10 Secret Tips Via Rail Canadian Train - Toronto To Vancouver

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

This is a follow up to our Via Rail train journey, Toronto to Vancouver, 4 nights, 5 days on the transcontinental Via rail train #1 "The Canadian". The full video of the trip is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWmpgIRtd5akgqs

[@idil_mussa]

Great video! You should pin this comment so it remains in the top spot of the comment section.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

@@idil_mussa We did have it pinned then edited it so it got unpinned thanks for pointing it out Idil have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🍺

[@plskie9527]

I did the Vancouver to Toronto train last summer in 2022. We started on a monday, and arrived in Toronto on friday and continued on to Montreal to catch the Ocean line all the way to Halifax. I had never been to eastern Canada before and it was the longest trip I'd ever taken.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds great Pierce we would love to do the Ocean train trip too Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🌺

[@kan-zee]

My partner and I , are heading out there from Toronto to Montreal (2 days) then to Halifax ...total time is 27 hours on the Train.

[@johnwnyholt8491]

Thanks Tina and Norm. Love your videos! Appreciated two of your tips for the Canadian - closing the drain on the sink to significantly reduce noise, and adding a car air freshener to the toilet room. Simple, but very practical!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We’re glad you found our tips useful, we always learn new things from fellow travellers.

[@stevewilson5292]

Regarding Tip #2 - staying close at hand to the morning departure point.... I'm with Tina on this. There's much peace-of-mind for me in being near the station or airport the night before departure. We normally book low-cost non-refundable fares worth thousands of dollars and it just stresses me out to think we might miss a flight due to weather, car trouble, or extreme traffic congestion. By the way, we think of you two every time we take your earlier exercise advice and park in the wide open spaces at the Mall at a far distance from the entrance.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We are so glad we booked the Delta it was great just being a 9 min walk to the station through the skywalk, when we were cruising we would fly down the night before and stay in a hotel Steve what an amazing trip Cheers 🍷🚂🍺🙂

[@heatherchannelgetoutside]

Thankyou for the Vid! My Mom started taking me on the train when I was about 8, we always took the "day nighter" they use to call it,, we could turn around 1 seat so we could face each other and have an extra seat to put up our feet have our sandwiches and enjoy the view, in the eve we would get out the transister radio and try to tune into local radio stations... great memories of my Mom. I started taking my daughter on the train when she was a teenager , i didnt realize the train from Halifax to Toronto were commuter trains bought from the UK. no reclining or turning those seats around, we had to sit bolt upright all night to Montreal (which by the way has a lovely hotel directly above the train station in Montreal). So we started gets Berths to travel over night.. they are awesome , your own little room. We loved the Cafe on the train you could get a coffee and watch the scenery or go down to the cafe when a movie was playing. We love the train! Im glad u had a good trip and thanks for the tips!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds like some wonderful memories Heather thanks for sharing , we loved the trip and would like to do the Halifax to Montreal trip Cheers 🍷🚂🌺🙂

[@JanKishkon]

Good tips. I did stay at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel! What a fabulous experience! And, when I phoned the hotel directly to book my room and told the woman on the phone that this was my 70th Birthday Trip and that I was boarding The Canadian the next morning, she said "Oh, we like special events here.". Well! I arrived to find that they had upgraded me to a gorgeous SUITE with marble bathroom. There was champagne and special honey chocolate wishing me Happy Birthday! There was an invitation to a complimentary hors d'euvres tasting event from 5 - 7 pm (which I missed out on because my train from Windsor was late arriving in Toronto), as well as an invitation to a complimentary dessert tasting event from 8 - 10 pm (I did NOT miss out on that one!). The worst part of the whole experience was that I had to leave after only 13 hours when I could have enjoyed a few more. I've never stayed there before. Who knows if I will ever have that luxury again. But wow, wow, wow. They outdid themselves in treating me very, very well. And all I had to do was walk across the street to my hotel when I arrived in Toronto at Union Station, and again when leaving in the morning. It couldn't be more convenient, that's for sure. Enjoy your videos. thanks.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Wow that sounds wonderful Jan it’s nice to be treated special and Congratulations to The Fairmont Royal 🥳🥂for what they did . Congratulations on turning 70 and hope you enjoyed The Canadian Train 🚂 trip we had a great time Cheers 🍷🚂🌺🥂🌞

[@JanKishkon]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement I had the time of my life and met new friends from all over the world. I recommend it to anyone and everyone!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Awesome

[@joliettraveler]

Took it. It is probably the greatest train ride in the world!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s awesome isn’t it a wonderful train 🚂 trip Jolie 🙂🍷

[@gkennedy2998]

Thank you for sharing your travel tips. Once, I took the Mountaineer train from Vancouver to Calgary. I agree that everyone should see the Canadian Rockies before leaving the planet. Congratulations on your wonderful trip.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That is awesome! yes everyone should see the Rockies they are awesome have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🚂🌺🙂

[@MissDashwood1]

