Via Rail Canadian: 5 Things We Loved And 2 Things We Didn't

[@naturespy5585]

Hi guys!!!! I am a VIA Rail on-train service attendant. Just so you know, you absolutely CAN have your meal in your cabin. As room attendants, we offer take out service to your room and you can have coffee brought to you as well. I do not work on the Canadian but I work on our other regional train, The Ocean. You should ride our train from Montréal to Halifax or vice versa.

[@DaneNicholson]

We did this in October as our child was 1 when we traveled, and a bit of a terror in the dining car. They used berth seating to serve our meals. It was amazing!!

[@archiesbaby3181]

Absolutely correct!

[@FrankBullitt390]

Absurd they'd even want to eat in their room, sitting with 2 other people is a highlight of the trip, whether you like it or not. On this trip you TALK to other people, at dinner, in the observation car and it makes it better. On my trip they made a flikr group and we all shared photos we took. There was people from Germany, US, UK - TALK TO THEM - being a recluse in your room would make the staff worried about you (as they were for me when I drank too much day one and missed breakfast)

[@KyleLovesTrains]

My wife, 2 kids and I took The Ocean on July 16, 2023 and I had a great time. The dining car was absolutely freezing as I guess there was an issue with it on the last trip, but the food was great. Its a real shame the park car is gone due to the turn around loop. Daphne was our car attendant in 37 and she was great. Forgot a bottle of wine in our little closet in room 4, hopefully someone enjoyed it! The biggest complaint from me is that they have the train positioned so that along almost the entire 'waterfront view' it's on the wrong side, the hallway side. They really need to turn the train around somewhere at least once to put the rooms on the ocean side in the Ren cars. The coolest thing was reversing out of St. Foy station over the bridge, EVERY car was waving and sticking their arms out the window the whole way across the river just to say hi! They seemed very excited to wave at the train lol.

[@KathysFlog]

@@FrankBullitt390 we're not all the same. We managed to avoid sitting with people for all but one of our meals and were VERY happy with that. What we find is people want to talk ABOUT themselves which is incredibly boring.

[@teresavandal4973]

Hi Rob and Allie... I just thought I would make sure about your comment about not being able to eat in the cabin/room at all. I wake up sometimes with headaches, and so like you Allie; I need my coffee in the morning before I talk to people. I asked someone on the Via Rail chat, and they said you CAN eat in the room if you ask for it. So I am a little confused.

[@RossJohnsonVIA1]

You can eat in your room on the Canadian and you can get a sleeper in the summer months you just need to be flexible with dates. I’ve done the Canadian 140 times

[@Chetok]

I researched this as I would like to have ridden it but discovered you are rersticted to a few cars, about 4 or 5. You are unable to walk the whole length to meet and chat, or take photos of the whole trai when on a curve. You are to all intents and purposes a prisoner. but this info is not made clear to prospective passengers. In your many trips has this always been the case?

[@gaynellbuffington6620]

I'm doing the via rail next year April 2024 . I will be in a room for one. Your videos have helped me in my trips thank you!

[@yaoyangliu8019]

You'd better book a room, not a sleep plus. Electronic outlets don't offer to sleep plus from van to Toronto.

[@mikeedwards9306]

Just got back from Via Rail Toronto- Vancouver and it was great food, attendants, the bed was comfortable. For me I slept well. Great information, I watched your prior videos on the actual trip 2 times before I went . Thanks

[@billsnyder1021]

We were having a great VIA Canadian trip until we ran into fires in Alberta and train cancelled in Edmonton and we were flown to Vancouver. Service and food were great, but we missed Canadian Rockies.

[@vincenash2974]

Oh no! We're scheduled to depart on the Canadian on August 6th and this has been on my mind since the fires broke out. Seeing the Rockies is the primary reason for the trip. I fear that even if the fires are under control by then, we'll be traveling through a post-apocalyptic landscape.

[@KyleLovesTrains]

@@vincenash2974 did you run in to any fires? How was the trip? Did you video any of it?

[@KathysFlog]

We also encountered wildfire smoke so much of the Rockies was obscured. Luckily we'd book to drive back through Jasper National Park to Calgary on our way home so we got to see what we missed on our train journey.

