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VIA Rail’s Train Travel Tips

Whether it’s your first time taking the train or you’re a seasoned expert, here are some train travel tips to get the most out of your adventure.

Booking Your Train

Are you a frequent VIA Rail traveller? Create a profile on viarail.ca for faster booking and to make sure you never miss a Discount Tuesday email.  While you’re at it, sign up for VIA Préférence , our membership program, to start earning points towards free train trips.

Before the Trip

Before you head to the station, check your train’s status online , or sign up for SMS alerts to be notified by text message of service disruptions or if your train is delayed.  You can save time at the station and bypass the ticket counter by printing your boarding pass at home before you leave, or displaying it on your smartphone.

We ask that you arrive at the station half an hour before departure for travel within the Corridor , and one hour before departure for long haul trains.

What to Pack: Short Trips

What to Pack: Overnight Trips

Wi-Fi is only available on the Ocean (between Halifax and Montreal), so make sure to pack some non-electronic reading materials when travelling on the Canadian or a regional service train.  There will be power outlets available on board to charge eReaders or tablets.

We highly recommend packing your camera to capture the breathtaking views, and a spare battery or charger so you never miss the perfect shot.

In addition to your regular footwear, it’s a good idea to pack slippers for moving around at night and flip flops for the shower.

If you’re travelling in Economy class, you’ll need to bring your own pillow and blanket, or purchase them on board.  Earplugs are also recommended.  You can bring your own food on the train (as meals are not included in Economy class), however there are also snacks, meals, and beverages available to purchase on board with cash or credit.

If you’re travelling with kids, ask an agent on board for the kids activity book .

Want to know when it’s time for your stop? Follow your train in real time here .

We look forward to seeing you on board soon!

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12 thoughts on “VIA Rail’s Train Travel Tips”

This is a very unhelpful web site. I can’t find anywhere to look at fares and classes of travel. I keep seeing descriptions of locations, lots of text on general topics–but no links to essential information about routes, schedules, fare prices and options.

Hi Margaret. All the information about out routes, schedules, service classes, and fares can be found on our website http://www.viarail.ca/

Why isn’t wi-fi available on The Canadian? In this day and age, it should be possible to have Wi-Fi throughout Canada. Also, is their any provision for updating the seats in economy class? The seats are in quite serious disrepair with worn out fabric, worn padding and difficulty in moving footrests. Via Rail does an excellent job in providing assistance for passengers with mobility difficulties.

Hi Patti, the Canadian runs through beautiful, less-populated areas of Canada in which there is no cellular service available, and therefore no Wi-Fi.

I like how you recommended having non-electronic entertainment for your train ride. My husband and I are going to be taking the train for our next vacation. It’s good to know ahead of time that wi-fi might not necessarily be provided. We’ll have to bring some extra toys for our son as well.

Thanks for sharing your travel tips. I love riding the train. It is the best transportation for me.

Thank you for sharing such a train travel tips with us.

but are we allowed to bring water bottels?

Yes, you are allowed to bring water bottles on the train.

Is there a smoking area

Hi Nicole. No there isn’t. Our trains are smoke-free. Thanks!

I have travelled to Halifax by train and I can tell you that it is the best way to go – so relaxing, comfortable and well-taken care of by VIA staff. The food is good and service 1st class. Well done via rail!

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News & Reviews News Wire VIA Rail Canada to launch new website, adds baggage restrictions and fees

VIA Rail Canada to launch new website, adds baggage restrictions and fees

| Last updated on February 2, 2024

“Préférence” rewards program moves to price-driven redemptions rather than fixed point requirements

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MONTREAL—Beginning Nov. 18, VIA Rail Canada is introducing long-promised improvements to its booking system by offering a calendar view of pricing on adjacent days and online seat selection for Quebec City-Windsor, Ont., corridor customers.

Those are some of the changes VIA announced this week in a press release , which also outlines a revised — and complicated — baggage policy , in which some carry-on items are assessed a $25 fee based on fare type purchased rather than class of service.

With the new website’s additional functionality, the company is overhauling VIA Préférence, its frequent traveler program. Unlike its Amtrak, airline, and hotel counterparts, VIA’s version does not have an arrangement with a credit card provider in which points can be earned on non-VIA purchases. However, it is now expanding the scope of opportunities, like baggage fees, eligible for members to “earn or burn” points.

Booking and baggage changes

The ability to easily compare pricing on adjacent days is a function airline ticketing sites have long mastered but Amtrak’s has not. VIA’s new platform will also allow on-line trip modifications as well as seat selection, and boarding passes can be saved on Apple and Android smartphone wallet apps.

Offering downloadable grid timetables for trip comparisons and destination information would also be a welcome addition, but VIA has not revealed whether they will be available.

Regarding baggage, passengers on every train may bring a small personal item (maximum size: 17 by 13 by 6 inches) and one carry-on item, but rules get quite complicated after that.

In the Windsor- Quebec City corridor , the first carry-on may only be of “medium” size (25 by 16 by 12 inches). A second “large” (30 by 19 by 12 inches) bag costs C$25 (about $18 U.S.) for passengers who buy Escape, Economy, and Economy Plus fares (coach class), but for business class travelers, the first bag can be “large” and the second bag is free.

On long-distance and regional trains in addition to the personal item, passengers traveling on coach fares may only bring one “medium” bag. Counterintuitively, for Touring, Sleeper Plus, and Prestige passengers, that may only be a “small” bag. “NO ADDITIONAL CARRY-ON BAGGAGE (IS) PERMITTED,” the advisory boldly explains, because “passengers are entitled to checked baggage” on this service. Thus, Prestige patrons traveling four nights aboard the Canadian should be prepared to wear many of the same clothes before and after their showers unless they are permitted to visit the baggage car en route.

If there is a connection to corridor trains, two “large” suitcases can be checked: $25 per item for coach, but bags are free for Sleeper Plus, Touring, and Prestige travelers.

If there is no corridor connection, coach passengers can bring three “large” bags at $25 each; sleeper passengers get two “large” bags free, and can pay $25 each for two more.  Got that?

It isn’t clear how or if VIA will be modifying its pet carriage policy , which is complicated enough as currently described.

VIA “Préférence”

Redemptions on the company’s frequent-traveler program now require a fixed number of points determined by route and class of service. On Nov. 18, that will change to a system similar to Amtrak Guest Rewards, where the amount of points needed is tied to the price of each ticket.

The number of VIA Préférence points require, “will vary depending on multiple factors, including date and time of travel, route (departure and destination), and fare class,” according to an advisory sent to program participants Monday.

The company has published a 23-page, side-by-side comparison showing how the new program’s terms and conditions vary from the existing one, but here are the main differences:

— Points will now be awarded for all travel purchases and “eligible items,” which include baggage fees, pet carriage, and lounge passes, not just fares. However, Canada’s additional Harmonized Sales Tax or Goods and Services Tax (HST/GST), variously assessed depending on the province of purchase, are not included. Points also can’t be earned on group fares, souvenirs, or food and beverages purchased on board.

— Similarly, VIA Préférence points can be redeemed for the above eligible items, not just fares. But applicable taxes will have to be paid with a credit card or cash (similar to U.S. security fees on airline point redemptions).

Transition period set

VIA says its existing mobile app will be deactivated on Friday Nov. 17 “until the new version is ready.” The current website will be shut down that day at 7 p.m. EST; launch of the new site is set for 22 hours later, on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 5 p.m. Trains will be operating as scheduled during the period but no reservations or online changes can be made except through VIA’s call center at (888) 842-7245.

Trains News Wire will analyze the changes once the website and app launches occur.

6 thoughts on “ VIA Rail Canada to launch new website, adds baggage restrictions and fees ”

If they really want me to drive, this is the way to do it.

Just because a railway van be like an airline doesn’t mean that it has to be.

“Can”… Fat-fingered typing!

You’ll have to wear so many layers of clothing you won’t be able to put your hands together, as for underwear I suppose you could get by wearing two layers & turn them inside out. For the big $$$ they charge slpr patrons they could allow at least one medium bag.

Got all that, ey? Perfectly understandable, mais oui.

I have to admit the world is changing, including railroads. Time was you could show up at the train station without a reservation, and board the train with a canoe, lots of luggage, and a crate of chickens. Didn’t much matter because there were just a handful of passengers in each coach.

Now the trains are fewer but full, seats are assigned on the website, you need a boarding pass, checked baggage is restricted, and carry-ons have to fit the template. And so it goes. Welcome aboard, fasten your seat belt.