Our neighbour gifted his English parents with a Rocky Mountaineer trip as his father is a train fanatic and has done rail journeys all over the world. His father was brought to tears with the majestic beauty of the Canadian Rockies, he said is was the most beautiful rail trip of his life.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Wow that’s wonderful and to think we live in this wonderful country 🇨🇦what a huge plus thanks for sharing 🍷🚂🙂

[@northernsteph]

Did the train from Van. to Toronto back in the 80's with my British boyfriend when we were in our early 20s. Very little $$ back then so we did the cheap 'sit up all the way' version with cheese and crackers from our backpacks being main menu for just over $100 each.😅 I'm Canadian and it's really the best way to show a newcomer how vast and varied the Canadian landscape is. Fast forward 35 years and we are still together and now I need to do the upmarket version of this trip. Sleeping in a cabin and eating in a dining car with white tablecloths watching the country go by, is my dream trip. We've driven across Canada from our Yukon home to Toronto numerous times, which is also a journey recommended, but trains are such a relaxed way to travel.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Wow what a story fast forward to now ,yes you need to experience what we did with the cabin for 2 , white tablecloths , amazing food ( like 5 star restaurants) beautiful scenery so hope you can do it , it was amazing 🤩 Cheers 🙂🌺🚂

[@loisthornton8618]

I love you guys! Watching you is like sitting down with the neighbours. Last fall we did a cross Canada road trip from Fredericton to Vancouver Island and back. What a trip! The Canadian is on our radar. Thanks for the tips.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That is awesome! we had a wonderful time Lois have a great weekend and Happy Easter 🍷🐣🙂

[@lezhu6856]

Tips summarized: -Take public transit to Toronto Union station -Some hotels in downtown toronto connect to Union station by the underground PATH -Union station business lounge does not provide food, but there are many options in Union station -Get to the business lounge at Union earlier, 2 hours early if possible (Via recommends 90 minutes early), to get better sittings for dinner -You can ask the restaurant manager for Table for Two (which is normally reserved for Prestige guests) -Air freshener is useful for in-cabin washrooms -Press and close the sink drain to reduce cabin noise -Keep the door of the cabin open to have access to the hallway window -The dome car is a bit exposed to the elements, dress accordingly especially for window seats -Personal alcohol is allowed on board but can only be consumed in-cabin -No hotels in Vancouver near the station itself

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Great summary thank you Cheers 🙂

[@markbajek2541]

Smart move with the air freshener. I took the ferry from NS to NFLD and the cabin and the hallways didn't have a faint smell of feces but a pretty strong one...8/9 hours each way smelling that wasn't very pleasant...I wish I had a can of something to cover that smell.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Oh yikes 😱 Mark ! we thought it might be a good idea to take it Cheers 🍷🚂🍻

[@buffycat4641]

Your two best tips for me were the Delta Hotel in Toronto and the lowering of the plug in the sink. Wish I had known that when I was on my trip. I am not really a people person, but I did enjoy sitting at a table with other people to learn where they were from, and if from Canada or elsewhere trying to answer their questions about America. Have a tour booked up in Canada this coming September that I am looking forward to into Calgary, Banf, Jasper with a brief trip down to Glacier National Park in Montana. Hoping to see some wildlife while there. Thanks for another great video,

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Your very welcome we hope you have a great trip with us in Canada 🇨🇦 Cheers 🍷🚂🇺🇸🙂🇨🇦

[@nuntius1933]

Agree wholeheartedly. Some couples struggle with the concept of social dining.

[@Numismaniac_Canada]

What a wonderful video! I haven’t figured out how to do things like you do with my wife. She’s from Manchester and hasn’t been home since 82. Glad you had such a wonderful time! Looking forward to more of your exploits!😊

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Manchester has really changed but then again everywhere has, we don’t have family left in Britain anymore. It is important to find common interests with each other, we have a love of travel and photography, we also cook together. Maybe start doing the grocery shop together and planning your meals, the seeds will grow. Is there a side of coin collecting she might like? Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts. 😀😀💕

[@RossJohnsonVIA1]

I have done this train 136 times and I’m going on it again eastbound Vancouver to Toronto April 17 in sleeper as well cabin for 1 it’s my 137th time onboard so much fun

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Wow Ross that’s amazing we loved the trip hope you have a great time Happy Easter 🚂🐣🌺🍺

[@deeallen2610]

I’m doing my third trip in January … can’t wait!

[@pensacola321]

Greetings from Lisbon, Portugal where this American and wife are visiting before our cruise back to Florida. And one of these days there will be a train trip.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Have fun! and enjoy your cruise 🚢 back Vp, the train 🚂 trip is awesome Cheers 🍷🚂🇺🇸🇵🇹🇨🇦🙂

[@LT-hj4cg]

OH YOUTWO !! We have been following you for the past 2 years, and you have given us some great advice We are retiring soon and moving back to our home in B.C. We were going to drive through some States and made a tour of it, and then we saw this video... we have spent the rest of the day booking our train tickets! Thank you for this .

