Via rail reviews

I've spent more than via rail reviews on trains in the last two years, from hour overnight rides to quick three-hour journeys. Along the way, I've tried out a wide range of seating options, from business and first classes to shared bunks and private rooms. It was my first time using Via Rail, and I was surprised by all the offerings of business class, via rail reviews, from comfy seats to snacks and meals. It was the best experience I've ever had on an overnight train.

I took a weekend trip to Ottawa and decided to take the train back so this is a recap of my first time using a Canadian train company, VIA Rail Canada, on a trip between those two cities. In a very un-Purple fashion, this trip only solidified 2 weeks before I was planning to take the train. That was more than I was expecting, but not horrible for a last-minute trip and a 2 hour train ride. And within the receipt, the station location was clickable and took me to a website that had the specific address. I would have preferred if this info was in the receipt email or the ticket. The Ottawa train station was lovely and easy to find.

Via rail reviews

The world is waiting to be explored, let me help you get there! I completed this review trip in early September, before the most recent large increase in cases across the country. As responsible domestic travel began a slow return to Canada in the summer, Nicholas and I are running into an issue: outside of a few smaller carriers, the intra-Canadian market is essentially a duopoly composed of Air Canada and WestJet. Thus, on a recent trip to Montreal, we figured that perhaps the train would be the next form of transportation to cover. Despite my love of flying, there are instances where trains can be more useful, particularly if their terminals are closer to the city centre, as opposed to in distant suburbs. The station was almost entirely empty, giving off an eerie, post-apocalyptical feeling; that being said, the washrooms were impeccably clean. The TD lounge, which I have used many times, was unfortunately closed for the foreseeable future. If only there was a giant sign proclaiming where to go…. An attendant checked my tickets, asked me a few customary health questions, and directed me to the platform. Before entering the train, another attendant scanned my ticket.

I got in line and an employee scanned the QR code on my ticket on my phone.

This will not bear any additional cost to you whatsoever. The Dome Cars are excellent, with great picture and viewing opportunities. If you are leaving home for a short while and prefer not to bring your pet along and have your home more secure while away, be sure to visit TrustedHousesitters. Interested in becoming a Pet Sitter? Definitely one of the highlights of the trip, was experiencing the amazing meals prepared by their chefs on board. All meals were superb and beautifully presented.

Following my recent adventure on the Rocky Mountaineer , as well an epic train journey years ago on the Trans-Siberian Railway , I was excited to continue riding the rails with this extended trip on Via Rail Prestige Class. In This Post. Via Rail has over stations across Canada, with possibilities for both shorter jaunts and extended trips. Along this route, the railway snakes its way over the Rockies and across the virtually endless prairies. Only economy is consistent across each route, and the other classes of service vary depending on the destination and route.

Via rail reviews

The Canadian promised a scenic ride through the Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia provinces over the course of four days. We made seven stops along the way at stations throughout the provinces. The site also says there's limited cell service, which means my data plan was basically useless and my phone was only good for taking photos. I wanted to make sure I had something to watch before falling asleep and for when I got bored during the long stretches of the trip. My cabin was in the Sleeper Plus section of the train a subsect of business class , which meant I had a private room with two comfortable seats that folded down at night to make room for the bed. The Sleeper Plus ticket I had included all onboard meals. This trip was much more social than I had anticipated.

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Then I got on the train! If only there was a giant sign proclaiming where to go…. There are some cards and board games, magazines and books. My boarding pass said what car I was in and another employee directed us to each car. The world is waiting to be explored, let me help you get there! I opted for a lower berth in Sleeper Plus , the middle-of-the-road service, for a few reasons:. This made them even more comfortable. We were very surprised at the quality of food on the train. Search for: Search. If I had joined the train at a lower price point and had a lower expectation for the amenities and food, I would have been satisfied. Great experience. Suggestions: A gift shop on board would do very well with passengers with nothing to do and some money to spend. Close icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. The Landsby Brand Guide can be found here. Really pretty route.

We originally published this post back in the summer of , when our boys were still quite young. Riding the overnight train is a memorable way to experience the majestic Canadian Rockies.

From the Wheat Kings and endless fields of the Prairies to the bogs of the Canadian Shield, it was a slow yet incredibly scenic way to see the country. If you can treat and pamper yourself to sleeper class for this overnight trip, I would certainly recommend you do so. Goes around Lac Leman and you get stunning Alpine views over the lake. As for dates, summer months between July and September are best for nicest weather however it will be busy. I think this highlights my choice of a bunk instead of a private cabin and the value that provides. Inside staff seemed frantic. An exercise room with at least treadmills would be helpful as walking the train involves frequent moving around passengers and staff in the narrow halls. Along the way, I've tried out a wide range of seating options, from business and first classes to shared bunks and private rooms. It was my first time using Via Rail, and I was surprised by all the offerings of business class, from comfy seats to snacks and meals. Hope that helps! Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. The Rocky Mountaineer is not. I enjoyed the break from my phone and it forced me to read a book and interact with others, something lost these days. Essentially, it is first class service minus the private room and bath.