[@KNPrince]

I have commented on your other video that you did about the Canadian.. and how it brought back very pleasant memories for myself and my father too.. We travelled on the Canadian out to Edmonton just before the Covid19 pandemic hit and everything shut down... We were to turn around and return to Toronto in two days time on the east bound train however, it was cancelled and that meant that we took a bus down to Calgary and spent the night with family and had a quick visit... Then flew home via WestJet to Hamilton Ontario the following day.. in business class which was a first for me... (I don't think I will ever be able to fly economy class again! I am glad you guys enjoyed your time on the Canadian.. (the pride of VIA Rail service) It's a lovely trip to take and yes.. It does feel like you're riding on a five star hotel on wheels...! Wish you a Bright, Healthy and Joyous 2024!

[@lindaplante2409]

Absolutely LOVE THIS TRAIN!....Have ridden the route 3x's...Sat. across from Robert Redford at lunch in the dining car on my last trip!!!!

[@nancycarden2469]

Great advice. Thank you. And the food is truly amazing. I always look forward to seeing what the next meal is.

[@mrscuteas]

My husband and I love eating in the main dining room on cruise ships for breakfast, lunch and dinner and we always ask at every meal for a table of two because neither of us enjoys trying to make conversation with strangers while we are eating, it’s the thing we both dislike about cruising so we understand completely and we are also coffee snobs 😅 hello from Australia 🇦🇺 👋

[@kirkp6458]

I love your videos! I think it’s important to remember when comparing prices of the Canadian compared to the Zephyr, that you’re spending more nights aboard the Canadian, and getting quite a few more meals. I’d be interested to know how the per night cost compares, as opposed to the entire trip, because one of them is quite a bit longer. See you on the rails! 🚆

[@newworldgirl]

Absolutely loved this revue!! Thanks

[@cynthialewis1571]

Thanks for the review. The scenery was so beautiful. I was all set to look into it until your last point. I don't care to be forced to eat with people I don't know.

[@greeneggslamb9336]

Some are saying that they will serve you in your cabin.

[@JustAThought155]

Gosh! That looks like a gorgeous trip.

[@edwesby5752]

I have taken the Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver twice and I do not remember us having extended breaks where we could get off and go sightsee in town. Yes, we had stops, for service or crew change, or whatever, but they were generally only about 30 minutes. And I think the train's overall time schedule may have been different back then. My first trip was in 1998 and my second was in 2007 and it was the same schedule for both. Both trips we took a 3 day layover in Jasper to drive to Banff and back (If you want to see some great scenery do that). The only thing we did not like about the train, we had a 2-person cabin, was it was noisy to sleep at night (train wheels screeching, etc.)

[@edwesby5752]

One unussual problem we had on the first trip was the train got to about 20 miles from Vancouver and the train's engineer had served his maximum time on duty. So the train sat for 3 hours while they brought on a new crew. Certainly messed up our plans for Vancouver that day.

[@thetrainhopper8992]

A fun historical note is that the Cabin for 1 was the original roomette. When Amtrak designed its Roomette in the 1970s, the more or less enclosed a section. Which was an option on the Slumber Coach. Which is another thing Amtrak got rid of in the 90s when the first Viewliners were delivered.

[@KathysFlog]

Our favourite dish was the Ginger Beef. I might try and replicate it one day.

[@PeterAlmenar]

Wow. Those lounge cars are gorgeous.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

They are!

[@nieljohn4614]

Glad someone enjoyed it, we did it two weeks ago and with the awful air-con and no opening windows a couple of unwell passengers infected the whole train with something, not a train I'll ride again. Most of the cars are certainly showing their age, with rough riding for all except the expensively rebuilt 'Prestige class'.

[@barbaralienhard3490]

Thanks for the info, we're looking at the Canadian in the future too

[@Lonestar-xo1cs]

1. You can have your meals in your room, just remember to tip your attendant. 2. Fares on the Canadian vary depending on the season, discount or no discount, on sale or not. For example last year, my daughter and I traveled in a cabin for two for under $2400 CAD. You should watch the Tuesday 24 hour specials. I am not a social person, but I love the dining Car getting to meet people from all over the world, to learn how they travel and live. It is a very unique opportunity.

[@Shaynegrainger]

I loved riding on the Ocean train, the last time I rode from Halifax on my way to Winnipeg, they ended up using the older stainless steel cars and my friend and I got bumped up to a Cabin for 3 instead of 2 and so we both opted to use the two lower beds, they are very spacious. The option of the berths on The Canadian was very good as we took that from Toronto to Winnipeg on the same trip. yes there is not much space there when the berths are made up and with the fact people keep walking past, once I fell asleep, it was very comfortable.