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That is awesome! we hope you have a great time and we wish you a wonderful retirement Cheers and Happy Easter 🍷🐇🐣🌺🙂🚂

[@LT-hj4cg]

Norm and Tina, I noticed you mentioned asking for a table for two. Will you be seated with other passengers otherwise? Thank you, W & L

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes you will there is 4 to a table unless you do what we did Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🌺

[@macdaddymgiarc]

THank you for a great video you two! I live in Hamilton and always take the GO when I am off to Pearson. I have not been any other way since probably 2014. It is way more convenient to take a 1 hour GO Bus than even having a friend drop my off. Never any traffic on the 407 and the cost of gas is way more than the $13 bus fare. I am glad you used public transit the whole trip too. Happy Sunny Sunday 🙂

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks so much for watching, public transit in Canada is underrated we loved leaving our car back home. The Pearson UP train link is something I think we will be using in the future. Have a nice Sunday it’s a lovely sunny day!

[@davidmaclachlan]

Thanks as always! We did the trip like you in March. I would like to do more in winter than in summer. Not sure I could take being cooped up for four days during nice weather. There used to be a convenient tunnel from the RY into Union but it's been closed for about 20 years now. You can open your windows at the RY and at one time could see across to the lake. Always so pricey there nowadays and the rooms and bathrooms are small. Love the Library Bar tho! Glad you enjoyed your trip. Keep posting your videos!!!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you enjoyed your train trip and our video David have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🚂🌺🙂

[@bobfmirvine6652]

Very good tips. Thanks for thinking of us! Glad you had a wonderful time.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! have a great weekend Bob Cheers 🍷🚂🌺🍺

[@dorisbetts3012]

Good info. We honeymooned on Vancouver Island and are considering returning, perhaps by train, for our 30th anniversary in 2025. We will be coming from Nova Scotia, however. My sister and her husband took the Canadian from Toronto to Jasper, got off there and then took a bus tour to Vancouver because we have family to visit along that route. They loved it.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds great! so you could do The Ocean train , then Montreal to Toronto then The Canadian wow great a anniversary idea Doris have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🌺

[@cindearbuckle6074]

I think you give great tips . Sometimes small things can make trips better . Glad you had such a wonderful host that made it even better. Enjoyed hearing about all of this. Small town USA 🇺🇸

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Absolutely!! we agree Cinde small things can really mean a lot , our host was awesome she made our trip so wonderful. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇺🇸🍷🚂🇨🇦🙂

[@mikeedwards9306]

If you’re looking for another bucket list try the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth. Did last summer and it appears to be similar to Canadian . I agree on tip 2.

[@faygallagher8425]

Thankyou for those great tips. The Skywalk was under construction when we arrived from UK in 2020, looking forward to using that. We did the drive through Rockies in 2006 just beautiful. You both look very refreshed from your vacation ❤

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We had a wonderful time Fay we would highly recommend it have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🌺

[@rosiej9231]

Thanks for all the tips. Now we’re considering this next time a dirt cheap TO-VAN comes up. Smart move to get a hotel close by. The GO into the city sometimes has delays because of incidents. Not too long ago I was stuck on the GO into TO because of a person hit at one of the stations. Luckily we were at a station where we could get off to Uber the rest of the way.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you enjoyed it Rosie thanks for sharing your thoughts Tina was very comfortable and in the end we thought it was the right thing to do Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🌺

[@ahmadmohamadamin4208]

Welcome back , have a good great times and enjoy .

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you! we had a great time Ahmad Cheers 🍷🚂🌺🙂

[@sjwitts1]

thanks so much for your great suggestions guys! Since the Canadian only travels once every four days , it fills up very quickly and it is a real challenge to get a room, especially in the summer. Will definitely try to secure a Canadian room in the fall. I will be in the area so booked the Zephyr (it runs daily) ,mid-June . With the insurance a roomette is about $1100 US but ,for couples, Amtrak have "buy one get one free "sales annually. Will go to San Francisco a couple of days early to do Amtrak/Golden Gate/Redwoods

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Hi Stephen, We have been looking at the Zephyr Chicago to SF we will be looking for deals! We were lucky with the Canadian we just happened to browse the Tuesday deals and found a really low price leaving in less than 2 weeks, great to have the flexibility to travel at short notice. Amtrak allows a stop over of less than 23.5 hours at no cost!

[@sjwitts1]

That is so neat guys, if I was to stop it would be Denver . I know downtown San Francisco is very expensive but think you may prefer the trip Napa and the wineries .btw am taking Porter home from Midway to the island for around $300 If you have found a nice hotel near Chicago Union , so much appreciated!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We saw Club Quarters Hotel near the Chicago Station, we would be flying from Billy Bishop to Chicago too.

[@sjwitts1]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement thanks guys ! booked the Club Quarters !!!!

[@pmmurf101]

Thank you for sharing your journey on the train Toronto to Vancouver! Just so pleased to hear your stories of the trip, tips and tricks, and just general info of the journey! Thank you again!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! glad you enjoyed it Pam have a great weekend 🍷🙂🚂🌺

[@annbridge9173]

Oh I am going to put this on my bucket list! Love train travel!

