11 Things You NEED To Know Before Riding the Via Rail Canadian 2024

[@woltews]

I was a fire fighter in jasper this summer , we did the best we could

[@TravelIntently]

Thanks so much for your service. We know that the town will rebound, to the credit of fire fighters such as you who saved much of the town in the face of an overwhelming natural disaster.

[@heathensunshine]

These are great tips. I've watched a lot of videos on the Canadian. We're trying to decide on whether to do Van > Tor or Tor > Van.

[@BrightFame09]

Thanks for the helpful hints. Clear, concise and useful. All Aboard!

[@TravelIntently]

Thanks again! Your comments are always encouraging.

[@erniewarinner7692]

My husband and I are planning a trip on the Canadian in March and we’re super excited! We managed to book one of the Prestige cabins in the Park Car, which is our first time traveling on the Canadian, so we want to make the most of it. Your tips and advice are amazing, especially your tip on tips! Oh, and guess what? Our local bank in Virginia can exchange our currency for Canadian dollars. We always tip well to the staff and crew on all our adventures, and we really appreciate their hard work. Thanks a bunch!

[@TravelIntently]

Wow, that sounds like a fantastic trip. We have yet to try Prestige class. Hopefully someday…

[@glennallen4518]

The part about the berths was very informative. Bring a portable charger and an extension cord with mutable plugs.

[@TravelIntently]

Glad to help out!

[@mathtrixmusiclix4248]

1-Sign up for VIA app in advance 2- Choose sleeper + class 3- Don’t bring food? 4- Bring tip money 5- Don’t bring soap/shampoo 6- Keep your valuables with you 7- Bring a short extension cord 8- no luggage rack in room. Bring small bag 9- make use of the dome cars 10- no wifi and cell is hit and miss 11- dress for the weather You’re welcome!!

[@TravelIntently]

A concise summary, indeed!

[@kathieendresz7841]

Thank you! We're taking the trip in April and this has been super helpful.

[@TravelIntently]

We’re glad to be of help. Enjoy your trip!

[@bruceford9413]

Very informative.

[@TravelIntently]

Thanks. Glad you found it helpful!

[@LeonLahiere]

Great advise. I rode The Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver last November, great scenery and weather (sunny the entire trip) and the food was spectacular (I was in a Cabin for 2). I'm planning another trip for Spring 2025.

[@TravelIntently]

Thanks. Enjoy your upcoming trip on the Canadian!

[@HaraldKrämer-e3x]

Great advice. I will be on this train next may. Thank you!

[@TravelIntently]

Thanks. Hope you enjoy your trip.

[@JustinandJess]

We’re fellow travelers and just subscribed! We’re taking our first Via Rail train to Churchill in a few weeks and found your video so helpful. Thanks so much!

[@TravelIntently]

Awesome! Thank you! We did the Churchill trip 32 years ago (hard to believe how time flies by!). It will be an adventure to be sure.

[@barbaralienhard3490]

Thank you so much. We're looking to book our 50th wedding anniversary trip for next May very soon. This has been so very helpful. I didn't think about the money exchange idea. And didn't realize that giving US dollars was not a good idea, I'll have time to work this out for sure!! Your videos are helpful and informative. ❤❤

[@TravelIntently]

Thanks! Have a great anniversary trip!

[@judyjones8925]

Thank you so much for these tips. Having watched hours and hours of YT videos about VIA and more specifically the Canadian, you are the first to mention tipping. May I ask how frequently you tipped the staff? Did you leave a Twoonie at each meal? I will have two cabin attendants (TOR - WPG and WPG - VCR). What are your suggestions in this regard? I’m already booked for April 2025 from TOR to VCR in a cabin for one. My fingers are crossed that if a sale should come up that maybe I could upgrade to a cabin for two.🤞🏻Loved your coverage of your “circular” trip earlier this year.

[@TravelIntently]

Glad it was helpful! The staff in the dining car is the same for all three meals so you could just leave one tip at your last meal. I think $5 is fair but it is at your own discretion. It’s likely best to tip each of the two cabin crews. If you booked a full non-discounted fare, you can cancel at no charge and rebook if a sale comes round. We’ve done it. Regardless, have a great trip!

[@Kenny-uv7pt]

My Wife and I are scheduled to go on this trip at the end of July this year (Toronto to Vancouver) and have been looking forward to this trip of a lifetime. I have watched countless YT videos about this trip and what to expect but your tips in this video have been the best so far. I was not expecting the advice about tipping so I will now be sure to bring some cash for this purpose. All the other tips are excellent especially about the size of luggage to bring on board and the fact that you will not have access to any other baggage checked into the bagage car until you get to your destination. The thing I am looking forward to the most is the food which everyone has raved about and of course the spectacular scenery as we cross the country..

[@TravelIntently]

Thanks for your kind words. Glad to be of help. You will certainly enjoy the food. It’s top notch.

