Via Rail Upper & Lower Berth Tour | Sleeper Room on The Canadian

[@JanKishkon]

I did this trip last spring (by myself) and it was awesome! Highly recommended. And in my opinion, the lower sleeper berth is the way to go! I was so comfortable, felt safe and secure, ate extremely well all four days and I want to do it again!

[@scienceclass4741]

What did you do with your stuff during the day?

[@JanKishkon]

@@scienceclass4741 they ask you to check your large suitcase and just bring what you think you'll need for the 4 days and nights in one or two small bags. There is plenty of room to stash these bags under the seats or within your sleeping berth at night if you prefer. You will be provided with towels for showering. I found it handy to take a box of tissues.

[@haweater1555]

My sister and I are booked for a cross Canada trip in Sep 2025. Long time for us, cant wait !!

[@jimanderson4495]

Thanks. Love the channel and ALL the great narration.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Much appreciated!

[@margaretturner3251]

Hello thank for showing about traveling on the trains and essential that goes along on the trains.Take care all.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks, you too!

[@tele911issuspect]

Thank you for your vids. I have always thought of taking via across. This video was great.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@colinbarrett3016]

Great video as usual..lots of room in those berths. If you are real nice to your car attendant you can get a lot more of those chocolates.😊

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Good tip!

[@CalvinCT]

Nice sharing , thanks for the video! You are almost there 100K! Keep up the good work!

[@YouUsAndAI]

I had these videos playing in the background today...THANK YOU!!! Esp, thankful for the food parts!! :)

[@skipsisson4068]

We have booked a round trip bedroom on the California Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville for our 50th wedding anniversary! We are newbies to rail travel and have been binge watching your vlogs! Thanks for all of the tips and hints to hopefully make our adventure smooth and relaxing.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have fun!

[@squeak07HK98]

Happy Anniversary! My husband and are at our 15th. Hope to get to where you are some day.

[@maiajones2844]

Wow! that is a nice train to travel on and great quality care!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Yes indeed!

[@squalli1297]

Open area berths were popular decades ago in the U.S. There were a few left during the '60's, then they've disappeared. I like the facing seats giving travelers somewhere to elevate their legs & there's sitting room in the spaces similar to Amtrak's roomettes. These cars are over 60 years old & I'm sure fares are inflated in order to keep them well maintained. Climbing a ladder on a moving train for me spells trouble. Thanks for this video.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for sharing

[@lindashepard4621]

Reminds me of the train scene in Some Like It Hot”

[@haweater1555]

Open berth sections were gone when Amtrak started in 1971. The last ones avaliable in the 60s were kept on for government employees traveling and the cheapest type of sleeping accommodations were specified for it. What replaced it in the US east coast as an economy sleeper option were "Slumber Coaches", a sleeping car with all high-density private roomettes. But the rooms were so small the mattress was in two halves that folded down separately.

[@SAILNAWAY]

Thank you so much for the tour. It seems like only yesterday we were eating tacos and popcorn in Ensenada. Lol. Very much enjoy both channels. Thank you both for all of the insight. Safe Travels.

[@coz7891]

Both channels?

[@SAILNAWAY]

They have another channel Grounded Life Cruises. Both are extremely informative and fun just to ride along. Enjoy

[@coz7891]

@@SAILNAWAY Thanks so much. I will check it out.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks! Yes, the tacos were just a few days after getting off this train!

[@shakinallover1635]

Used to travel by berth back in the 70s and 80s. You can ask the attendant for a table which is attached below the window when the berths are in daytime configuration. Handy for playing cards, etc.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Great trip, thanks. We mostly sat in the dome car which was great!

[@toriwolf5978]

Omg just found your channel thanks for taking us with you ❤love the scenery and tour ❤hope to do that same trip one day Canada has some beautiful country to experience…

[@dragonmom100]

Thank you for this. I couldn't quite figure out how the berths worked.

[@patriciafuchs5970]

Good tour!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks!

[@AmazingJohnny]

I like so much your channel 😊 !

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thank you so much!

[@AmazingJohnny]

@@GroundedLifeTravel I want to watch all your videos again, ma'am ! Hello from Ukraine 🇺🇦🤝🇺🇲 !

[@thomaskitz1185]

sweet video thanks * very helpful ...