[@martik778]

We used to take the train from Vancouver to Alberta almost every year when we were kids for something like $20. Remember the observation car and lack of sleep well!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Great memories think we were rocked to sleep LOL 😂Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🌺

[@TravellingNomad81]

I just booked Toronto-Edmonton in a lower Berth for July 2024, staying in Edmonton for a few days, then Edmonton-Vancouver in an upper Berth and I am able to use VIA points for this leg of the trip. It's 8 months away and the wait is really tough!!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We hope you have a wonderful time we loved the train 🚂 trip Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🚂

[@albertalakeland]

Via Rail also travels the Skeena River in BC to Prince Rupert. The best time is in September.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for sharing 🍷🚂🙂

[@brigittecrawley1872]

Great tips. The price for the trip was also amazing. Hope to do this trip from Vancouver to Toronto one day.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You should! it definitely was a great deal Brigitte Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🌺

[@HeidiandEric0612]

Tina and Norm, my wife and I are celebrating our second anniversary by taking the Canadian in June from Toronto to Vancouver. Ironically, we are also staying in the Delta so we appreciate the tip on the pizza and the breakfast on the way to the station. We promise to close the bathroom drain, bring an air freshener, and a dome light for the bathroom. A couple of questions though (and if you have covered these elsewhere, please advise). How was the comfort of the beds in your cabin? Did you spend time in (I think they call it) the Park Car? Or lounge car? Perhaps I should watch the video as you may discuss it there. In any event, thanks so much for the timely review. We are really looking forward to it. Plus, we are nearly retired so we also enjoy some of your other content. Cheers.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s wonderful Eric we hope you have a wonderful time , yes please watch our other video on the full trip . The beds were actually quite comfy Norm took the top bunk and Tina the lower , we spent a lot of time in the Dome car , in June there might be more restrictions on times allowed there we could go all the time as it was off season . Look out for the sparkling wine and appetizers as you leave Toronto that was lovely in the dome car .Thanks for watching and Happy Easter 🍷🐣🌺🙂🚂

[@elizabethgriffith2702]

Great tips, I’ll have to watch again when I’m going on a cruise or train trip. Thank you.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for Watching glad you enjoyed it Elizabeth Cheers 🍷🙂🚂🚢✈️🌺

[@Northern_Squirrel]

Thank you for sharing your experience and tips Tina and Norm. Hoping to see Norm wearing a Blue Jays T-shirt next time😀

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for watching, he has a Jays hat that is a little worn! Go Jays!

[@barbaralienhard3490]

Thank you, planning an anniversary trip next spring, 2025, from Vancouver to Toronto, great tips for us!!!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad it was helpful! Have a great trip, Happy Anniversary

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

What a great trip. I’m sure the tips will be helpful for those contemplating such an adventure. All our train journeys have been short ones to date. Not to mention the steam train fun rides. It must be nearly trailer time….here the campings have opened for the season. Spring is in the air 😎🌞though that wind is 🥶. Have a great Sunday. And enjoy the week ahead. 💐🇳🇱🙋🏼‍♀️🇳🇿🍷🍷

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

May is when we get to go back to the trailer, it’s still cold here but getting warmer. The train trip was fun and one of the few in the world that can go 4,400km in just one country and 4 time zones! Have a nice Sunday, must be tulip time in Holland! 🌷🇳🇱💕🍷🚂👍😀😀

[@lorenadugan6355]

Wed like to watch Fernanda on this cruise, in Feb or March. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@wendybakker504]

Another great video Tina and Norm. You make me want to pack my bags and go today. This trip will be added to my bucket list. ❤

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Please do! it was an amazing trip we hope you get to do it Cheers 🍷🙂🚂🌺

[@mikemiskiman4743]

When I travel on the Canadian I like to site by my self during the evening meal as I have a hard time hearing the dining car crew are always trying to make it happen for me ,they are the best !!!

[@denischeevers9429]

Love your tips on everything ,really helped us on our winter in Portugal.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you like them! great you had a wonderful time Denis Cheers 🍷🙂🇵🇹🇨🇦

[@ddavidson5]

Great tips on "plug in the sink" and the "Little Trees", things I never would have thought of. Regarding the hotels in Toronto certainly the Delta is a good choice but $1,700 seems to be a lot of money for the Royal York, maybe all the regular rooms were booked. Looking it up for an August date (only because we'll be in Toronto then) a regular room at the Royal York is CA$466. Not cheap but more than $1,000 less than what you were quoted, maybe when you were enquiring all that was left was a top of the range "Gold Suite". Planning ahead on the hotel might save some money.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

The problem was we booked the trip within two weeks of going that’s why we got such an amazing deal on the train , it was Saturday night and there was a Miners convention that put all the hotel rooms up in price . If we do it again we might try the midweek one think it’s Wednesday 🤔 the rooms would be a lot cheaper . Also the train costs a lot more in the summer and limited time in the dome car which we really enjoyed being in .Have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🚂🌺🙂

[@billsnyder1021]