[@haweater1555]

I'm so sorry 😢 but the Jasper Park wildfire disaster means that trains cannot reach across the country at least for this month.

[@SHARP2235]

Thank-you for the very useful information!! Excellent video 😊❤

[@TravelIntently]

Thanks for watching and your kind words.

[@Niteskate1]

Access to the Park Car is limited to Prestige class passengers until 4pm daily, after 4pm Sleeper Plus passengers are allowed to enter. There are electrical plug ins by the door to the washroom in the Skyline Car.

[@TravelIntently]

You are correct..We will be checking out the electrical options when we take berths from Vancouver to Winnipeg in January 2025. Access to the Park Car is open to non-Prestige class people in the winter. That has been our experience over the last decade of travel. However, we understand there are the limitations you mention in high season. We have yet to do the trip at that time of year.

[@ahyodem]

I am taking he Ocean in September and have a single-room in the old heritage cars. Lots of great advice, especially about the tipping. I have tipped on Amtrak before, but it is really hit or miss with the friendliness of the staff. Looking forward to a long trip on VIA Rail.

[@TravelIntently]

Thanks! Your trip sounds like fun. We haven’t taken the Ocean. Some time soon we hope.

[@BruceM8]

Hi. Thanks for the helpful and interesting video. I am taking the Canadian in December 2024 and have seen other videos here that show an overhead storage area in the single cabins that look like they could hold a carry-on size suitcase. Do you agree? Sure would be nice if the cars had a standard luggage rack like Amtrak sleeper cars do!

[@TravelIntently]

I wish I could answer your question but it’s been several years since I travelled in a single person cabin. I can’t quite remember but would guess there is adequate luggage space.

[@BruceM8]

​@@TravelIntentlyJust for the record and for other travelers, I have finished the Canadian trip. My large carry-on was too big for the overhead area but fit nicely under the seat, both day and night, and was retrievable even when the bed was down. The overhead area held my medium backpack at night. Interestingly, the staff were very nonchalant about carry-on luggage; I had expected to be scrutinized.

[@TravelIntently]

@@BruceM8 Thanks for the input. That's valuable information. Hope you had a great trip!

[@2speleonauts2speleonauts93]

The bus tour of Winnipeg during the midpoint layover from Toronto to Vancouver is worth the cost and it is planned to get you back to the station in plenty of time.

[@TravelIntently]

Thanks for your input. Have you done this recently? I will have to investigate further but my understanding is that there is no longer a bus tour geared to the Via Rail schedule. Please let us know if you have more information.

[@ComMercial-f5d]

Great info-thanks!

[@TravelIntently]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

Hello!! This video popped up in my recommendations and I'm so glad it did. I am in Winnipeg too. I am planning some solo trips next year on Via Rail. I will plan in advance so that I can book the single roomette. It's a case of I want a trip, and the roomette, less concerned about when and where I go. I didn't know about the no Wi-Fi. Somehow I missed that in all my research so thank you! I will bring extension cords and extra power banks for my devices. I will download books and some movies and tv shows and I should be set. I do have a question the extras (shampoo etc.). Are those only in a cabin for 2 or will I get that in the single roomette? I won't be doing the berths. I want the extra security of a door.

[@TravelIntently]

Thanks for watching. I’ve done the single bedroom though it’s been a while. I believe there is an electric outlet in it so a power bank is likely not necessary. It’s the berths that have no outlet. Be aware that the bedroom doors only lock from the inside. They can’t be locked when you leave. You should get shampoos and soap included. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Have a great trip!

[@BruceM8]

Also, did you ever post a video on how to spend time during the Canadian's stop in Winnipeg? I can't find it. I will be traveling west from Toronto. I think I will have about 2 hours, beginning at (potentially) 7:30 pm.

[@TravelIntently]

We are planning to do a video guide for the Winnipeg stopover. In the meantime, The Forks Market is a fantastic venue just a five minute walk from the train station. There are lots of good shops and wine and drinking spots-all local-to explore. Enjoy!

[@BruceM8]

​@@TravelIntentlyThat sounds good. Regrettably, my train was 7 hours late and got to Winnipeg in the middle of the night. But your suggestion sounds great for next time!

[@TravelIntently]

@@BruceM8 Sorry for our too-late replies to your questions. We are just back from our long trip oversees and slowly catching up with comments. Seven hours is quite late! I'm sorry you didn't have a chance to see a small part of our city. Hopefully next time...