[@mikemiskiman4743]

Great job guy As someone who travels mostly by myself and a bit hard of hearing siting wth others at meals can be a Challenge I always talk to the dining car crew once I’m bored and I’ve never had a problem sitting by myself they tell me just to come in a little bit later after the meal call and they usually accommodate me that’s what I love about via

[@FrankBullitt390]

When I did this they only stopped in Jasper for 20 mins, yet it was in Winnipeg for 3 hours (we opted to just sleep). Would have liked 20 mins in Winnipeg and 3 hours in Jasper!

[@jacquelynsanders9576]

Such beautiful scenery!! What time of the year did you do this travel?

[@charlesbaran1106]

The Canadian remains my dream - thanks. Since you rode it, the need to have an empty car at the end of the train (for apparently unfounded safety concerns) has ended. That would give you another beautiful view to the rear.

[@TassieEV]

Any Dome car is available to all classes there isn't one for each class you can sit in any one of them depending how many Dome cars they have on the train, summer has more than winter. I'd go the other direction to your direction and go West to East instead. Funny about the food thing and first coffee, not everyone drinks coffee so it's not a issue for those of us that don't. I'd think it would be good to get to know new people, not great for introverts. Good to hear the positives.

[@christiejacox3499]

Great review 😄 thank you!!

[@zezeebetaa]

Good Morning 😃

[@chordsandnotes]

Love your videos and hope to see you on a train one day. My daughter also loves the carrot cake. She mentioned that it was her favourite to the server.... and the server offered to give her carrot cake over several days, as they had extra. We didn't even ask, they just offered which was great. We did get one or two meals delivered to us, but it only really works if you have a berth or maybe 2 bedroom, as the one bed cabins are too small to set up the table.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

That is awesome!

[@caryantovel1588]

Hey guys, you guys are great. My wife and I are thinking about taking it in April or May. Thanks for all the great information.😊

[@amantastic]

Having traveled by all Amtrak routes multiple times, I just booked my first VIA experience, Prestige class, on #2. Planning on Empire Builder to Cascade to VIA to Maple Leaf to Lake Shore Limited to Empire Builder. As gratuity is customary on Amtrak, is it the same on VIA? Suggested gratuity for concierge and dining staff?

[@djteako]

Not eating in your room - even though it is allowed. - It's part of the Canadian experience! Same as the Rocky Mountaineer. It the meeting and interacting with people experience ! Something that makes us Canadian!!!

[@markakira8988]

I appreciate this video.

[@randall8379]

I seem to recall that you said on a previous video that your compartment was overheated.

[@saulschlapik6818]

I've ridden trains in several countries including lots of high speed ones in Europe and Asia but the Canadian is my favorite. I especially like the dome cars and the classic Budd unpainted stainless steel cars make it absolutely beautiful. I've ridden it twice, once in each direction all the way from Toronto to Vancouver. It was a wonderful ride but the last time I rode it, we were all ordered to stay on the train for 1/2 an hour after it backed into the Vancouver station. The reason given was because they had to uncouple the front portion of the train and back it in on another track (it was about 20 cars). After being cooped up for 4 days, it was time for some more fresh air. Did they really think that anyone would be stupid enough to wander onto the track where the other half was backing in? Rules for Rules Sake.

[@squalli1297]

Good info!! I'll assume that with older equipment there aren't many consists (upwards if 20 cars) travelling between Toronto & Vancouver that explains packed trains-especially during summer months.

[@TristouMTL]

Hehehe... "If you wanna go this summer? You're not going this summer." So true. Well, there are definitely no "escape" fares which are the deals. But you can check online anyway before giving up all hope. Sometimes people do cancel their trip, and sometimes it just works out that there will be a free seat or cabin or whatever choice you want. And cross your fingers!

[@ega6976]

Curious how they handle meals for handicapped passengers who are usually restricted to their car? Can you add information in your reviews for those of us traveling in wheelchairs? Love your channel!!!

[@thetrainhopper8992]

If you have restricted mobility, you’re pretty limited with Via Rail. I remember reading a thing about them bragging about their 20 or so accessible cars in their fleet. I’ve even read reports from disabled riders who weren’t allowed to board because there weren’t accessible cars or chair lifts available.