Good luck/Bonne chance dear VIA!

Dr. Güntürk Üstün

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[TRAIN] Rundown of VIA Preference (updated March 1, 2021)

With international travel restrictions tightening up, travel within Canada might be the way to go? Today’s post will update the features and benefits of the VIA Preference program. But also, introduce Rail passes, which I may look into writing an more in-depth post about it in the future. Let’s kick things off with one significant change to VIA Rail’s loyalty program, the expiry policy.

Expiry Policy

VIA Preference enhanced its points expiry policy. Prior to December 2019, all points were set to expire on December 31, 2021, regardless of when they were earned, since that was the end of their contract. Since December 5, 2019, VIA Préférence has updated some of their rules. What did remained the same is that new members must earn points within the first 12 months for their membership to keep their account active.

Going forward:

• Membership remains active as long as points are accumulated or redeemed within a three-year period. VIA Rail reserves the right to cancel memberships that have been inactive for three consecutive years, in which case members would be advised within 60 days, but no later than 30 days prior to their membership being cancelled due to inactivity. Upon cancellation, all remaining points expire from the inactive account.

Basically VIA Rail has discretionary powers to terminate an account if there is no activity after 3 years. However, they also have discretion to keep the account open too.

I am curious to know if they are actually enforcing this policy. So if you have any experience with this, please let us know in the comment section below!

Elite Status

VIA Rail has an elite status program with some valuable benefits. The qualifying period for elite status runs from April 1 to March 31 every year. The benefit period runs from May 1 to April 30, so you do not get the benefits right away after qualifying for it.

VIA Preference has two levels of elite status (in addition to the basic Preference level). Below are the key highlights of each level:

• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on base fares (before taxes)
• Unrestricted reward travel (except December 23 and December 24)
• Qualify by spending at least $1,000 on base fares (before taxes)
• Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on base fares
• Earn 550 VIA Préférence bonus points
• Receive 20% off the best available Economy class fare in the Corridor
• Receive 20% off the best available Business class fare
• Spend 50% fewer points on a reward trip in the Corridor.
• Earn 1,125 VIA Préférence bonus points
• Receive 50% off adult regular fare on the Ocean, the Canadian or the Winnipeg–Churchill route (valid in Sleeper Plus class)
• Access to a priority ticket line in major stations

In terms of the choice of coupons, personally I always chose the two bonus points rather than any discount codes. I find points are more flexible to use that a coupon. Keep in mind that’s a total of 1,675 bonus points to be had.

• Qualify by spending at least $2,000 on base fares and complete at least 8 segments
• Same benefits as Privilège members
• Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on base fares
• Book an Economy Plus or Business Plus adult fare ticket, and claim a reward ticket for a companion at 50% fewer points
• Spend 50% fewer points on a reward trip in Economy class (system-wide) or Sleeper Plus class
• Spend 50% fewer points on a reward trip in the Corridor
• Receive lounge access with an Economy Plus ticket or Economy Multi Pass (normally only for Business fare tickets)
• Receive priority meal selection in Business class
• Receive priority boarding in Montréal, Toronto and Québec City (in Business or Economy class)

Once again, I would recommend taking all the bonus points available. That’s another 3,350 points boost. The companion option in coupon 2 might be valuable if you can take advantage of it. Keep in mind that members can use their points to book a reward ticket for someone else. So it would depend on whether they can get more than 1,125 points in value with the companion ticket.

Otherwise, for the rest of the options, I personally prefer the points for more flexibility, since the only 2 blackout dates are December 23 and 24.

Earning Points

Sign Up Bonus

The VIA Preference program is free to sign up and offers a generous sign up bonus. You can earn 500 bonus points after spending $250 (on base fares) within the first 6 months. After spending the $250, you will have a total of 750 points (500 sign up bonus + 250 in spending) to jump start your account.

Included Items

Below are the items that you can earn VIA Preference points by purchasing:

• For travel aboard all trains (earned on base fare only, excluding taxes)
• The Canadian portion aboard the train between Toronto (Canada) and New York (United States) (must be booked through VIA Rail)
• Upgrades to Business class
• Tickets with a CN or CP pass
• Passes (including Multi Pass, Commuter Pass, Leisure Pass, Youth Pass, Student Pass or Canada Pass)
• VIA Rail gift cards

Fare Classes

Below are the earning ratios of each fare class:

• Earn 100% points on Escape and Business class fares
• Earn 125% points on Economy fares
• Earn 150% points on Economy Plus and Business Plus fares

Note that VIA Rail also often runs limited time multiplier bonus points promotions on certain routes, but you need to register for these offers to qualify. So before you book a ticket, be sure to register for any offers available to you by logging into your VIA Preference account first.

Excluded Items

There are many other purchases that can be made through VIA Rail, but will not earn you points, including:

• Service charges or baggage fees
• Food and beverages purchased onboard
• Souvenirs from the VIA Rail boutique
• Tickets purchased with a VIA Rail pass
• Tickets purchased with an AD75 or AD50 coupon
• The rail travel portion of a package trip
• Rail travel purchased through a tour operator or sales agent, whether or not part of a package trip
• Partial charters and group fares
• Purchase of VIA Rail gift cards
• Use of Promotional Travel Credits
• Services offered by VIA Rail’s partners and intermodal services such as Amtrak, Trentway-Wagar, STM, Pacific Coach Lines, GO Transit or AMT
• Tickets purchased through Amtrak for the Maple Leaf train between Toronto and New York.

One hidden gem is being able to earn points by completing surveys with AskingCanadians .

Redeeming Points

The good part about redeeming VIA Preference points is that the redemption includes any taxes (i.e. all inclusive).

I value each point at 6 cents a piece . If you are not getting at least 6 cents per point, you won’t have to feel as bad purchasing the ticket instead. Train ticket prices vary depending on the day and time you are planning to travel. To calculate the value of the points, I would base it on how restrictive your timing of travel is. If your only choices are high priced trips, then it would be an ideal time to redeem points to get more value. The reason is because VIA Preference operates on a fixed rewards system, which means it costs the same number of points for the same route, regardless of the actual dollar cost.

Rail Passes

I find that their Rail passes are highly underrated as there is value to them. They have the following benefits:

• Option for fixed or unlimited travel credits within designated zones
• Valid anytime with no blackout dates

In terms of the fixed credit passes, you will need to do the your personality calculations to determine whether it is worthwhile to buy it by dividing the cost of the pass by the credits and then comparing to buying tickets individually.

What does peak my interest is the unlimited pass. With these passes, you can hop on and off the train however often you want anywhere across the country (also known as Zone 6 passes). They offer 3 pass options:

• $821 for 15 days
• $1,308 for 30 days
• $1,519 for 60 days

Going Forward

I would love for VIA Rail to eventually offer a co-branded credit card. But that is probably a stretch at this point in time. For now, I do hope that VIA Rail continues to invest into improving their infrastructure by making it more accessible across Canada, as well as increasing the travel speed whatever way they can.

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Cross-Country Canada with Via Rail

As the prospects of travel to far-flung destinations remain unlikely for the foreseeable future, I have been thinking about crossing out a few Canadian experiences off of my must-do list. And while scrolling through pictures from the Trans-Siberian Railway segment of my honeymoon, I became curious about taking the train across Canada next summer.

Much to my delight, Via Rail services several destinations that are on my to-do list and can be combined with Aeroplan sweet spots, and in this article, I’ll describe how I plan to use Via Rail to combine both train and air travel for some uniquely Canadian experiences next summer.

In This Post

• Economy Class
• Sleeper Plus
• Prestige Class
• The Canadian
• Adventure Routes
• Modified Service During COVID-19
• Things to Keep in Mind

Via Rail – Background

Via Rail is a Crown corporation that offers passenger service on trains across Canada. 

It’s possible to take a combination of Via Rail’s trains from Vancouver to Halifax, although most of Via’s service is concentrated in the Windsor–Quebec City corridor, where a large proportion of Canada’s population resides.

The service offerings depend on which route you are taking and which class of service you have booked. This ranges from a simple seat in economy, to various bed offerings in Sleeper Plus, to a private cabin with a Murphy bed in Prestige Sleeper class.

While it’s true that Canada’s passenger train network pales in comparison to the bullet-trains and extensive networks found in many other countries, there are still many unique opportunities to be had for experience seekers who like to take the long way around.

