middle aged and older couples. The majority being retired couples, many on board as a part of tour groups.

On Board - my car was in the middle of the train, with a Dome and diner in front of me and a pair behind me as well. The Park car was at the end. The 3 sections were located in the front of the car and the 2 washrooms located just forward of the sections. The washrooms were on each side of the car, 1 for men and 1 for women and were used almost exclusively by the section passengers. This was a Manor car and the cabins had their own washrooms. I stayed up late in the Dome car and when I returned to my section about 2:00am my berth was made up and ready for sleep.

Breakfast was served first come/first served starting at 6:30am. At breakfast you are asked to chose your lunch and dinner seating - 1st, 2nd or last. Lunch ran from approximately 11:00 to 1:00 and dinner 5:00 to 8:00pm. The seating system worked very well, with all those assigned to a seating being served together, the dining area being completely cleaned and set up before the next seating time. It is relaxing as there is no coming and going through out the meal. Unless you are with a group of 4 you can expect to eat with others. Meals were freshly prepared, with a choice of 3 or 4 entrees each meal. A steward oversaw the dining car, the wait staff young and friendly. I wouldn’t consider it a 5 star dining experience but the meals were very good and the menus creative and flavorful. Beer, wine or cocktails could be purchased during a meal.

Beds and cabins were generally put up during breakfast time and the seating area and windows were wiped down each time. Fresh linens were used each night and the beds prepared during the dinner meal time. Washrooms were clean and trash removed through out the day.

The entire train was available to explore. The Dome/Park car seating was open all hours, lounge service until 11:30pm. The lounge had snacks, drinks, etc and also had events if you wanted to join in - discussions, movies, bingo, wine/beer tasting. Complimentary coffee, juice, water, fruit, cookies and rolls were available all day in the lounge as well as breakfast cereals in the morning. There were tables with chairs and seats in the lounge/Dome/Park car and electrical outlets. Dome seats were comfortable and the windows cleaned through out the trip. An observation car of modern design was part of the consist and traveled until Edmonton. I would guess that during the course of the day that most people spent some time in a Dome car. That being said it was never crowded and a seat could always be found in one of the 2 Domes or in the Park car. The coach seats were similar to Amtrak with similar leg room, they had bolsters on the side of the headrests.

The section seats were of leather and were comfortable, the size of a love seat. You could sit side ways with a pillow or stretch your legs across to the other side. There was room under the seats for your bags, although no other baggage storage. Sleeping in the berth was excellent. The berths are the widest beds on the train and unless you are well over 6’ tall you should have no problems fitting. I had the opportunity to sleep in both the upper and lower berths, heavy double upholstery fabric with snaps made for complete privacy and darkness. There were lights in both upper and lower berths and plenty of headroom in each. A 3 step ladder was required to reach the upper berth, the lower, of course, had the window with curtains. I did get a look at the cabins and they seems very nice and thoughtfully laid out. Comments I heard were that they were small and that the toilet was not usable with the bed put down.

En-Route - scheduled train stops are infrequent and it maybe as long as 10 hours between stops.

Stops are made at Division breaks where the crew changes out and last approximately 40 minutes, you can get out at these. Major cities - Jasper, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Winnipeg are the other stops unless a flag stop has been scheduled.

Jasper, was the first major stop and was about 1.5 hrs in length. Many passengers departed here and many boarded, most being a part of the many tour groups. There is plenty of time to sight see in Jasper and stores are open. There is a period of time when the train is being serviced that you cannot get back on the train. The exterior windows were washed here.

Edmonton, late night east bound, approximately 2 hrs.

Saskatoon, approximately 30 mins, on outskirts of town, not much here.

Winnipeg, late night, 3 hrs. Nice station, downtown. There is a train museum that west bound passengers could check out, it was closed east bound. There is a lounge there for Sleeping/Touring passengers as there is a period where you cannot get back onto the train. The exterior windows were washed here. The on board staff changed out here.

The route is scenic, with the train even slowing down at highlights so that people can get a better look or photos.

The train is comfortable but not as quiet or smooth as Amtrak, the nature of the older Budd cars. I did like that the cars had doors that pushed or pulled open instead of sliding air doors, these made for the car being quiet. The cars, although old, are well taken care of. Some of the interior stainless steel has been painted yet it is clean and looks fresh. The washrooms roomy with porcelain and real on/off fixtures. The shower was tall with a glass door and plenty of headroom and hot water. It is obvious that these cars were made to last and there is a “pride of ownership” with the crews and staff.