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

You're welcome!

[@gisellejakobs2872]

Excellent overview of the berths! Just what I was looking for. Thanks for this!

[@simondavey7787]

Could you hear much sounds from the corridor at night? Thanks for another great video.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Yes, you could. It was quiet at night, a little louder than was wanted in the morning.

[@cantrait7311]

Thank you for the video very helpful. Will you consider the Prestige on the Canadian that would be interesting Yes I know super pricy but yet to see a video on the Prestige class

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

We would love to do it

[@Bobrogers99]

I enjoy your videos, but you missed something this time. I would have liked to see a shot taken from the corridor to show how the beds were oriented. I can't figure out how the two bench seats were rearranged to create the lower bunk.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

The beds go in the direction of the train

[@therandomytchannel4318]

Back in 1989, when I was still a kid , we almost had these accommodations but instead got moved to those staggered roomette style rooms where the lower berth goes under the berth above it, but what I remember is the train staff were great, food plenty and the train was on time, it was a great year until starting in 1990, the Canadian government started 3 areas of cut backs on via rail and as a result, many lines were cut or train times reduced.

[@realchinese2012]

You should be very proud of yourself, I was referred by Via Rail to your video. I am a senior solo female traveller, I don't want to share a cabin with a stranger, so now I know cabin for one is good for me. I don't want to share a limited space with a stranger neither.

[@shirleylieb9345]

I was in an upper on the Chief(Santa Fe) in maybe 1964. My upper had a little window. Which was great. I believe the etiquette with the upper and lowers were that the forward facing seat got the lower berth and the rear facing seat got the upper berth. There were price differences between the two levels. They were quite cozy, but having the small window in the upper berth, helped tremendously.

[@DoniGameZ]

Congrats on almost 100k

[@ggreg2258]

Informative. Would have liked to see what the area looked like with the upper bunk in place---a pic from outside the bunk. Was curious if sitting would be possible on the lower level with the upper bunk down (could be used to luggage, etc for one person}. I traveled on the Canadian, Vancouver to Toronto just before COVID got us. Was in a room for one. Loved it. Scenery great; staff great; food fantastic. Checked price and its now $600 more than what I paid! ! !

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks, Allie said she could sit up on the lower when I was on the upper.

[@PrimeTimeTravelers]

We hope to ride Via Rail someday across Canada. Thank you for the review. Don't love the curtain as only separation.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

It was surprisingly better than we thought it would be

[@hassnaas8467]

How was the trip stops & Vancouver in snowy days? Which month was that? Do you recommend this trip in late Nov?

[@stacym735]

I like it! I'm guessing the berths were less expensive than a private room, but seem more than adequate for sleeping on the train. And speaking as someone with a bit of claustrophobia, I especially like that wouldn't feel all "closed up in a tiny box." Very nice tour; I appreciate you both sharing your experience with us.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks, yes they were around half the price or maybe a bit more.

[@phyllislowry6265]

This is like old school sleeping on a train. The only time I had to do this was in Canada when we went to visit family in Edmonton. The seats were the same, but there was a table we could pull up to use during the day. Back then there was absolutely no thought to bathing on the train. The best you could do was do a sponge bath in the bathroom, where only the toilet was in a private space. Everything else was in the open. Back in the 1950's & early 60's the trains stations in cities were huge places. There was more than just a room with toilets connected to the bathrooms. Often, there were cots you could sleep on if needed & there was a place where you could sponge bathe in private. There were mini sofa all thru the stations where you could sit or even lie down. When we went to Canada, we had to spend the entire day in St Paul Minn to get a connecting train to Winnepeg. We saw a lot of Amish people & my mom would often take us to a shopping area close by to pass the time. It was fun as a child, but I'm sure it was difficult for my mom who dressed in her nice clothes & wore high heels.

[@garyjeffries1041]

Hi new subscriber from Toronto Ontario 🇨🇦

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Welcome!!

[@VeganWithAPassport]

Thank you for all of your helpful videos, I finally just booked my first Amtrak journey ever this morning from Tucson to Vancouver, BC! 😍 (Texas Eagle to Los Angeles, Coast Starlight to Portland, and Cascades to Vancouver) 🥳

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have fun!