Via Rail – Economy Class

Let’s first talk about the different classes of service available on Via Rail. Note that Economy and Sleeper Plus are available on all routes, whereas Prestige is only available on  The Canadian  (and is currently suspended due to COVID-19).

The main Economy car has 62 reclining seats, a vestibule, and two restrooms. The seats look similar to those on trains I have ridden on the Quebec City–Windsor corridor. 

The Skyline car has two levels. On the lower level is a cafe-style dining area, kitchen for Via staff, and lounge. On the upper floor are 24 seats with dome windows so passengers can enjoy the various landscapes during the trip.

Meals and beverages are available for purchase with an economy ticket. Oddly enough, Via doesn’t mention showers being accessible to passengers in economy. So, you may want to plan some stops along the way to avoid upsetting your cabin-mates.

A one-way trip from Vancouver to Toronto during peak season costs around $500 in economy. Considering that you’d have to pack a lot of sandwiches for a five-day journey, you may want to look at Sleeper Plus, as you’d get a bed and all of your meals included in the cost of the ticket.

Via Rail – Sleeper Plus

If sitting in a reclining seat for 4,466 kilometres doesn’t sound very appealing, then the next class of service offers a bed and a range of other amenities.

There are four options for passengers in Sleeper Plus: berth, or cabins for one, two, or three.

A berth seat is shared with another passenger during the day-time and then converts into upper and lower beds during the night. Note that the upper berth doesn’t have a window and that there is a privacy curtain.

The current costs are $1,320 for an upper berth and $1,552 for a lower berth in peak season.

The cabin for one is a self-contained unit with a bed, sink, toilet, mirror, and window. During the day, the cabin has a sofa chair to sit in and at night, the bed comes down from the wall and covers the toilet. There are both upper and lower cabins, although I’m having trouble picturing what an upper cabin’s configuration would look like.

The current cost for a cabin for one is $2,231 in peak season.

If you’re travelling with someone else, the cabin for two appears to be a great self-contained unit. During the day, the cabin has two folding chairs which are replaced by folding beds during the night. There is also a private washroom adjoined to the cabin, which sounds much more appealing than the in-cabin toilet in the cabin for one.

The current total cost for two passengers is $4,462 (or $2,231 per person) in peak season.

Finally, by changing the configuration of the car, Via Rail also offers cabins for three or four passengers. On their website, the cabin for four is described as two combined cabins for two.

The price again works out to be $2,231 per passenger, but since there isn’t currently an option to book a cabin for four online, you may have to contact them via telephone to arrange your booking.

All passengers with Sleeper Plus tickets have access to a shower. There is one shower per car, and it must be reserved in advance. Passengers can also access the departure lounges in Vancouver and Toronto free of charge.

While there is a large price difference between Economy and Sleeper Plus, all meals and soft beverages are included with a Sleeper Plus ticket. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, too.

Sleeper Plus passengers also get access to a few special train cars, such as the Prestige Park car, which appears to be a jazzed-up version of the Skyline car.

Passengers in Sleeper Plus can access this car between 4pm and 10:30pm during peak season, while passengers in Prestige can access this car at any point. 

Meanwhile, the Panorama car, available to passengers in Sleeper Plus and Prestige classes, offers sweeping views of the landscapes with domed windows. If the weather is nice, I imagine that people spend a lot of time in this car during the trip. It appears to have 18 rows of double seats and two bathrooms.

Via Rail – Prestige Class

Via’s premier product, Prestige, is an all-inclusive luxurious way to spend four day and four nights on  The Canadian  between Vancouver and Toronto.

The Prestige car consists of six private cabins. Each is equipped with a Murphy bed, a TV, and a private washroom with a shower. During the day, there is an L-shaped couch and a coffee table. 

Prestige passengers have all meals and alcoholic drinks included for the duration of their journey. Whereas Sleeper Plus passengers have limited access to some cars during peak season, Prestige passengers can make reservations in the Panorama and dining cars. 

Treating yourself to Prestige definitely comes at a steep cost. In peak season, rates start at $5,692 . During winter, the cost dips down slightly to $4,981. 

Via Rail – The Canadian

Next, let’s look at some of Via Rail’s routes across the country.

The longest route in Via’s network spans 4,466 kilometres between Vancouver and Toronto. Taking the train without stopping along the way is a journey of four days and four nights. 

The train passes through some spectacular scenery. Beginning on Canada’s rugged west coast, it runs up through the Fraser Canyon, through Kamloops and along the North Thompson River canyon to the majestic Rocky Mountains.

After calling in Jasper, it heads east through Edmonton and Saskatoon in the Prairies before stopping in Winnipeg. Between Winnipeg and Toronto, it stops in Sioux Lookout and Sudbury Junction with sweeping views of the Canadian Shield and Lake Superior.

During regular service, The Canadian also offers wine tastings, presentations from staff about the areas the train passes through, and musicians performing onboard. 

Via Rail – The Ocean

The Ocean operates between Montreal and Halifax, with a number of stops in Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia along the way. 

The full route runs 1,346 kilometres and takes just under 22 hours. Economy and Sleeper Plus are offered onboard the trains.

Fares for this route begin at $137 in Economy and $547 per person for a cabin for two in Sleeper Plus. 

My wife Ashley and I had long planned on spending time in Atlantic Canada in the summer of 2020 before we moved from Montreal. For one trip, we booked on the now-discontinued Aeroplan short-haul sweet spot and had plans to visit Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. We had also planned to drive out to the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec and to New Brunswick to see the Bay of Fundy. 

We have since moved to Vancouver Island, and since COVID-19 ruined many of plans to explore Eastern and Atlantic Canada prior to our move, we hope to return in the coming years to make up for lost time. I was fortunate to spend a month in Nova Scotia on a practicum in 2018, and I have longed to return ever since.

The train calls at Rimouski and Mont Joli, which are good gateway cities to do a loop of the Gaspé Peninsula. I’m sure each of the stations is worth a stop, though, so feel free to share any inspiration in the comments below.

Via Rail – Adventure Routes

Via also advertises a number of shorter routes that service more remote destinations across the country. 

As shown above, the Adventure Routes are located in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. The routes are a welcome alternative to access remote locations without flying or driving, and they might be more appealing to someone who appreciates travelling slowly and in comfort.

I am particularly interested in the Prince Rupert to Jasper route, which covers 1,160 kilometres through central British Columbia. The trip lasts 32 hours and is currently only available in Economy.

I can see this particular route as part of a larger trip that combines multiple modes of transportation. BC Ferries operates routes between Prince Rupert and Skidegate on the majestic Haida Gwaii archipelago. It’s also served by a route that travels through the Inside Passage from Port Hardy on Vancouver Island through to Bella Bella and Klemtu before docking in Prince Rupert.

Sandspit (Haida Gwaii) is also accessible by Air Canada from Vancouver. At as few as 6,000 Aeroplan points under the new program, I think it’s a great use of points as fares tend to be pricey. (Having said that, the route seems to be erroneously priced at the moment , so hopefully it’ll be fixed sooner rather than later.)

I spent part of my childhood living in northern British Columbia. My school took us on a trip to Haida Gwaii in celebration of our completion of elementary school, which apparently was a big deal. I have very fond memories of sea kayaking next to rainforests alongside seals, and I would love to experience this again now that I am older and able to appreciate the experience more.

I also used to take the train between Prince George and Jasper when I went to visit family in Edmonton. The views of the Rocky Mountains from the train are indeed as incredible as they are made out to be.

Next up, Churchill has also been very high on my list of places to visit in Canada. The train between Winnipeg and Churchill lasts two days and two nights over 1,697 kilometres. I imagine that seeing polar bears in the wild, kayaking with beluga whales on Hudson Bay, and gawking at the aurora borealis are memories that last a lifetime. 

For Churchill, I would likely look at taking the train in one direction and then doing a separate one-way booking with Calm Air using Aeroplan points. Prices for the train start at $219 in economy and range between $552–1,251 for Sleeper Plus. 

At 624 miles from Winnipeg, a partner redemption with Calm Air would cost 10,000 Aeroplan points. Cash prices tend to be fairly expensive ($750+) on this route, and thus I believe it’s a great use of miles.

Via Rail – Modified Service During COVID-19

Currently, due the pandemic, Via Rail is not operating many of the routes in its network.

Via Rail plans to resume service on The Canadian between Winnipeg and Vancouver as of December 11, 2020. The availability of routes and onboard services will likely be dynamic as per public health guidelines for the foreseeable future.