Arrival Toronto - the train arrived a little late, the staff helpful in getting off and directing everyone to the station. Union Station is a central hub in Toronto and also houses local and regional transit. It is within walking distance of hotels, shops, restaurants, bars, museums, music, theater and sports venues. Clean city with a European flair, friendly, safe.

I hope this is helpful to those who may be considering this trip. Its really a great journey. Its not a “land cruise” yet it’s also not pre Amtrak or “golden age” American railroad. It stands alone as an outstanding ride through a varied and beautiful country and an opportunity to relax and slow time down just a bit.
 
Yes, it is expensive if you pay "full price", however off season there are deals,

as well as up to 75% off if you are flexible with your dates. This is what I did.

It was also a total rail trip for me with Amtrak connections to and from VAC and TWO.

Definitely worth doing!
Wow! Thanks to your write-up I've just booked the CS and Cascades from LA to Vancouver, the Canadian to Toronto, the Maple Leaf to NYC, Acela to Boston and--ugh--air back to LA, for late March through early April. Got a room in the Park Car, the telephone clerk at Via Rail was helpful beyond belief, not that Amtrak clerks can't be, but also incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of the train. Followed his recommendations for location, etc. etc.

I can't wait: the CS and Canadian in one trip, can hardly ask for more (unless I had the time to return to the West on the CZ.
 
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this thread had me thoroughly investigating the via rail website and I was amazed with what I saw! another route that looks incredible is from Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba, also known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World". It's a two night trip and looks as though it would be absolutely amazing. :)
 
this thread had me thoroughly investigating the via rail website and I was amazed with what I saw! another route that looks incredible is from Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba, also known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World". It's a two night trip and looks as though it would be absolutely amazing. :)
Search the Trip Reports area. One of our members took that trip, in winter, some time ago and gave us a very detailed report.
 
LA_Resident,

Very cool! I am envious.

On your VIA leg did you book a cabin or section?

Also, if you didn't do so, I would recommend business class on the Maple Leaf.

It's very nice and not much more cost than coach.

Have a great trip.
 
LA_Resident,

Very cool! I am envious.

On your VIA leg did you book a cabin or section?

Also, if you didn't do so, I would recommend business class on the Maple Leaf.

It's very nice and not much more cost than coach.

Have a great trip.
Thanks!

Booked a double bedroom in Park car on recommendation of Via Rail reservation agent. Said that being in the last car, having extra room and in-room toilet available 24 hours, etc. was worth it and you're steps away from dome, bar, continental breakfast b4 or after the regular dining room, snacks, 24-hour coffee and tea. Not cheap but it's something not done every day, or year, for that matter!

Maple Leaf from Toronto to Niagra Falls, Ont. doesn't offer BS. I'm told you can upgrade on-board once Amtrak personnel take over after immigration/customs. I plan to do so, since it's a pretty long haul all the way to NY Penn. I guess the car must be added at Niagra Falls NY?
 
Yes, it is expensive if you pay "full price", however off season there are deals,

as well as up to 75% off if you are flexible with your dates. This is what I did.

It was also a total rail trip for me with Amtrak connections to and from VAC and TWO.

Definitely worth doing!
Wow! Thanks to your write-up I've just booked the CS and Cascades from LA to Vancouver, the Canadian to Toronto, the Maple Leaf to NYC, Acela to Boston and--ugh--air back to LA, for late March through early April. Got a room in the Park Car, the telephone clerk at Via Rail was helpful beyond belief, not that Amtrak clerks can't be, but also incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of the train. Followed his recommendations for location, etc. etc.

I can't wait: the CS and Canadian in one trip, can hardly ask for more (unless I had the time to return to the West on the CZ.
I have to ask which day in March will you be departing on the Canadian, im traveling on the Canadian in late March as well.
 
Maple Leaf from Toronto to Niagra Falls, Ont. doesn't offer BS. I'm told you can upgrade on-board once Amtrak personnel take over after immigration/customs. I plan to do so, since it's a pretty long haul all the way to NY Penn. I guess the car must be added at Niagra Falls NY?
No, the BC car is on the train for the entire trip. The issue is that VIA Rail just doesn't sell tickets for it. You have to book the Leaf through Amtrak in order to get BC.