[@jeffcantor3298]

This was helpful. Looks a bit bigger than the Amtrak roomettes but not as private with only a curtain. Do you have any shots of what it looks like from the hallway at night? Are the ladders within the curtained area or out in the hallway - in other words, can you go up and down without being seen from the hall?

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

I do but they aren't on our blog yet. You are correct, the ladders are in the hallway outside your curtain. So you can't ever stand in privacy. Changing clothes could be an issue or you can use the bathroom. The hallway gets tight with all the ladders out there, but we would do it again.

[@mikeedwards9306]

Interested in if you found it adequate and sleep at night fairly good? I’m debating between the lower Berth and single room on Via . Single compartment looks like viewliner where it would not be my choice to use commode in compartment. So I’m thinking the real difference in comparison would be no door for the curtains and 1000$ less.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

It's really just the door and privacy. At night the single bed covers the toilet. I think I'd do lower berths as privacy isn't as big of an issue since there are many areas on the train to sit.

[@Petemonster62]

The upper berth does not appear to have the safety net like the one on an Amtrak roomette. It also appears the men's bathroom does not have an electrical outlet for plugging in an electric shaver.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Correct, the curtain has to serve as the net.

[@Mel-lw5dg]

If you’re travelling alone and book an upper berth, will there be a stranger in the lower berth? 😱

[@haweater1555]

Potentially yes.

[@karenluck7273]

How was the temperature in that car? All the snow looks lovely!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

It was good, warm enough

[@shapeoftimes]

This was a great tour! I've been in Canada for more than 20 years, and although I love trains, I've never used the Via Rail... Something to put on the list 🙂

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MadeNCda]

Good morning! After enjoying your video yesterday of the full tripToronto to Vancouver in a 2 pers cabin, I was shocked at the cost. I know we are a huge country, but it was almost 3.5k I think. Whereas the upper and lower berths were about 1.6 k if I'm not mistaken. Those are one way fares btw. My only issue is whether I would feel safe sleeping in an open area as opposed to cabin w a locking door. Thanks for the video!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks! We were too, it is much more than you think at first. We found the berths to be fine and we would use them again.

[@realchinese2012]

If you travel with a friend ( two persons) I think it is safe enough to sleep in the berths.

[@pixels303at-odysee9]

Tuesday's are cheap days to book with discounts.

[@shepherd_flock]

I am planning to travel this summer with my son with via Rail from Vancouver to Toronto. Do you know if it is automatic that they assign both lower and upper berth, if I only selected upper berth during booking?

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

I think you would both get upper berths in different berths. You need to select upper/lower to be together.

[@clyster3000]

If travelling solo do you have to share the top bunk area then with a stranger? If on the bottom berth? Curious.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Yes, you could if someone books it.

[@clyster3000]

Yikes! Good to know.

[@stevegrubich184]

Another excellent video, thanks. Did you take measurements of the berths? I'm curious ro know the height of the lower berth bed to the floor.

[@lindaward5224]

Is there an app that allows you to view the train as you travel? I am planning on a Sept 3023 trip via Empire Builder-Coast Starlite-Southwest Chief in a bedroom. Watching all your videos that cover this route. Thank you for all your info, really helps in trip 0lann8ng.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

I don't know of one like that

[@TikiIsland]

Did you get to at least enter the Prestige Class bedrooms?

[@jake13122]

What are some popular Via Rail routes that would be fun for 1-2 over nights?

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

The Ocean would be a great route.

[@alihumphrey8516]

Hi guys!. I have very much enjoyed watching your videos of your trans Canada trip. I'm hoping to travel on this train from Toronto to Winnipeg later this year. I have 2 questions I'm hoping you might help with. What is the main difference between prestige and cabin for 2? Is it just the room itself? I'm wondering because there is a big difference in the price, but you seem to enjoy the same facilities. Also, would you recommend booking direct with ViaRail or should we use a travel agent ? Thank you, and keep posting these videos!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

The amenities are the same, just a bigger room, and we booked right in the VIA app.

[@unlimitedricepudding5408]

Great vid! Is it true that the berths dont have plug sockets for phones?