The full list of service changes on The Canadian can be found on Via’s website . A few of the major changes are:

• Passengers are generally required to remain in their cabin or assigned seat.
• Masks are required at all times except when showering, eating, or drinking.
• The dining car is open for breakfast and dinner, with lunch served in-cabin.
• Park and Skyline cars are not accessible to any passengers.
• Prestige class is not offered at this time.

Via Rail – Things to Keep in Mind

I wanted to point out a few things to consider prior to booking your trip. 

The first is that you are allowed one free stop when booking any of the above routes. You can add this stop when booking online by doing a multi-city search and adding your stop in. Your fare should be the same as if you had booked a one-way from start to finish.

If you want to stop at multiple locations, you may want to carefully consider your strategy, as you will be charged by segment when you exceed the one free stop rule.

For example, I am looking at booking the following routing next summer:

• Prince Rupert to Jasper, stopping to do some hikes and visit with friends in the area. I would likely nest a road trip to Edmonton and back, too.
• Jasper to Toronto with a stop in Winnipeg. In Winnipeg, I would nest a one-way trip to Churchill by train and then fly back to Winnipeg using Aeroplan with Calm Air.
• After stopping to visit with friends and family in Toronto, I’d either train to Montreal and then fly to St. John’s and Halifax with Aeroplan points, or I’d stop in Montreal for a few days before continuing on to Halifax with a stop in Rimouski to explore the Gaspé Peninsula.
• As much as I’d love to take the train back, I’d be looking at flying back to British Columbia either on Aeroplan points or with Air Canada using eUpgrades.

Another important (and obvious) consideration is the cost. If you’re going to take The Canadian  across the country, or to any of the Adventure Routes, it’s probably going to cost you a good chunk of your wages.

This is especially true if you are travelling as a family, although children under two travel for free, and children between two and eleven travel at 50% off in economy. I have also noticed deals for youth and students in the past. 

The fares fluctuate between peak, shoulder, and off-season. In the past, Via has also offered substantial discounts during sales, so if any of these routes are of interest to you, consider signing up for emails well in advance of your travel dates.

I have a few industry 75% off vouchers to use with Via Rail through my work at a travel agency, which will take a significant amount of financial burden from my wallet. It’s a shame that they can’t be redeemed for Prestige class, though; otherwise, you could expect a very festive T.J. traversing the country. 😉

I have been weathering the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic by dreaming of trips that I would love to do once it is possible to do so safely. Visiting a handful of cities and remote areas by train is certainly something that I would love to do, especially as domestic travel is more feasible than international travel for the time being.

As Via Rail’s network spans the entire country when operating at full capacity, it is entirely possible to fly one way and travel by train for the other if you have some extra time and money to spare. 

Staying in a cabin for one for four days and four nights may not be the most appealing way to travel during COVID-19, but for those who have had to brave 14-day quarantines upon returning to Canada, it may be an entirely pleasant way to pass some time while we ride out this storm.

There are even talks of a travelling Miles & Pints series along the Via Rail network. Stay tuned sports fans, and stay safe.

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‘The Canadian’ Train by VIA Rail: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

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Topping bucket lists of train nerds around the world, the four day train journey between Vancouver and Toronto (on board the aptly named ‘Canadian’) is a truly once in a lifetime experience.

Along the way, you pass snow-topped mountains and turquoise lakes in the West, idyllic Windows screensaver-esque fields in the Prairies, and an endless parade of lakes and trees in Ontario. Sounds pretty dreamy, no?

It is… but it’s also a journey plagued with delays, high price tags, and a lack of WiFi. In other words, it’s not perfect, but having now travelled on the Canadian twice (once from Vancouver to Toronto, with stopovers along the way and then again from Vancouver to Jasper), I feel ready to give you an honest take on everything you need to know before riding the world-famous ‘Canadian’ train by VIA Rail.

So, from fare class comparisons and tricks to save money, all the way to extra tips on what to bring to survive the journey, this detailed post will share everything you need to know about the VIA Rail Canadian. I hope you find it helpful!

Save this guide to the VIA Rail Canadian for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

NOTE : I’ve technically been on the Canadian a third time, but just on a day time media visit to capture photos of the different classes for this article. So yes, if you’re wondering how I have such crisp, people-free photos from every class of the Canadian, it’s because I got a private tour while the train was between trips in Vancouver 🙂 Every trip I’ve done though I’ve paid for out of pocket!

The Canadian Train: A Brief Introduction

So, what exactly is ‘the Canadian’? Today, it is a legendary train operated by VIA Rail that links Pacific Central Station in Vancouver with Union Station in Toronto.

Historically though, the name ‘the Canadian’ actually dates back to 1955, when Canada Pacific (CP) first introduced a transcontinental train between Montréal and Vancouver, and gave it ‘the Canadian’ name. When VIA Rail acquired the service over two decades later, they decided to keep the name as-is, and we continue to use it today.

Spanning 4466 kilometres, the journey takes 4 days and 4 nights, though often longer due to the notorious delays that plague passenger rail in Canada.

Long story short: freight trains in Canada take priority as CN (a freight train company) owns most of the rail mileage in the country… meaning anytime a freight train comes, VIA Rail’s trains have to pull over and let them pass… a very frustrating experience that can happen even within minutes of leaving the station!

Over the course of almost 4500km, this can stack up to days of delays, which naturally isn’t the best for people with a tight schedule… but this is by far the most scenic way to travel across the country, and a unique experience that’s honestly unforgettable if you know what to expect.

So, let’s get you properly initiated! For starters, the Canadian stops at the following stations:

• Vancouver, BC
• Kamloops, BC
• Edmonton, AB
• Saskatoon, SK
• Winnipeg, MB
• Sioux Lookout, MB
• Sudbury Junction, ON
• Toronto, ON

NOTE: For those interested in travelling across Canada from coast to coast, you can continue the journey by hopping on a train from Toronto to Montréal, then getting on the Ocean, which takes you from Montréal to Halifax.

Eastbound, The Canadian starts its journey in Vancouver.

Westbound, The Canadian starts its journey in Toronto.

It is of course also possible to board the Canadian at the stops in-between these two cities, e.g. Kamloops, Jasper, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, or Sudbury Junction, or hop on/off as I did, spending a few days in each city (so long as you book the journeys individually).

All that said, I highly, highly recommend you start your journey in either Vancouver or Toronto, simply because delays make arrival times partway through the route completely unpredictable, like that time I waited a solid six hours at Saskatoon station for my train, only to arrive in Winnipeg 13 hours later than expected.

The other consideration to keep in mind is that the stretch between Vancouver and Jasper is commonly considered the most beautiful part of the journey. I’ve heard that the westbound journey in this sense is more enjoyable because you get to save the most scenic parts for last, and you also get to see more of the trip in daylight… though beware that delays can mess with this a bit sometimes too!

Either way, whichever direction you take it, there will be great views, so don’t stress too much.

Economy vs. Sleeper Plus vs. Prestige Class on the Canadian

Now, the most important discussion: what class to book on the Canadian! This can make a huge difference in your experience on board.

Broadly speaking, there are three different classes that you can book on board the Canadian: Economy, Sleeper Plus, and Prestige.

As you can expect, prices vary wildly between classes, and even within the Sleeper Plus class because there are a few different types of sleeping accommodation that you can book.

Here’s a little breakdown of what you can expect in each class!

Economy Class

Economy Class on board the Canadian means you won’t have access to a bed, but you will get to enjoy a pretty comfortable reclining seat with plenty of leg room, a fold down table, a pull out leg rest, and a power socket (which not even all Sleeper Plus fares have… so ha!)

Plus, Economy class passengers have access to a Skyline car, which has some light meals and snacks available for purchase, as well as a dome car up top that has some pretty gorgeous views.

Both times on board the Canadian, I opted for Economy Class because well… the first time I was a broke recent grad, and the second time I was only going to Jasper, so didn’t feel the need to book a sleeper for such a short journey.

Given that I separated my Canadian journey by stopping at different cities along the way, I was never on the train for more than 30 hours, so I thought Economy class was fine, although a little uncomfortable at times.

I was also lucky in that the trains were never so full that I had to sit next to anyone, meaning I was free to spread out which made a world of difference. I can imagine sitting right next to someone for that entire journey wouldn’t be nearly as comfortable.