On my trip last summer I rode BC out of Toronto because I booked through Amtrak. I wanted my AGR points!
 
LA Resident,

Not sure about Maple Leaf business class.

I was able to book it out of Toronto, but that was in Oct.

There is a long stop while clearing customs in Niagara Falls.

The Park car lounge is very nice! Suprisingly, when ever I

wandered back there were always chairs to be had or

seats in the dome. It will dfinitely take you back in time.

The entire journey is very relaxing.
 
Maple Leaf from Toronto to Niagra Falls, Ont. doesn't offer BS. I'm told you can upgrade on-board once Amtrak personnel take over after immigration/customs. I plan to do so, since it's a pretty long haul all the way to NY Penn. I guess the car must be added at Niagra Falls NY?
No, the BC car is on the train for the entire trip. The issue is that VIA Rail just doesn't sell tickets for it. You have to book the Leaf through Amtrak in order to get BC.

On my trip last summer I rode BC out of Toronto because I booked through Amtrak. I wanted my AGR points!
Well, if I can upgrade at Niagra Falls, great. If not, so be it. By booking the ticket Vancouver-New York with a stopover in Toronto, you avoid paying almost $200 in Canadian GST on the ticket as a non-Canadian so I'm not going to fuss over it any.

On a point of logic, though, how many Canadians taking the train are going to book it through Amtrak instead of Via Rail? It seems the train is losing some potential BC passengers with the booking restrictions?
 
On a point of logic, though, how many Canadians taking the train are going to book it through Amtrak instead of Via Rail? It seems the train is losing some potential BC passengers with the booking restrictions?
With only 18 BC seats they're not losing all that much in revenue in the first place when they only charge $1 from the border to Toronto. But then at least in my experience, BC usually sells out anyhow within the states.
 
Great thread.

I have looked at the VIA website and found it a bit difficult to get answers to some basic questions. Maybe I gave up too easily, but does nay one know simple answers to the following:

Are there different price ranges for different sleeping accommodations, i.e. roomettes versus full bedrooms? How about some kind of "dorm car" with bunks but not private rooms - a place to at least sleep more comfortably than in coach?
Yes. They offer 1) Economy, with three rates depending on how early you book (much like Amtrak's Buckets); 2) Upper Berth; 3) Lower Berth, which are similar to a Superliner roomette but without a wall. You pay for upper or lower, and during the day, the upper is turned up and the lower is the seat for both you and the person sharing the other berth. 4,5,6,7) 0ne, two, three, four person cabins. Each has its own unique configuration not really comparable to anything on Amtrak. Each of the four cabin types have a private toilet. 8) Suite. Think of the former American Orient Express. Up to $6130, and sold for portions of the trip, not the whole length from Toronto to Vancouver. IE: You must book from Toronto to Jasper then Jasper to Vancouver. Just like Amtrak, even the "cheap" sleeper accomodations include added benefits, ie: included meals, access to dome car, shower kit, priority boarding and special parking.

How comfortable is coach for a three day trip? Are coach fares also a lot higher than Amtrak?

The point was made that it less expensive off season.
Though I have never been, I presume it is the same quality of comfort as Amtrak's coach. Three days would be quite long. A quick look at the fares, and I see economy ranging from $530 - $625 for super saver rates, 5/1 & 9/1. Empire Builder from Niagara Falls to Seattle for the same dates $215 for 5/1, $245 for 9/1. Maybe a 20% savings off season?

Is there a rail pass available?
A true shame we lost the North American Rail Pass. Of course, I can see how lopsided it was... Now they have a VIA-only Supersaver Rail Pass. Between June and October, it's $969. October 16 through May, it's $606. Valid for 7 one way trips within 21 days. Upgrades to other classes of service are not permitted.

Is there a difficult "bucket pricing" system as on Amtrak?
Difficult is relative. There are different prices for the same seat depending on when you book it and what the demand for that trip is. Just like Amtrak. Just like Southwest Airlines. Just like just about all forms of transit except a city bus or metro (heck, even the DC metro has a "bucket" system. It's just called peak and off peak fares).