[@RossJohnsonVIA1]

I’ve done it 148 times in sleeper. Park car access is restricted to prestige guests in peak season April - October on departure days from Vancouver and Toronto and all day every day until 4pm on days not originating in Vancouver or Toronto. Sleeper car passengers can access the park car 4pm - 11pm on these days. Your luggage you bring into your sleeping accommodation can be stowed under your seat. In a lower berth under the bed and in your cabin under the lower bunk. Cabin for 1 under the bench chair your roller luggage will fit

[@TravelIntently]

Good points. We have only traveled in winter so Park Car access has not been a problem. We have heard of restrictions during peak season but have not personally experienced it. We always take two good sized bags into our bedrooms, roughly carry on suitcases in size, but any extra bags or large suitcases need to be checked (which is a generous and free service). This different than Amtrak trains which have large shared luggage racks in the aisles of each car. 148 times on The Canadian is quite the accomplishment!

[@vivyan92]

@@TravelIntentlymy other question I have to ask is, will there still be access to the park car all day with free seating during off peak season from November through the end of March? I just want to find out since I too am taking the Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver while I’ll be in a Cabin for One.

[@RossJohnsonVIA1]

@@vivyan92 yes

[@TravelIntently]

Should not be a problem. We ride every December and Park Car access has been completely open. The only restriction is that the front seats in the dome of the car are reserved for Prestige class people. Usually one to three rows at most.

[@vivyan92]

@@TravelIntently good to know. At least I’ll get pictures and video from the back and hopefully to zoom in the front too.

[@jcif2468]

Do you recommend tipping as you go or wait til the end of the trip? i.e. tip at the end of each meal leaving it on the table? How would you tip the room attendant each night since the bed isn't down when you leave for them to get room ready?

[@TravelIntently]

We will generally tip after a meal and leave it on the table unless there happens to be a tip jar in the dining car. For the room/car attendant, we usually tip at the end of a trip although you might want to ask if there is a staff change along the route (there usually is on our Winnipeg to Vancouver run) and make sure the attendant gets the tip before departing.

[@jcif2468]

@@TravelIntently thank you for the tips on tips! 😂😜💜

[@cherylmartin5923]

@@TravelIntently How do you make sure the attendant Gets the tip?

[@TravelIntently]

We directly hand it to the attendant. It sometimes requires trackers mg them down, especially if they leave the train mid trip. At the end of the trip, they are often helping people leave the train and you can slip the tip to them at that time.

[@DOSBoxMom]

VIA Rail's Preference program sounds a lot like the Amtrak Guest Rewards program. My husband and I were able to use AGR points to book a trip to Kansas City last year, and hope to use AGR points to book an even longer trip next year. (Paid cash for this year's trip, though.)

[@TravelIntently]

The points programs are similar. I’ve been travelling on The Canadian for a number of years, one trip each year, slowly building points but never having enough for a trip. But last year Via Rail changed their points system and seem to be pouring them on. I’ve ended up with two free long train rides on The Canadian in the last year!

[@DOSBoxMom]

Sad news about the Jasper train station burning down in this summer's wildfires! :(

[@TravelIntently]

Yes, Gail and I are watching the situation closely. The Jasper stopover on The Canadian has always been a highlight. We will be passing through in January 2025. It will be an interesting, maybe heartbreaking experience.

[@DOSBoxMom]

@@TravelIntently Just saw an update on the Amtrak Unlimited forums about Jasper. It sounds like the Jasper train station may have been spared, and that "significant equipment" was moved from the Jasper train yard out of the path of the wildfire.

[@TravelIntently]

That’s good news! I hope it holds out.

[@davidthomas2761]

Although the Canadian is passing through Jasper without stopping, VIA is saying the Jasper stop will resume in September. There is a warning, however, that the start date for service to Jasper may be postponed. The CBC is reporting that at this time visitors are strongly discouraged from visiting Jasper. For one thing, there are no restaurants or hotels available for tourists. There were checkpoints on the roads leading into Jasper, but these have been removed. But the RCMP will be telling tourists to move on. It is a stressful time for those residents who are returning, especially those who have lost their homes or businesses.

[@cherylmartin5923]

@@davidthomas2761 Useful info, David. Let the locals recover. Thank you.

[@DOSBoxMom]

I've heard of one gal who used to give lessons on Tunisian crochet (she called it "railway knitting") on the Canadian; don't know if she's still doing that, though.

[@TravelIntently]

I haven’t run across the crochet lady on the Canadian but I have seen a young guy doing needlepoint on an Amtrak observation car!

[@DOSBoxMom]

@@TravelIntently I brought my crochet with me on Amtrak last fall, and plan to do so again this fall on the Texas Eagle. Which project I bring will depend on how much room I have for yarn and hooks, and on whether or not I already have the pattern memorized.

[@DOSBoxMom]

Could tipping be done in US currency as well?

[@TravelIntently]

I’m sure US currency would acceptable, given the exchange rate.

[@robertshelton9881]

So much cheaper than buying a ticket.

[@TravelIntently]

Yes, expensive. But what an adventure!

[@johnstedman5028]

good info but too much talking!

[@TravelIntently]

We love to talk! 🥂😀