Thanks for all the great tips. We are also Hilton members and are staying at Hampton in Van. Doubletree in TOR Our first trip on Canadian, but 100,000 miles on Amtrak. Taking Alaska cruise from VAN next day. Best wishes

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That is awesome! have a wonderful time Bill Cheers 🇺🇸🍷🚂🇨🇦

[@jameswalley134]

You guys should try the Ghan. A railway trip from Adelaide Australia, through Alice Springs and onto Darwin. I’ve done that & remained on board after an overnight in Darwin. I then left the train abeam Coober Pedy, which is an opal mining town … the hotel picked me up from the train & I then spent 3 nights in an underground hotel room. As Coober Pedy is extremely hot in summer, the locals have used their mining skills to build underground cities. An experience you will NEVER forget !!!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds very exciting James thanks for sharing have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇦🇺🍷🇨🇦🌺🍺

[@newworldgirl]

As I’ve said, before your trip to Vancouver is one of my favourite videos about the train, but thank you so much for the tips, especially the one about holding down the plug on the train……. I’ve stayed in those rooms a few times and wish I had known that

[@newworldgirl]

On the drain rather.😁

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure Sandra glad you enjoyed both of them Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🌺

[@NickP16]

Thanks for sharing your experiences! I’m taking this train trip in just about a month! I’m flying in from Minnesota to Toronto, and my folks are going to take the Amtrak train in Chicago and Buffalo, New York. All three of us are going to meet up together in Toronto, and take the epic journey of the Canadian all the way to Vancouver! I can’t wait to get to Canada. I’ve been to Vancouver once before, but I’ve never been to any other part of Canada 🇨🇦!

[@JaneDoe-lq3du]

Vancouver is a lovely city. Lots to see there that beats the inside of a train ;)

[@karenlowes7802]

Great play by play of your Via train trip. This sounds like a very doable holiday for us.❤

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you 🤗 we hope you do it it was amazing have a great weekend Karen Cheers 🍷🚂🙂

[@martincowie4277]

My top tip for travelling is to take an electrical extension lead and plug socket to get six electrical plugs out of one

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Great idea Martin thanks for sharing Cheers 🍷🙂🚂🌺

[@robinwaldman5707]

I’m taking this trip in October. Thank you for the tips.

[@adrianmortimer3369]

Once again you are both a breath of fresh air, so glad you enjoyed a fabulous trip. Great tips, thank you.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! have a great weekend Adrian Cheers 🍷🚂🌺🙂

[@sudburydrone466]

👍👍✌️ Sounds like a great start to your trip. You do a good job planning everything. The view from your room was amazing.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes it was a great view, we used to work as sales reps and planning was an everyday occurrence. Have a great weekend.

[@darrylmcleman6456]

Take a tour or two of Victoria by way of KZbin videos.Lot of walking tours on YT.Also Butchards Gardens . Inner Harbour and the Empress Hotel !!! We enjoyed your train trip! CHEERS from HERE!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We were just there one night Darryl , glad you enjoyed the train 🚂 video we loved it , have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🚂🌺🙂

[@LookNook2020]

Great tips! Thank you Norm ant Tina, Have a wonderful Easter!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You are so welcome! Happy Easter to you too 🐣🐇🍷🌺🙂

[@maxinemcivor4974]

I watched your train trip videos and found it very interesting as usual.. I'm in UK and in September we're travelling to Canada on a tour Toronto to Vancouver. And on Rockie Mountaineer from Jasper to Vancouver. So excited!! Also because of your blogs we spent 3 weeks in Portugal in January. Fabulous. Thanks for being so helpful ☺️

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Your very welcome Maxine glad you enjoyed Portugal 🇵🇹 and we hope you have a wonderful time here in Canada 🇨🇦 Cheers 🇬🇧🍷🚂🇨🇦🌺

[@maxinemcivor4974]

Thank you. I'm m sure we will. Happy travelling ✈️ 🚉 x

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Wonderful

[@Jocantral]

Very good tips - thanks. And yes Norm, "Madame" was indeed right about the decision to overnight close to Union Station. :)

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

So true Jo ❤️ the hotel room was amazing (Tina ) 🤩Norm did agree it was awesome and so glad we did it , plus a great Pizza what a great start to our trip Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🍷🇨🇦🙂

[@jeanwhite2705]

Loved your tips, just as much as watching your trip experience. Loved the practical ness of your car air freshener and asking about the possibility of a table for two. Sounds like a sweet DR manager. Also the tip of plugging the sink drain, Very Smart. Would not have thought of that. I’m the cold one in our partnership but my husband does carry a ball cap with him everywhere, as he sports the same haircut fashion as Norm. Loved hearing about your trip🤗

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you enjoyed it! we thought the trip was amazing Jean hope you are enjoying a nice weekend Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🌺

[@Bertil_Lundin]

Thanks for your follow up of the Toronto to Vancouver train trip! Have a good weekend! // Bertil.

[@robertross8565]

The herb on your mushroom pizza is "Arugula". It's a fabulous way to finish off a pizza. Widely available at your local supermarket.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Hi Robert it is arugula and the pizza was mushroom (fungi) with truffle oil….delicious!