Can you book a LD trip and make some one or two day layover stops without booking separate tickets? Is there a senior discount?

Answers to these and any other implied questions greatly appreciated.
There are Senior discounts only with the Canrailpass. It's about 5% during peak and 10% during off peak. Also, you can have one complimentary layover per trip. Other restrictions and rules apply.

All this is available on the Viarail.ca website. From what I gathered, the Canrailpass is a great deal if you have the stamina to remain in coach for up to 21 days. You'll pay for food and lodging (for your showers!!) so keep that in mind. Berths about double your fare. A room for 2 bring it up an additional 50%. IE: For April 9th, economy discounted fare is around $1100 for 2, upper and lower berths are about $2150, and a cabin for 2 is nearly $3000. Compare that to FULL economy fare on July 2 for two: $1780, upper & lower berth: $3354 and a cabin for two at $4648.

Again, these rates are just for comparison, and they are subject to volatile market conditions like anything else. Look for the "SUPERsaver discounts" generally available in economy only for the best price.

OMG! Look at the Express Deals section on the main page (www.viarail.ca ) right hand side under the map....

You can get Toronto to Vancouver (on the Canadian) for $514 on March 12th (Only three seats left) AND IN A SLEEPER (Cabin for two)!!!! Total rate for two, for this leg would be around $1175 USDollars.

There are at least three days that the rate is around $341 during March for Sleeper Berth Fares.

Now if the darn "Piggy Bank" will stop running away from me long enough to grab the credit cards....(so if I book this using my Amtrak MC...I can get AGR for a VIA trip?) ;)
 
We have travelled on the Canadian from Vancouver to Jasper in the berths. Great for one night if travelling with friend/partner, but no doubt would be OK even if on your own and a stranger shared, and oviously better than coach for 3 nights. The "curtains" are heavy duty pleated vinyl. The beds were super spacious and comfortable. I would suggest to just wear comfy casual daywear for sleeping. Benefits were the large pair of two seater seats opposite each other that the berths turned into during the day, making a semi-private space, but allowing you to see out of both sides of the train. There were also two large bathrooms close by (for 6 people - 3 pairs of berths). Post #16 mentioned possibly no shower, however there is one, well set up, to be shared between the whole car, but I didn't see anyone else use it. It was near the berths. Have also travelled from Quebec City to Halifax and back to Montreal, another great trip. Unfortunately, although it travels along the St Laurence Seaway, this is at night, unless there are delays. We did have to ask the staff person to set up the sleeper in day mode as the beds were still down when we got back from breakfast. Several staff were chatting between themselves in an unused sleeper when we left for breakfast and were still there, leaving unmade beds when we got back, so they are not perfect! I have received recently several emails from Via offering fantastic deals during winter, as detailed by the post above. Thanks for your photos/videos, NS Via Fan, I would love to go to Gaspe.

Jean
 
We have travelled on the Canadian from Vancouver to Jasper in the berths. Great for one night if travelling with friend/partner, but no doubt would be OK even if on your own and a stranger shared, and oviously better than coach for 3 nights. The "curtains" are heavy duty pleated vinyl. The beds were super spacious and comfortable. I would suggest to just wear comfy casual daywear for sleeping. Benefits were the large pair of two seater seats opposite each other that the berths turned into during the day, making a semi-private space, but allowing you to see out of both sides of the train. There were also two large bathrooms close by (for 6 people - 3 pairs of berths). Post #16 mentioned possibly no shower, however there is one, well set up, to be shared between the whole car, but I didn't see anyone else use it. It was near the berths. Have also travelled from Quebec City to Halifax and back to Montreal, another great trip. Unfortunately, although it travels along the St Laurence Seaway, this is at night, unless there are delays. We did have to ask the staff person to set up the sleeper in day mode as the beds were still down when we got back from breakfast. Several staff were chatting between themselves in an unused sleeper when we left for breakfast and were still there, leaving unmade beds when we got back, so they are not perfect! I have received recently several emails from Via offering fantastic deals during winter, as detailed by the post above. Thanks for your photos/videos, NS Via Fan, I would love to go to Gaspe.

Jean
How is baggage stowage in the berths, I will have backpack and camera pack with me. The last time I took the Canadian I had a travel partner and we had a double bedroom and I never took much notice of the berths.
 