All that said, if you plan to take the Canadian the full way through non-stop between Vancouver and Toronto, I would recommend splurging a little and booking a Sleeper Plus fare (or a Prestige class if you’re rolling in it) because that would mean access to a bed, shower, proper meals, and a much comfier overall journey.

If however you are doing shorter journeys along the way, Economy isn’t bad, especially given the price, though the food definitely leaves something to be desired. I hope you like cup noodles & microwaved Mac and Cheese.

Sleeper Plus Class

Within Sleeper Plus Class, the main benefit is you get access to a bed! Whee!

Within this class, you can either book a berth (which means open plan seats that get converted into beds at night) or a cabin (self-contained rooms that have their own toilet and sink).

Berths are of course less private than cabins, but I’ve heard the communal experience is actually quite nice (assuming you get cool neighbours, I suppose).

On board the Canadian, Berth areas are made up of two seats that face each other during the day, then are pushed together to form the Lower Berth bed at night, while an Upper Berth bed folds out from the wall (like a makeshift top bunk).

There’s also a little curtain for privacy, if the thought of sleeping among strangers begins to spook you.

Berth passengers have access to both public washroom and shower facilities, though they do NOT have power outlets, so keep that in mind!

Here are some specs from the VIA Rail website for berth beds:

• Mattress size: approximately 5 ft. 10 in. x 3 ft. 7 in. (178 cm x 109 cm)
• Room from mattress to partition is 5 in. = 12.7 cm
• Foot end of mattress has 10 in. radius = 25.4 cm

Cabins on the other hand come in sizes for one, two, three, and four.

A Cabin for One comes with its own private toilet and sink, but the specifics are less glamorous than they sound.

Basically your cabin will have a seat and toilet during the day (in the same room), then at night it is replaced by a bed that then covers said toilet. So yes, you do indeed sleep over your toilet but let’s not think about that too much!

Other amenities for in a Cabin for One include a mirror, fan, air conditioning, drinking water and towels, pillows, sheets and blankets, as well as a 110V AC outlet.

Here are some general specs from the VIA Rail website for Cabins for one:

• Room size: 6 ft 5 in x 3 ft 7 & 1/2 in (196 cm x 110 cm)
• Mattress size: 5 ft 11 in x 2 ft 7 in (180 cm x 80 cm)
• Room from mattress to partition when bed is down is 2 in (5 cm)
• Bed narrows down from 23 in (58 cm) wide to 14 in (36 cm) at the foot of bed

NOTE: There are supposedly two types of ‘cabins for one’: upper (which requires you to step up into the sleeping compartment from the main floor) and lower (which is on the same level as the rest of the sleeping car).

In a Cabin for Two , the setup and amenities are similar: you have two comfortable chairs during the day that are then converted into beds at night (bunk style, like in the berths).

Of course, you get all the same amenities as in the Cabin for One, plus some extra bonuses like a small closet in the cabins for two, and a toilet that’s actually in its own tiny ensuite so you don’t have to… sleep over where you pee like in the Cabin for one!

Here are some general specs from the VIA Rail website for Cabins for Two:

• Room size: 7 ft 3 in. X 5 ft (214 cm x 152 cm), excluding 2 ft 9 in x 2 ft 1 in (84 cm x 64 cm) for private washroom
• Mattress size: approximately 71 in x 31 in (180 cm x 79 cm) on Château and Manor cars

There is also a cabin for for three that is set up in a similar fashion, with one sofa and two chairs during the day that become three beds (one upper and two lower) at night.

Here are some general specs from the VIA Rail website for Cabins for Three:

• Room size: 9 ft 5⅝ in x 7 ft 2¾ in (275 cm x 214 cm)
• Mattress size: 5 ft 11½ in x 2 ft 7 in (153 cm x 91 cm)
• Room from mattress to partition is 4 in (10 cm)
• Foot end of mattress has 10 in (25 cm) radius

Lastly, there’s a Cabin for four option that’s essentially two combined cabins for two with the dividing partitions removed.

Here are some general specs from the VIA Rail website for Cabins for Four:

• Room size: 14 ft 6 in. X 5 ft (440 cm x 150 cm)
• Mattress size: approximately 71 in x 31 in (180 cm x 79 cm)

Prestige Class

Alright, now onto the fanciest one – the almighty Prestige class, officially unveiled in 2014. Some highlights of this ultra fancy class include…

• A larger cabin (said to be 50% larger than the regular cabin for two)
• Larger windows (said to be 60% larger than the regular cabin for two)
• A modular L-shaped couch
• An actual double bed (Murphy bed, but still!) rather than upper/lower berth beds
• A private washroom with a shower
• A flat-screen monitor with video selection
• A minibar stocked with your choice of beverages
• All inclusive food, snacks, and beverages (including alcohol)
• A concierge w/ turndown service and enhanced amenities
• Access to lounges in Vancouver and Toronto both upon departure and arrival

I mean, look at the bathroom!

All in all, this is the most luxurious way by far to travel on board the Canadian, though it will certainly cost you (more on pricing below).

Finally: Accessible Cabins

As I mentioned in the introduction, one of my experiences on board the Canadian was during a media visit to take photos of the train for this article.

During this tour, I was very impressed to learn that they actually have a special accessible cabin on every train that is designed with wheelchair access in mind, and especially created for those whose mobility restrictions prevent them from exploring other parts of the train.

These cabins are more spacious, have a large accessible washroom, larger hallways, include room service, and consist of a bottom bunk and a fold-down top bunk for a helper (whose fare is waived).

So, definitely something to keep in mind if you’re looking for an accessible way to enjoy the journey!

Different Cars on Board the Canadian

Now, having reviewed the different classes on board, it makes sense to show you the different types of cars that make up the Canadian. I’ll let the photos do most of the talking though…

Economy Car

This car is filled with economy class seating, with a public washroom and larger luggage racks on both ends of the car, as well as a water dispenser.

The bathrooms aren’t too glamorous here but they do the job:

Skyline Car

This awesome car combines a café-style dining area with a lounge, plus a scenic dome seating area up top.

I believe there are two Skyline cars on every Canadian train – one dedicated to Economy class passengers and one for Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class customers.

The downstairs cafe area will usually look like this:

Then some stairs take you up to the amazing dome car! This is where I spent most of my time, and weirdly, it was never too busy. I actually had it all to myself at certain points.

Available only to Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class customers, this is the car where all the meals are served. I think during service hours they of course dress it up with tablecloths and silverware, but you get the idea:

Sleeper Car

On the Canadian, there are usually both Manor Sleeper Cars and Château Sleeper Cars, which have different layouts, but are both cars used to house Sleeper Plus class passengers, like so:

Prestige Car

This car is home to six swanky prestige class sleeper cabins.

Prestige Park Car

This car is home to two different lounges, the Mural Lounge:

And the Bullet Lounge:

Plus a scenic top floor dome car as well, with some seats reserved for Prestige Class passengers.

Panorama Car (Not Currently in Operation)

Lastly, just because I have this cool photo, I want to show you what the Panorama car looks like.

Unfortunately, these cars were not used in the 2023 season and before that were only added on between Vancouver and Edmonton in peak season, so I’m not sure if they’ll make a comeback.

Still, I imagine the views would have been wonderful!

‘The Canadian’ Cost & Prices

Alright, now that I’ve dazzled you with all the pretty photos, it’s time to address the sad elephant in the room: cost.

Hopping on board the Canadian is a bucket list item for a lot of people, and so unsurprisingly, it comes with a hefty price tag.

Ticket prices with VIA Rail are dynamic, meaning they change constantly in response to factors like availability, demand, etc.

I’ll share some tips below on how to get the best possible deal, but let’s quickly talk ‘base fares’ (or the cheapest possible price they offer, as shown in the chart below).

For a quick fare comparison, you can check the official website here (which is where I grabbed this screenshot):

As you can see from the chart, starting fares are more or less the same in Economy Class for both Summer and Winter, but a few hundred dollars cheaper for Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class in the winter time.

That said, you’ll still easily spend 10k on Prestige class between two people.

So as you can see, the prices are pretty steep. For what it’s worth however, in Sleeper Plus and Prestige class, your meals are all included so that’s at least… slightly better value?

With that in mind, if you book in Economy class, do note that meals are not included, so that’s an additional cost to consider.