[@rfkyt]

From past canoe trips and overnight hikes: Chopped up dried fruit and seeds are useful for snacks and taking the edge off of hunger. Placing some in the bottom of a coffee mug and adding instant oats and boiling water and covering takes care of breakfast. Mennonite summer sausage is dried enough to keep for several days and we had cheese that lasted a few days , together with some sturdy colon cleansing fibre bread or crackers is good for a few days of lunch. Some dried soup bouillon, or instant ramen are useful as well. I'm not a fan of instant coffee but mixed with Ovaltine or Horlicks is not bad.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Wow some great snack ideas thanks for sharing have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🚂🌺🙂

[@rfkyt]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement You are welcome. Forgot to include, almond and/or peanut butter can be upgraded by adding chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds , and chopped up apricots, dried apples, cranberries, raisins, ... , thinned out with a touch of honey and/or maple syrup. This not only travels well and is good at home on that high fiber bread, apples, or celery - my version of Chinese "Ants on a log"

[@robertfoerster566]

I'm sorry that VIA biz lounge is still doing this. Pre-covid there were snacks in the lounge and I'm not sure why they haven not returned them! Cheers, thanks for the video!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you enjoyed it Robert thanks for watching Cheers 🍷🚂🌺🙂

[@travellingrenee1656]

Sounds like a great trip. Thank you for braving a winter train trip across the nation and sharing it! Just to add some details as this can really make a difference for some visitors: it’s 23 minute walk from Hilton Hampton on Robson to Canada Place Cruise ship terminal. Thanks for all the tips, stories and videos.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for sharing and as the weather was nice that 23 min walk was lovely after being on a train for 4 days LOL😂😂Cheers 🍷🙂🚂🌺

[@lynn9931]

I feel like we are two steps behind you guys, first the flu jab, then the shingles vaccine and after watching your train trip we are doing the train next week, it was only after seeing the discounts you guys discovered that we realized it was within our grasp. Would you recommend taking a couple of cheap coat hangers for the cabin? Love the tips on this video. We have packed a night light for that midnight loo trip lol. Oh..is the tea bags good enough or do I need to bring my Yorkshire tea lol. See you next week x

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s wonderful Lynn we are so happy for you , there are coat hangers so don’t need those . You need to get a dome light with batteries from the dollar store to put in the toilet at night , there is no power in there . If you have a nightlight in the cabin you won’t be able to sleep 😴 HaHa . Lots of tea bags coffee etc but take a couple of your favourites just in case have a wonderful time Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🌺

[@jgriffin282]

How did you find such a great price? Was it a special deal or just through their website?

[@lynn9931]

@@jgriffin282 we went on their website and looked at the deals on offer and found a cabin for two for $749 pp, we entered 2 senior adults from Edmonton to anywhere and it came up with many offers, looks like the prices increase significantly in May forward and the deals seemed to be within the next 2 weeks.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Go on to Via Rails website and look for Sleeper Plus deals lots come up and as Lynn mentioned they are in mostly in April , price seems to go up a lot in May . Hope you find a deal we had an awesome time Cheers 🍷🙂🌺🚂

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Have a great time 🚂🌺

[@dstevens518]

Thanks for the tips, glad you two had a great trip and stayed at some nice places at both ends.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! have a wonderful weekend Dan Cheers 🍷🚂🌺🙂

[@christopherbarker976]

Hi Tina & Norm sounds like a wonderful trip thanks for all the tips . Regards Christopher Barker

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! it was an amazing trip Christopher some of the other passengers were from Ireland 🇮🇪 and the UK 🇬🇧 have a great weekend and thanks for watching Cheers 🇬🇧🚂🙂🇨🇦🍷

[@ChrisR_72]

Hi Tina and Norm. I saw your previous video about your trip. Looks like a great time. I’ll have to put it on my list. I also like the idea of visiting Daytona beach. I think you guys did a bus trip on that one. Cheers!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

The train trip was amazing Chris we would highly recommend it , great scenery, food and service a real Canadian thing to do , hope you are well Cheers 🍷🙂🇨🇦🚂🌺

[@MrGman2804]

I did enjoy seeing that trip. I have never done any long trip like that on any mode of transport. The longest journey I have ever done is flying between the UK and Australia which isn't really comparable. It would be a great trip for both Canadians and visitors. Anyway, I myself am in Albufeira at the moment and watching your reports from Portugal was how I came across your channel. You may wish to know it is unseasonably mild here..... low to mid 20's and sunny. And also I saw my first ever Tim Hortons on Monday in Leicester in the UK. I had never previously heard of it!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s wonderful glad you are enjoying your stay 🇵🇹 and our channel , we have done 24 hours on a bus 🚌 to Daytona Beach that was a fun trip too, we love Tim Hortons the Boston Cream donut is our favourite Cheers 🍷🚂🇵🇹🇬🇧🇨🇦🍺

[@MrGman2804]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement Oooh yes. I like Daytona and Fl. Lucky you. When I was younger and we made trips to the US I often ended up in Dennys for breakfast, and found it quite hard not to gain a couple of pounds. Enjoy the spring sunshine!