[@celesteredding1550]

@@thetrainhopper8992 I also wondered about this and asked this question (which was not answered). Thanks for your info & response

[@davidthomas2761]

There is a large "accessible suite" in the Park car. Although in décor it appears to be part of the Prestige service, it is not. I had a good look at it for a friend who would need it and I enquired as to the fares. The fare is quite reasonable and a companion if necessary (a medical certificate is needed) travels free. There is an upper berth in this cabin for the companion. There is a large washroom with a roll-in shower. Meals are delivered to the cabin. VIA can give you all the information you need.

[@ega6976]

@@davidthomas2761 thank you. Seems similar to Amtrack. Although Amtrack has spent a lot of effort in getting lifts at the stations. Looking to plan a ride in the future.

[@edwardmacnab354]

when i took this the only long stop was in winnipeg and i think it was for cleaning the train other stops were very short

[@cherylsemrau7100]

Also Canada should have train service like the other countries.

[@lindawheeler3242]

Well darn. I really wanted this trip but not eating in the room is a dealbreaker.....I am not that sociable!

[@michaelvaughan3929]

I grant that it's hard to get a ticket, but I wouldn't have any problem with your second complaint.

[@yaoyangliu8019]

Tĥe most important thing you should know is the sleep plus dont have electronic from Van to Toronto. The park car maybe the only place you can get power.

[@claudiasherman2601]

I’m confused by what you mean by no electronic. This is stated on their website for a sleeper plus cabin for 2 people Vancouver to Toronto - “Private washroom. Public shower facilities in same car. Electrical outlets 110V. Limited space for carry-on baggage (see our baggage policy). Small closet with hangers. Door locks on the inside only (no individual key). Other amenities: towels, soap, shampoo, drinking water, pillows, sheets and blankets supplied.”

[@ginacaze6251]

Do you guys know how many stops and for how long between Quebec City/Moncton NB?

[@movcon2793]

I am a musician and travel with an instrument. Can the cabins for one be secured for your belongings when you leave the cabin?

[@randall8379]

NO room service? Outrageous!

[@anlewi1]

I would be missing breakfast and that's not good because one I'm not a morning person to eat breakfast in my PJs and last but not least low blood sugar and a service dog so not being able to eat the breakfast in my room to wake up make sure everything is flowing smoothly before going out and being with other.

[@drobangjungla2672]

Are the food included in the fare tickets

[@MaryAnnB-y4i]

What is the Protocal tips?

[@FrankWright-ts2ut]

I had my coffee AND breakfast in my room without a problem. So maybe if your had of asked they surely would have,accom

[@markolwick2223]

Disagree completely about price. For a solo cabin, The Canadian is roughly $1500 USD. From NY to Seattle on Amtrak (which is still shorter time-wise), it’s more than $2100. Don’t compare it with just the Empire Builder, for example. Apples and oranges. As an introvert, I agree it would be great to have the choice to eat in your cabin. They did do that during C times. And yes, you can ask for substitutions at meals. You likely could have had your carrot cake more than once!

[@monicaahn1750]

Does anybody know how wifi works on this train? I heard there is no wifi and Im not sure if getting certain sim card would help. I'm sure I got lot to do on the train without so much use of wifi but im concerned for checking bookings for accommodations and other connective journeys if any cuase for delays to happen (as it seems like there may often be delays due to weather and freight trains passing)...

[@jackieheidorn5875]

full seating in common in Europe and on some Cruise Ships. They are not "strangers"; they are fellow passengers. You can talk about why you are on the train. You can't really compare VIA management style with Amtrak management style. I appreciate VIA not being 7-24 hours late.

[@TomHoffman-uw7pf]

What VIA calls a cabin for one is, in fact, a roomette. Roomettes were introduced to American railroads by the Pullman Company in 1937. They were designed for ONE person, or an adult and a small child. (my dad and I took one when I was six years old.) Amtrak called its smaller rooms on Superliners "economy bedrooms". Then they started calling them roomettes. You would have to put me under torture to get me to call anything Amtrak runs a roomette. Because they are NOT roomettes. If Amtrak were to call them cantaloupes, that wouldn't MAKE them cantaloupes, right? A roomette is a room for ONE person. That's one, un, une or uno. Or, as my sixth-grade teacher might have said to a dense student: the number that's between zero and two.

[@MartinHarvey]

Amtrak costs less because it's subsidized?

[@mk6022]

In case you are planning vacation to Europe could you please review RegioJet sleeper from Prague to Split? It's vacation train that goes down to Adriatic Sea. I've seen some YT video from this route but most of them I think are bias by people who traveled this route countless time and not nearly in depth as your videos. 🚂🚃🚋🚎