How to Find VIA Rail Train deals

No matter what, your train trip on the Canadian won’t be cheap, but if you’re fishing for a VIA Rail discount of some kind to help ease the financial woe, there are a few different ways that you can potentially score cheaper fares. Here’s a quick summary:

• Discounts for certain groups: VIA Rail offers discounts for CAA Members , passengers age 65+ , Children , Youth and student travellers , Indigenous persons , Canadian military , Groups & Corporate accounts
• Book on Tuesdays: VIA Rail has a weekly deal day known as ‘Discount Tuesday’ where you can save some money with the code TUESDAY.
• Find deals on the Lowest Fares page : This will show you the best deals departing from your city and can help you score some VERY good discounts in off-season for sleeper cabins, etc. I was looking into this earlier in the year and there were sleeper cabins available for 50% off!

Important Must-Knows Before You Book Tickets for The Canadian

Alright, so before you splurge and book those tickets for the Canadian, here are some things that you need to keep in mind. I’ve mentioned a lot of this above, but just in case you skim read or need a refresher…

Hopping on the Canadian is the only way to take the train across Canada

As it stands, VIA Rail kind of has a monopoly on passenger rail in Canada, so the silver lining is you won’t be paralyzed by choice! If it’s your dream to take the train across Canada, VIA Rail is the only company that you can book with. So, don’t bother trying to find cheaper alternatives – they simply do not exist.

That said, the Canadian does not take you coast to coast across Canada

Canada is a massive country, and billing ‘The Canadian’ as a train across Canada is true, but a bit of a misnomer because it doesn’t actually bring you ALL the way across Canada. The distance between Vancouver and Toronto is far for sure, but it neglects some of the most charming parts of the country: Québec and the Maritime provinces. In order to get all the way to the Atlantic Coast of Canada, you’ll need to continue your journey with a trip on “The Ocean” train.

The Canadian is rarely punctual, so expect it to run late

Although delays have gotten better in recent years as they’ve adjusted their schedule to account for longer journey times, it is still common for the Canadian to arrive hours if not days after the scheduled arrival time (with delays accruing and getting worse later in the journey), so make sure you do not book any onward travel within 24 hours.

There is no WiFi on board the Canadian

I know. How will you survive???

I recognize that this is a silly first world problem, but I still want to mention it in case you’re expecting to stay connected the entire time. Where this might be a little tricky is if you need Internet to contact friends/family or perhaps modify reservations in response to a train delay.

It’s also worth noting that there are large sections of the trip where I personally had no data or service at all, which felt equal parts freeing and spooky.

This is an easy thing to prepare for though – just ensure that you have plenty of entertainment for yourself downloaded for offline use. Dare I say, even a book perhaps?!

Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class both have day time and night time configurations

This makes a lot of sense but I figured I would mention it for those who aren’t familiar with the configuration of the sleeper/prestige cabins – basically none of the beds stay in “bed” formation all day – they all fold up and become regular seats/benches during the day so you can sit up and enjoy the views.

You can only fold down your own bed in the Cabin for One

Some of the cabins (like in Prestige Class and the Cabins for Two) cannot fold down without help from staff, so keep that in mind if you’re one who enjoys fun little daytime naps… not that you should sleep through the views too much anyway!

Consider adding a stopover for the optimal experience

Spending 5-6 days non-stop on a train would make anybody a bit crazy, I think, regardless of how nice the train is, so to present train burnout, I would highly recommend booking a stopover somewhere.

Canada is a vast, beautiful country, and to really make the most of your experience on board the Canadian, you should try to schedule a stopover in a city to break up your trip.

Jasper is of course a very popular choice as its national park is stunning (and I’ve written this list of car-free things to do in Jasper too, specifically for train folk!), but I actually also stopped in Winnipeg and Saskatoon as well, both of which were surprisingly fun and vibrant cities.

NOTE: While one free stopover used to be included, this appears to no longer be the case and so if you want to organize a stopover, make sure you book separate tickets for each leg.

July and August can actually be quieter

As I learned during my tour with VIA Rail’s International Sales manager, apparently the busiest months for the Canadian tend to be May and September. At first I thought this was counter-intuitive, but hey, if that’s what the data says…

All to say, be sure to look into those peak months too and don’t count them out right off the bat. I can say my recent trip in March was VERY quiet:

The Prestige Class is the only class where you can get a double bed

If you are planning to book the Canadian as a romantic bucket list trip or maybe a honeymoon, be warned that the only class where you could snuggle up to your partner and share a double bed is in Prestige Class.

Even the Cabins for 2 are designed to consist of two bunks, so consider that if you are planning to make this train trip across Canada a romantic one.

Train travel across Canada is not necessarily glamorous, but it  is  charming

I always had this very glamorous image of train travel in my head (I blame Agatha Christie)… and while the sleeper class and Prestige cars on board are nice, they’re far from the ultra-luxury you might expect given their significant price tags.

The cabins for instance aren’t particularly ornate or glitzy, and even in a pricey cabin for one, you’ll be sleeping where you pee… but hey, it’s still a fun experience, and worth going for if budget allows.

But hey, if you’re into luxurious train rides, be sure to check out my $7000 train ride in India.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Canadian Experience

Ready to hop on board? Here are some bonus tips to ensure you have a great time.

Go in expecting there to be delays

Again, it’s safe to assume you will encounter delays on board the Canadian, so plan accordingly by booking flexible hotels, and also not booking any onward travel within 24h of the expected arrival time.

Make sure you pack the essentials

Things to pack for your Canadian train ride:

• An e-Reader like this one
• Noise cancelling headphones ( these are mine )
• Books (if you’re more old school)
• Movies/TV shows downloaded for offline use
• Snacks and drinks
• A portable charger ( this is mine )
• A comfy travel pillow or blanket ( this is a great travel blanket that zips up to be a pillow!)

Be prepared for photo opps

While they’ll usually announce major sights and photo opportunities over the speaker, they can often go by really quickly, so it helps to be prepared and know in advance when pretty sights are coming up to make sure a) you’re not asleep and b) your camera’s ready!

This little guide can be helpful for keeping track of where you are:

Explore the cars and don’t miss the Skyline car

I honestly think a lot of people come on board not realizing the Skyline car exists, so make sure you don’t miss it. It’s honestly dreamy up there, and a great place to sleep!

Bring some cash

While credit and debit cards were accepted on board on my most recent trip (2023), the system was still pretty old school in that they literally wrote down my name and credit card details on a sheet of paper to bill later. No contactless machines here – nope!

Obviously this was fine in the end, but if you’d prefer to not have your credit card details stored on some random piece of paper on board a train hurtling across Canada, bring some cash to pay with instead.

NOTE: They did not accept prepaid debit or credit cards during my last trip.

Don’t be scared to chat with other passengers and staff!

Part of what makes the train trip across Canada so special is you get a chance to meet LOTS of unique people.

I mean, anyone who chooses to take the 4 day train journey across Canada usually has some kind of interesting story to tell! So don’t be shy and make some friends 🙂

The staff on board are usually SO friendly too – many of them have been doing this for years so will have fun stories about train travel and also cool guidebooks they reference. I learned so much by chatting with staff on board, so make sure you seize the opportunity to get info out of them – they can be goldmines for knowledge.

‘The Canadian’ Frequently Asked Questions

Finally, let’s tackle some Canadian FAQ!

Can I hop on and off at different cities when travelling on the Canadian?

Yes, you are able to break up your journey on the Canadian by stopping longer at the different stops, but you will need to buy separate tickets for each leg of the journey. So, if you buy a ticket from Vancouver to Toronto, you wouldn’t be able to just spend three days in Winnipeg and hop back on, you would need to book a Vancouver to Winnipeg ticket, then a Winnipeg to Toronto ticket.

Where are suitcases and bags stored on board the Canadian?

Large bags and suitcases will be kept in a baggage car (when one is available).

Otherwise, there is some space in all classes for small carry-on size bags (in Economy, there are racks above seats, and some racks for larger bags at the end of each car).

Is there any entertainment on board the Canadian?

For Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class passengers, there are some activities like wine tastings and musical performances, but there is not much entertainment on board for Economy passengers, unless you count the little info pamphlet they give you that details the trip highlights!

Is there food on board the Canadian?

Yes! Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class passengers get all their meals on board included in the fancy dining car.

For Economy Class passengers however, it’s a different story… you do have access to small items for an admittedly not-extortionate cost, but do know that even the ‘hot entrees’ are just microwave meals. I would definitely recommend bringing your own snacks so you have better options.

Are there showers on board the Canadian?

Yes! Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class passengers all have access to showers. For Sleeper Plus passengers this means a communal shower in each car, and for Prestige Class passengers, this means an en-suite shower.