[@aureliacornelia79adgracchu29]

If anyone has seen the movie 'Some Like it Hot' this is the ultimate travel experience for one old Scottish person. And the only opportunity was the Canadian. Sadly fully booked, so I booked a roomette, hoping to swap, and nobody in those berths wanted to .

[@lovelylady526]

Thank you for this informative video. I love how you take your time and explain everything thoroughly. By the way, I'm doing this trip very soon. Yes, I reserved the lower berth. My concern is about storage space. I have a carry on and very small suitcase 12" wide 15" long 8" deep. So I'm wondering if this will fit under the sit during the day? Thanks!

[@jaywatty8728]

Is that a community/ open sleeping area??

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

It is closed off by just a curtain at night.

[@jaywatty8728]

@@GroundedLifeTravel oh okay. Just curious if that accommodation is more budget friendly than an actual room with a door?

[@nataliajimenez1870]

@@jaywatty8728 It can be up to $2K cheaper than rooms. Upper berths are the cheapest option since they don't have windows

[@home4life505]

I love to travel. But I hate airports, airplanes and trains🤣. I dont have a problem traveling a long distance in cars. But my hubby does. Uggg!

[@Cal90208]

Are there luggage racks in the car (similar to Amtrak's) for luggage?

[@jameshiggins.openworld]

good video

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks

[@Belinda80440]

Question. I'm a single, first time, alone female travler from L.A., to Seattle which means the arrival time will be late at night or later. Any suggestions when booking an Air B&B to align with check in time when it has to be done in person or when you are trying to get the most for your money but you are really late to even enjoy the first night? Thanks

[@tominfldixon2020]

Its pricey but the Embassy Suites is across the street from the King Street Amtrak station where you will arrive. You can also take the local light rail (and its safe) to head into downtown Seattle at Westlake Center and easy walk to the Mayflower Hotel or others nearby.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Agree, Embassy Suites is great, we have reviewed it here. www.groundedlifetravel.com/riding-amtrak-to-or-from-seattle-stay-at-embassy-suites-seattle-downtown-pioneer-square/

[@jilldeppel1093]

We're looking at a trip on Via rail. One question, I didn't see any outlets to plug into, can you confirm?

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Correct, there are none in the berths

[@andreagoldstein4070]

Seems like they need to upgrade the outlet situation. I noticed there were only two in the private room video near the sink.

[@sadiya80]

There is no electric socket ?

[@ferds1243]

does the berth comes with all the meals and access to shower?

[@johnhead1643]

Yes it does

[@ferds1243]

is there a charging point?

[@cherylwhetung3170]

What time must you get out of your berth in the morning? Is there room for a small carry on ? Is it difficult to get out of top berth during the night?

[@jaylynch6898]

What hotel did u spend nite in paris

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Citizen M

[@leonardquirk2406]

What hotel near union station in LA is a good one to spend one night?

[@nataliajimenez1870]

It depends what you are looking for. There's a Best Western in Chinatown just a couple of blocks NW from Union Station. If you are looking for something better you can take the subway (which runs late) a couple stations to 7th St Station and there's a nice Westin Hotel just outside. There's a cluster of nice hotels within a block in that area. Whatever you do, don't walk south of Union Station at night because you will bump into LAs Skid Row

[@djfreefresh]

What time do the berths switch?

[@shanson786]

Is the upper narrower than the lower?

[@billsnyder1021]

We have heard there are no electrical outlets in berths. Thus, impossible to use Cpaps or plug in devices. A real issue with many travelers

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

It's true there are no outlets. We brought a portable power pack for phones.

[@JuleBrückner]

Where can I charge my phone? Couldn’t see anything

[@merc340sr]

I call them "tents".

[@statusworldchanger595]

PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT BEFORE THE ATTENDANT SETS THE BED UP, YOU HAVE ACCESS TO YOUR CARRYON BAG TO TAKE WHATEVER CLOTHES YOU NEED, BECAUSE ONCE YOUR CARRY ON IS UNDERNEATH, YOUR @ A HASSELE, OF GRABBING YOUR BAG UNDERNEATH, BECAUSE OF THE LADDER!

[@JeanRobert-kh9ni]

Worked on the Canadian until Mulroney told the couontry that we did not need VIA. so a good buddy bought a portion and now the over price Rocky Mountaineer is raking in the bucks. another Canadian Icon gone because of the Con government .