[@dipaknadkarni62]

Thank you. Exactly what I am thinking of. Now, winter or summer or both.

[@TomHoffman-uw7pf]

The Royal York quoted you rate of $1700? I stayed there in 1986. I don't remember what I paid, but even accounting for inflation, it was nowhere near that much. Might have been around $100C.

[@mechthildhaeussler5736]

That was a great inspiration. As a European, I would rather ask, why would you NOT take the train to go anywhere? I put that one on our bucket-list - even though a bit pricey when living on an average French pension, unless taking the reclining seats, which might turn out a bit exhausting for several nights in a row. Thank you for your work.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We loved travelling on the train and the price we paid was actually very reasonable compared to what it is usually, but you would have to add an air flight ✈️ which would cost more . Have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🙂🚂🌺

[@rosiej9231]

The train system here in Canada is nowhere near as extensive, easy, and inexpensive as Europe. Faster and easier to fly, our country is huge. Add winter weather delays too.

[@TheAngela2C]

you guys look so happy together, it is just a pleasure to see your loving interaction with all the laughs and smiles. Do you fight sometimes? You know like all normal couples? 🙂 especially during retirement time when you have somewhat called spouse overload? You should share your experience in this regard, so all of us would feel better :-))))))) practical question: Do you help financially your adult kids? it may take large portion of income, although they are in their late 30ties. They dont ask. But you can see them struggling and want to help. Do you babysit your grandkids? It is so much fun, but could be overwhelming smt

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Occasionally we have helped our adult children but not on a regular basis , yes we have done babysitting in the past but not daycare . We don’t find it a problem being together a lot during retirement we are just a normal couple , we enjoy spending time together that’s why we got married. We feel the secret to a happy marriage is being best friends Angela Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🌺

[@timewellwasted3341]

Greetings From Orillia. Watched your Toronto to Vancouver video, we care considering it. We may also winter in Portugal next year based on your other adventures (pre covid...)

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds great! we loved ❤️the train trip it was amazing and we hope to be back to Portugal next year too have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🚂🇵🇹🇨🇦🙂

[@patriciacorlis8488]

Thank you so much for the tips. I am taking The Canadian in September so I will be using a couple of the tips for then. Also thanks for the video of your train ride, it is the most up to date one and gave me a very good idea of how I will be travelling this fall.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad it was helpful! we hope you have a lovely time Patricia Cheers 🍷🚂🌺🙂

[@herbchandler8939]

Thanks for the additional video, I will be travelling September 24th in a Cabin for 2. I'll be travelling solo but it's my birthday present to myself, I turn 60 the day before, so I was able to secure the "old age" price by one day!😂 Looking forward to my trip!

[@silviag1547]

Can you please give me an idea of what would you recommend tipping and who do you tip?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Tipping is not required on the train 🚂, but if you feel someone has gone out of their way to do something nice and make you feel special then it’s a nice gesture to give what you feel is a thank you Silvia Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🌺

[@mgmilw4966]

Because you went by Edmonton on Via Rail, you missed Calgary (which is 3 hour south of Edmonton). Did you go by Banff and the Rogers Pass when you RV'd to Vancouver? That is beautiful too.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes we went through and visited Calgary and Banff on our road RV trip.

[@RC-fh2lk]

Great follow up to last week’s video. My wife and I have always wanted to visit west Canada but never thought of seeing it by train….it is now on our bucket list. We were wondering how often you were allowed to exit the train once at a stop? I’m not sure I could do 4 days without getting outside even for a half hr stretch each day.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

There was lots of stops seemed to be breaks for smokers we got off often just to walk up and down but it was chilly so glad to get back to a lovely warm train LOL 😂Cheers 🍷🙂🚂🌺

[@drobangjungla2672]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. Definitely it is in my bucket list.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure!🐣🙂

[@robert3987]

You don't get sunburnt sitting under glass. UVB rays are largely blocked by glass but you can get skin ageing from UVA rays.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for sharing you would get really hot 🥵 though that’s why we suggested a hat 🧢 Robert Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🍺

[@markolwick2223]

This is incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad it was helpful Mark!

[@susankay497]

So pleased you had a lovely time. Thanks for the travel tips!!! ❤

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You are so welcome! have a great weekend Susan Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🌺

[@doloresphillips5127]

I was told by Via Rail that you are not allowed to bring alcool for your personal consumption in your cabin

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s not correct you can take your own drinks on The Canadian but can only drink them in your private sleeping cabin which we did . When elsewhere on the train we bought all our drinks 🍺🍷from Via Rail 🚂🙂

[@andrewpeake4777]

SURPRISE SURPRISE your in Canada for the winter, thought for sure you would be in Portugal , checked out the rates, no wonder you did it in winter

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

The train was an amazing trip Andrew , we have some medical issues that needed to be done so not Portugal this year hopefully next year Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🍺

[@suebee1540]

I just revisited both the train videos. Great tips

[@ie6370]