Sadly, there are no shower facilities available for Economy Class passengers.

Do you have any more questions about ‘The Canadian’?

I hope you you enjoyed this thorough guide on everything you need to know about the Canadian train. If you have any more questions about the trip, let me know in the comments!

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✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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March 17, 2022

VIA RAIL’S 2022-2025 ACCESSIBILITY PLAN CHARTS THE COURSE FOR A MORE ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

With the tabling of this plan via rail establishes itself as a leader in supporting the government of canada’s vision of creating a barrier-free canada by 2040.

MONTRÉAL, March 17th, 2022 – VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) is proud to be the first Crown Corporation to table its 2022-2025 accessibility plan with the Government of Canada. The Corporation is determined to be Canada’s most accessible national and inter-city mode of transportation and driven by the mindset that it’s time to create a barrier-free travel experience from reservation to destination. VIA Rail’s multi-year plan charts the course for a more accessible and inclusive experience for employees at work and for passengers along their journey.

Across Canada 6.2 million people, or 22 per cent of the population, identify as having a disability, and this number is projected to increase as the population ages. “VIA Rail is committed to tailoring our services to these changing demographics.” said Cynthia Garneau President and Chief Executive Officer. “We understand the importance of listening to our passengers as we work toward offering barrier-free transport, which is why we consulted a wide range of advocacy groups as we developed this plan to make sure we were capturing the needs and expectations of the diverse Canadian population.”

Our Commitment Building on VIA Rail’s universal accessibility policy, this multi-year plan is the Corporation’s first ever accessibility plan and aims to make accessibility a key component in every decision-making process. Highlights of the 2022-2025 accessibility plan include:

• The creation of American Sign Language (ASL) and la Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ) videos on VIA Rail’s website.
• Ongoing accessibility awareness training for all our employees, from on-train service, to customer care, to office employees and executives.
• Improved equity in recruitment by removing bias in the hiring process and making our accessible hiring policy more visible to job seekers.
• An accessible procurement process to incorporate accessibility early on in decision making before projects are launched.

“VIA Rail teams have been working to improve accessibility for years ahead of this plan,” said Ben Marc Diendéré, Chief Public Affairs and Communications Officer. “Whether it's the new fleet of trains that will deliver an unparalleled, barrier-free and fully accessible travel experience, on-board announcements, or accessibility improvements to the Ottawa station, we have taken important actions already and will continue to ensure that we work to create an environment in which all people can travel autonomously and confidently.”

Ongoing Consultation In addition to reaching out for feedback on our plan and its projects, VIA Rail has also assembled a Universal Accessibility Advisory Committee. This Committee is comprised of various groups who defend the rights of people with disabilities and it will be instrumental to planning Via Rail’s future accessibility projects.

VIA Rail is determined to continuously learn from its passengers, its employees, and its Universal Accessibility Advisory Committee to remove existing barriers, prioritize solutions and become agents of transformation to foster a culture of respect, dignity, and inclusivity. As we wanted to implement a seamless and easy feedback process, all information on how to offer feedback and our contact information can be found in a dedicated section right at the start of the multi-year plan. You can consult the full 2022-2025 accessibility plan in electronic, large print or audio format on our website:  https://www.viarail.ca/en/plan/accessibility

You can also request a copy of the plan in any of the above formats or in Braille by contacting us through one of the following channels:

• Phone: 1-888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245) or TTY 1 800 268-9503 for people who are D/deaf, deafened, or hard-of-hearing
• Email: [email protected]
• VIA Rail Canada Inc. CP/PO BOX 8116 SUCC CENTRE-VILLE Montréal (Québec) H3C 3N3

Two nights, three provinces, and 1,600 miles. A sleeper train through Maritime Canada is slow travel at its best.

Via rail’s sleepy eastern route brings travelers through rural villages and towns in quebec, new brunswick, and nova scotia..

C HARLO, New Brunswick — I woke up with the sun peeking through the curtains of my sleeper car, and I couldn’t wait to see what was happening on the other side. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning, a kid with noticeable flecks of gray hair in his bedhead, but a kid just the same. I sat up, wrapped myself in the bed’s comforter like a burrito, and yanked back the drapes.

I was suddenly looking at a sunny snowscape in northern New Brunswick. This was a thrill because when I boarded the Via Rail train at Montreal Central Station the day before, there was no snow, and the sky was the color of dishwater. Having experienced little to no winter in Boston, seeing this Bing Crosby landscape was a refreshing change of pace.

While I slowly woke up, the train rumbled along the tracks, and I watched the broad blue expanse of Chaleur Bay slowly pass by. Across the water, the hills and cliffs of the Gaspé and Acadian peninsulas were visible. It was as if the entire scene had been timed perfectly for the morning entertainment of the train’s passengers.

I was traveling Via Rail Canada’s Ocean route from Montreal to Halifax. The train wasn’t as glamorous as the Rocky Mountaineer, nor was the scenery as grand as the Winnipeg to Churchill trip. But Via Rail’s 22-hour route is a lovely travel throwback with gorgeous scenery. Thanks to the strength of the US dollar against the Canadian dollar, I was able to score a sleeper car with a private bathroom (complete with a shower) for $400 a night. It also helped that I was traveling during mud season. Rates go up during the summer and into foliage season.

The fare included all meals, which were served in the dining car on actual plates with actual flatware. I reasoned that I was getting a room, all meals, and the constant entertainment of the ever-changing landscape for $400 a night. That seemed like a decent deal. I decided to book my return to Montreal on the train as well. That would give me a solid 44 hours on board.

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The train departed Montreal at 7 p.m. on Friday and was scheduled to arrive in Halifax at 5:51 p.m on Saturday. I was curious to see how Via Rail, Canada’s national rail company, compared with Amtrak, particularly its sleeper cars. As I cased out my room, I watched the Farine Five Roses sign and the rest of the Montreal skyline disappear behind us. My cabin was designed for two people, but I wanted a room with an en suite bath and shower. The cabin was about 30 square feet (not including the bathroom). It had a sofa that folded down to a bed, with a bunk bed that folded down above it. There was a narrow closet, and in the bathroom, there were towels, a bottle of shampoo, and a bar of soap.

It wasn’t the Ritz, but it was clean and cozy. These cars were built for the canceled European Nightstar train service in the late 1990s. The trains would have used the Chunnel to take passengers from London to cities in mainland Europe. When the project failed to materialize, Via Rail bought the cars and shipped them to Canada in 2000. Despite being in service for nearly 25 years, the train was in good shape.

After inspecting and unpacking, it was dinner time. We were well on our way to Quebec City by the time I sat down and perused the menu. I opted for leek-crusted chicken with wild rice pilaf and roasted butternut squash. This was better than any meal I had ever consumed on an Amtrak train . I was seated with a retired sports editor (pure coincidence) from New York. He had taken most of the Amtrak overnight trains in the United States and now wanted to sample Canada’s offerings.

He agreed with me that the food was better than Amtrak, and the train cars were generally in better condition, but he pointed out something I hadn’t noticed: The staff was much friendlier than the staff on Amtrak, and it made a huge difference. One of my chief complaints, particularly on Amtrak’s Silver Meteor, is that the staff often seemed surly.

By the time I finished dinner and returned to my room, the attendant had made up the bed. I decided I would try sleeping in the bunk, but I quickly soured on the idea when I realized the only way in and out was a narrow ladder. The bunk seemed a bit high for my liking. I folded it back and slept on the lower bed. The bed is 6 feet long and about 2½ feet wide, so it may not be ideal for taller passengers. The mattress was comfortable, and the comforter was wonderfully thick. Each cabin has individual temperature controls, so even though the temperature was in the single digits outside, I was tucked away comfortably for the night. I’m a light sleeper, but I dozed off quickly.

The next morning, it was time to test the shower. To my shock and delight, the water was hot enough, and the pressure wasn’t bad. I went to the dining car and tried the breakfast poutine. I concluded that poutine is a perfect all-day meal. I wrote “open 24-hour poutine restaurant” in my notebook and watched as the train gradually made its way inland. My breakfast companion was a retired teacher from Montreal who was going to visit her grandchildren in Halifax.

“Don’t you dare write anything bad about this train,” she sternly warned me as only a teacher could. “It’s my favorite way to get to Nova Scotia. If it shuts down I’ll blame you.”