Hi Folks,

I have taken the plunge today and booked my trip on Via train 1, The Canadian. I decided on a single cabin, which I guess is equiv to a roomette. Depart Toronto on 19 March, and arrive Vancouver 23 March. Intending to have a few days in Vancouver, then down to Seattle and the rest of the Amtrak network. Snagged the whole trip, meals included for $581 Canadian, $588 US.

Looking forward to the champaign already!!!!

Cheers,

Eddie :cool:
 
Hi Folks,

I have taken the plunge today and booked my trip on Via train 1, The Canadian. I decided on a single cabin, which I guess is equiv to a roomette. Depart Toronto on 19 March, and arrive Vancouver 23 March. Intending to have a few days in Vancouver, then down to Seattle and the rest of the Amtrak network. Snagged the whole trip, meals included for $581 Canadian, $588 US.

Looking forward to the champaign already!!!!

Cheers,

Eddie :cool:
I'm curious about your $581 Canadian dollar cabin for 1.

On the VIA RAIL website, the coach ticket Toronto-Vancouver for March 19 is $535, an upper berth 970, lower berth 1142 and cabin for 1 (roomette) 1464, all in Canadian dollars. All these fares are listed on the website as the supersaver fares.

Are you sure you booked a cabin for 1?
 
Hi Folks,

I have taken the plunge today and booked my trip on Via train 1, The Canadian. I decided on a single cabin, which I guess is equiv to a roomette. Depart Toronto on 19 March, and arrive Vancouver 23 March. Intending to have a few days in Vancouver, then down to Seattle and the rest of the Amtrak network. Snagged the whole trip, meals included for $581 Canadian, $588 US.

Looking forward to the champaign already!!!!

Cheers,

Eddie :cool:
I'm curious about your $581 Canadian dollar cabin for 1.

On the VIA RAIL website, the coach ticket Toronto-Vancouver for March 19 is $535, an upper berth 970, lower berth 1142 and cabin for 1 (roomette) 1464, all in Canadian dollars. All these fares are listed on the website as the supersaver fares.

Are you sure you booked a cabin for 1?
Im booked on the March 20th Canadian (Vancouver - Toronto) I payed 962 for an upper berth.
 
Hi Folks,

I have taken the plunge today and booked my trip on Via train 1, The Canadian. I decided on a single cabin, which I guess is equiv to a roomette. Depart Toronto on 19 March, and arrive Vancouver 23 March. Intending to have a few days in Vancouver, then down to Seattle and the rest of the Amtrak network. Snagged the whole trip, meals included for $581 Canadian, $588 US.

Looking forward to the champaign already!!!!

Cheers,

Eddie :cool:
:cool: Great get Eddie! :wub: Maybe the Canadians are giving you a Commonwealth deal for your pounds, the American Dollar ain't what it used to be! Fantastic trip, hope to see you in Seattle in Oct. or as much as you come to the colonies perhaps on a train along the way! Jim
 
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North Coast Hiawatha, the staff string up a kind of mesh hammock alongside your mattress, nearly as long as the bed IIRC, I think would hold the contents of a small backpack and a camera. That keeps valuables with you overnight. We took a small roll-on cabin bag with us and we just took necessary contents into our berths (toiletries, clothes for the next day, towel, which was supplied in a drawstring bag) stowed them in the hammocks and left the roll-on, under the lower berth, where there was a space the length of the bed and with a height of maybe 12 - 18 inches. Can't remember what we did with the roll-on during the day, but it wasn't a problem, as the seating is quite spacious. Have a great trip.

Jean
 
North Coast Hiawatha, the staff string up a kind of mesh hammock alongside your mattress, nearly as long as the bed IIRC, I think would hold the contents of a small backpack and a camera. That keeps valuables with you overnight. We took a small roll-on cabin bag with us and we just took necessary contents into our berths (toiletries, clothes for the next day, towel, which was supplied in a drawstring bag) stowed them in the hammocks and left the roll-on, under the lower berth, where there was a space the length of the bed and with a height of maybe 12 - 18 inches. Can't remember what we did with the roll-on during the day, but it wasn't a problem, as the seating is quite spacious. Have a great trip.

Jean
Thanks, I guess stowing anything under the bed at night depends on who if anyone buys the berth below me.
 
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