Great video you two...my wife and I have been planning on doing this trip soon.....we love your trains tips, especially the sink tip and alcohol in your room tip....we like Baileys in our evening coffee so that tip will come in handy. Regarding the Delta, we have stayed there many times, great hotel. We are going to watch your RV trip Toronto to Vancouver now as we plan to do an RV repositioning trip either end of this year or next year..any tips on that trip??......only one more year till we retire

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you enjoyed it and we hope you also have a great time , another tip you do go through we think 4 time zones if you have a watch ( not digital) it helps as there isn’t WiFi on the train 🚂 Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🌺

[@bobjohnson205]

I've stayed at the Royal York Hotel many times throughout the years and I never paid anywhere near what they were asking you to pay for a room. Yikes! I think the last time I was there in the summer of '80 I paid less than $50. (I was a CPR employee and because of that I would receive a 50% discount.) It was a great price for a nice room in a lovely hotel. I used to work on the 'Canadian' when it ran on CP lines. I would also receive meals in the dining car for half price. At the time my favourite dinner was 'trout almondine'. It would cost me about $2.50! You should have travelled with me on your trip...I could have saved you a lot of money! 😀

[@NA-fk7cc]

Wonderful tips guys, thank you!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! glad you enjoyed it have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🚂🌺

[@bluewaveshows4u]

Well said! Wishing you both the best of health!✌️😊

[@ellend9739]

Wow , you where here in Vancouver ? Happy to hear you had nice weather ! So far we have been very lucky with sunny days ! But today Sunday we have a rainy one but our forecast looks good ! Nice to know that the train was lovely to take ! Good tips Tina and Norm ! Hi from Vancouver !

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We loved arriving in Vancouver and spent a lovely 24 hours there Ellen we had to get back for medical issues Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🌺🍺

[@yvettefluehr493]

What a wonderful trip. That’s for sharing your experience 💕

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! thanks for watching Yvette Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🚂

[@karryhuston1321]

So pretty in pink Tina...cheers and have a great weekend you two.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you! You too! Cheers Karry 🍷🚂🌺

[@royberger2259]

Tip in advance is always the best advice.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Agree definitely worked in this case Roy Cheers 🍷🙂🚂🌺

[@deborahdownie8039]

Great tips. Many things I would never think of. 👍

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad it was helpful! have a wonderful weekend Deborah Cheers 🍷🚂🙂🌺

[@user-te1ow3pf5j]

Hi Tina & Norm We’re taking this trip in the fall and have found all your tips to be very helpful. We’re just wondering what hotel you stayed at in Vancouver and if there was a shuttle service from the hotel to the airport. Thanks

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We hope you have a great trip, we stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Robson Street, we chose this because it's a 5 minute walk to King Edward Station that is on the Canada Line and goes direct to the airport. The hotel was a $10 taxi ride from the Pacific Central Station.

[@torycook1215]

You are a lovely couple and a pleasure to watch and follow. 😊🙏

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You are so kind 💕

[@suerobinson844]

Hi from Australia. We are crusing to Vancouver next May and looking at options to Toronto. Thanks for your information

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds a great idea we loved it , would be a good way to get to Toronto if you have the time Sue have a great weekend Cheers 🇦🇺🍷🇨🇦🚂🌺

[@suerobinson844]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement Thanks happy Easter

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You too🍷🐣

[@crios5]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Your very welcome Cheers 🚂🙂🍷🌺

[@melo3555]

Nice video. But… it would have been nice, if you had talked about how long you had in each town. In case any of us are thinking of doing this, so we can get an idea, of course I realize there can be delays. It would’ve been nice as well to know how long the total trip took. What I have also like to have known the approximate cost and when you went. You mentioned off-season, but you didn’t say when that was exactly A little more detail, would be helpful and would make your video more interesting.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We did put a pinned comment under our video Melo This is a follow up to our Via Rail train journey, Toronto to Vancouver, 4 nights, 5 days on the transcontinental Via rail train #1 "The Canadian". The full video of the trip is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWmpgIRtd5akgqs

[@melo3555]

Looks like the same video to me?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Please click on the link above ( we just tried it ) it takes you to the full video of our train trip 🚂🙂

[@lenashaw6697]

Norm & Tina another great video - following up on your trip to Vancouver - Thank You!😎😎 You mentioned the hotel(s) and the upgrades yet how long did you stay in Vancouver? Did you fly back? Because you are both great travellers - I would suggest a map of the trip especially for overseas and travel away from Canada 😎😎

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! we stayed just one night as we have been there lots of times Lena , we flew back with Porter thanks for the suggestion of a map Cheers 🍷🚂🌺✈️🙂

[@MathieuFortier1]

Thanks for the awesome tips guys! Some I'll keep in mind next time I take the train 😊 Love the view from your dowtown Toronto hotel

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks Mathieu have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🙂🚂🌺

[@cherylsemrau7100]

I would sit at the tables to get to know my fellow passengers.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

It is a great way to meet other very interesting people 🍷 🚂 🙂🌺