The scenery out the window was always changing. When I left Montreal, it was gray. Coastal New Brunswick was snowy and bright, and as the train descended south, the snow disappeared, and the sky darkened. By the time we neared the Bay of Fundy, it was snowing, and then it was raining, and then the sun started peaking out.

The biggest frustration was that the train was running two hours behind schedule. I had made dinner reservations in Halifax for Saturday night but missed them because of the delay. I had one night in the city before getting back on the train the next day and lost precious time.

Another frustration I faced was that the train’s observation car was no longer used. One of the best parts of taking a scenic train is, well, watching the scenery. I could still see the countryside from my room, the lounge, or the restaurant, but the glass-domed observation car on the Ocean route was removed two years ago because of a track change in Halifax. Having that car would have made the experience even more special.

I got back on the train Sunday afternoon, settled into my new room, which was identical to the previous one, and headed back to the cafe car for lunch. All of this investigative reporting was really adding inches to my waistline. I tried the gnocchi pomodoro and decided to treat myself to a glass of local wine. Unlike Amtrak, alcohol is not free in Via Rail’s sleeper class. Again, I was impressed with the menu options, service, and food.

I watched the small towns blur past from the lounge car, one of the few places on the train where the internet was available. Even so, it was usually empty. The pace of train travel, devoid of the internet, is a rare treat. Eventually, a pair of sisters came into the lounge car and asked me if I wanted to play cards with them. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I played cards, so I put down my camera and began a game of rummy. I can imagine that this was what travel was like before planes or even cars. Without screens, I was actually looking up, talking to people, and playing a game that wasn’t on my phone.

That night, before I went to bed, I opened my laptop and started scrolling through the photos I’d taken throughout the trip. I frantically scrolled up and down, looking for a big “wow” photo. I needed a picture with pizazz. Then I stopped scrolling and looked at the pictures together. This trip wasn’t about flashy sites or Instagrammable moments. It was a long weekend of fluffy waffles, snow banks, blue rivers, and expansive brown fields.

Mostly, however, it was about taking a moment to slow down and breathe.

Christopher Muther can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him @Chris_Muther and Instagram @chris_muther.

New reservation system brings changes to VIA Rail fares

By Transport Action | Intercity Rail and Bus

VIA Rail finally launched its new reservation system on November 18, 2023, after having announced and then deferring several previous target dates over the past year.

The new system brings many improvements, including seat selection, and its launch has been accompanied by changes in pricing, including considerably cheaper flexible “Plus” fares, but there are some changes that are not so welcome. These include the disappearance of Student and Senior discounts, and changes to VIA Rail’s baggage policy ( see separate article ).

ReserVIA , much like VIA Rail’s fleet, was aging and overdue for replacement. Some of the software at core of the previous ReserVIA system dated back decades. While web interfaces, mobile apps, and other tools have been layered on top of it over the years, upgrading the core to a modern system used by railways around the world was a crucial and complex task. Via’s IT infrastructure had to be refreshed and the new system integrated with ticket offices, travel industry partners, the VIA Preference loyalty program, etc., all without major disruption to passengers. Internally known as “Project Everest,” possibly because a mountain of legacy technology had to be overcome, the project began in September 2019 with the signing of a contract with software provider Sqills, which has since been acquired by Siemens Mobility. The Sqills S3 Passenger software behind the new ReserVIA is widely used in Europe, and the company has adopted the OSDM (Open Sales and Distribution Model) interface standard developed by the UIC to enable through-ticketing between rail and bus operators.

Flexible fares become more affordable, upgrades offered

The biggest positive change in VIA Rail’s fare system is that the flexible Economy Plus and Business Plus fares, rather than being fixed at the highest possible price, are now sold on a sliding scale as trains fill up just like “Escape,” “Economy,” and “Business” fares. This means that its much less expensive to book a flexible fare in case your plans change, which rarely made sense before.

The ability to make changes to other fare classes with a service fee remains, and changes can more easily be made online, including upgrades to business class. The “Treat yourself!” prompt to upgrade to Business Class in the booking confirmation, or when viewing an economy reservation is a smart way for VIA to upsell.

Embracing accessibility

Making a reservation with a mobility device or service animal used to require a phone call or visit to a staffed station. One of the best new features of the new system is that a wide variety of specific needs and accommodations can now be booked online. The range of options – mobility, visual, auditory, service dogs, pets, pet allergies, oxygen tanks – available is impressive. VIA has also created a sign-language video guide to the new system.

Clearer fare and service descriptions

The classes of service and fare types available on each train, and the rules applicable to each fare, are now more clearly displayed during booking process. This includes pictures of the various types of berths and cabins in Sleeper and Prestige class, which will be particularly helpful for first-time long-distance travellers.

VIA Preference program updated, redemptions changed

The VIA Preference loyalty program been one of the best in the industry, and now it is fully integrated with ReserVIA so everyone earns points. Earning rates remain the same, but the redemption process has completely changed. Rather than a set menu of journey segments and numbers of points, the number of points required for a reward ticket is now directly linked to the fare. There are some wins and losses as a result. Big winners include many long-distance redemptions, especially if made well in advance on the western Canada routes, and short-distance trips in the corridor that would have required a lot of points in the old redemption chart. However, longer corridor trips, like travelling all the way from Windsor to Quebec City that were a bargain in the old redemption chart are not longer so attractive.

Additional fees now also earn points and redemptions can be applied to them, but the taxes must now be paid when booking a redemption trip. VIA Rail is hoping to find a workaround for this and is currently offering a 30% discount on all redemptions to offset it, resulting in some excellent deals for regular travellers.

Seat selection and baggage fees

The ability to select a seat when booking, particularly to get a forward-facing seat for people who dislike travelling backwards, has been frequently requested and it is now possible in the new system, once again saving a phone call. At launch, seat selection is free “for a limited time,” and available for all fare classes.

The same system is used to select sleeper accommodation. Rather than selling the upper berth and lower berth as different fare types, a fee applies when selecting a lower berth, and there appear to be some limitations on the ability to change the cabin assigned.

However, it looks as through seat selection will cease to be available for the lowest priced “Escape” economy class fares at some point, and fees may apply based on other classes class of fare. Some seats with tables are marked as “premium” which suggests a surcharge.

With the changes in baggage policy comes the ability to prepay for extra baggage when booking. The user interface for this is tabbed per journey segment, and potentially quite confusing in addition to adding a lot of steps to the booking process, and Transport Action has recommended to VIA that this interface be improved, along with the baggage policy itself.

While other travel operators, including airlines and some motorcoach companies also charge for seat selection and extra baggage, strict baggage policies and the addition of “junk fees” to train fares is unwelcome, and not widespread internationally. Transport Action welcomes VIA Rail’s eleventh-hour decision to waive all baggage fees while it reviews the new policy.

Will commuter discounts and travel passes return?

In preparation for the switchover to the new system, VIA Rail discontinued travel passes, commuter passes, and “biz-pak” fare bundles. The loss of these, over an extended period because the switchover took longer than expected, has been widely lamented and will no doubt have resulted in lost revenues.

In addition to student discounts and extra baggage allowances, students could used to be able to purchase term-time and summer passes for unlimited travel. For tourists and leisure travellers the CanrailPass allowed unlimited travel across all of Canada.

Alongside the options for discount codes, the new reservation system does have a box to enter a pass code when searching for trips, which hopefully means that passes can return soon.

With the reinstatement of trains 82 and 83 which served the London, Woodstock, and Brantford commuter market, and the hoped-for reinstatement of train 651 from Kingston, Belleville, and Cobourg, passengers will be looking for the simplicity of a commuter pass but potentially with more flexibility to accommodate changes in working patterns.

Will intermodal connections be reinstated?

In the decade before the pandemic, VIA Rail had made significant progress in connecting intermodal partners into ReserVIA, including Maritime Bus, RobertQ to Sarnia, and the REGIM shuttle to Gaspe, to offer through ticketing to a wider range of destinations. These connections were also removed in order to simply VIA Rail’s system ahead of the changeover, which unfortunately resulted in the suspension Gaspe shuttle service for summer 2023.

Adding such connections was a laborious process in the old ReserVIA. The new software is able to interface to other reservation systems using OSDM, so it should make it a lot easier to offer through-ticketing in the future, should VIA Rail chose to do so. Mario Péloquin, recently appointed as President and CEO, has spoken frequently about the importance of intermodality, and so we hope to see the new system offering connections that reflect VIA’s role as the backbone of Canada’s public transport network.

Photo courtesy of VIA Rail Canada

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