What to Expect Onboard VIA Rail
Train travel offers passengers excellent opportunities to view the spectacular natural surroundings. Several VIA Rail trains offer the premier classes access to a dome car. This area of the train is a second level built for optimal viewing with surrounding bubble windows.
Even the roof is a window! Passengers can relax with a cup of coffee and spend time with fellow passengers while taking in breathtaking views of the Canadian landscape.
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VIA Rail offers many routes with comfortable sleeping accommodations for extended train trips. Each route uses different trains that have slight differences when comparing seats, beds, bedrooms, washrooms, dining cars, viewing cars, etc. Each route has a premier service class that offers the best accommodations available on that train. Even though the routes and service classes are different VIA Rail has basic standards that it meets on all of its trains.
All of our VIA Rail packages include travel on the premier service class, meaning that our travellers always have their own private bedroom with a wash basin and twin size bunk-style beds. On some routes our clients can upgrade to a larger Romance by Rail suite with a queen size bed.
Our in-house VIA Rail ticketing service offers access to all service classes on VIA Rail, meaning if you wish to buy a rail ticket only, you can choose to travel on Comfort Class (or the premier class offer in our packages). Comfort Class is an economy ticket that includes your choice of a birth or seat.
The following information about accommodations should answer most of your questions. We have included general information about the most common VIA Rail routes. For more information please contact us. One of our rail experts will be happy to assist you.
Private single bedroom
Features a small loveseat, picture window, power outlet, call button, concealed toilet, and vanity. By night, it converts into a cosy bedroom. Private double bedrooms & private single bedrooms are available on most overnight trains with a ticket for classes such as the Canadian's Silver & Blue Class (Vancouver-Jasper-Toronto) or The Ocean's Easterly Class (Montreal - Halifax). All of our packages with overnight VIA Rail trains include these types of bedrooms.
Romance by Rail
Features larger bedroom suites, his & hers vanities and a queen size bed. Small touches such as fresh flowers, down duvets, sparkling wine, and breakfast in bed will make for a luxurious journey.
Private double bedroom
Features two cushy armchairs, a picture window, closet, call button, power outlet, toilet, and vanity. A folding table is available on request. By night the room is transformed into inviting upper and lower beds. In certain cases, some adjoining bedrooms can be combined to create a spacious suite.
Berths
A shared open compartment with two spacious couch-style seats, facing each other. By night, they transform into two beds, each featuring a personal reading light. Thick curtains provide privacy and tranquillity. The shower facility and the washrooms are only a few steps away. Berth sleeping areas are available to people looking for a more economical way to travel. Our VIA Rail ticketing service can book a Berth when requested.
Shower Facility
Each rail car offers a shower unit with change room. A shower kit, containing soap, shampoo and towels, awaits you in your bedroom. Guests may want to bring a lightweight robe and appropriate footwear for stepping out of the shower.
Toilet & Wash basin
Available in all private bedrooms, but hidden once beds are folded down for the night
You will find elegance and refinement with a subtle blend of style and cosiness. Most trains offer areas with casual dining, lounges, dome cars for viewing scenery, and entertainment facilitates. For example, one could sip an aperitif in the Mural lounge or the Bullet lounge, or delight in the view of the surrounding countryside from the superb 360° scenic dome on the car's upper level.
Rental Cars
VIA Rail asks that all passengers check up to two bags and bring carry on bags with items they will need during the duration of the train trip.
Carry on Bags
Due to space restrictions VIA Rail asks passengers to bring no more than two carry on bags no bigger than 66 cm x 46 cm x 23 cm (26 in. x 18 in. x 9 in.) or no heavier than 23 kg (50lbs). Carry on bags should contain your clothes, toiletries, books, games needed for the duration of the train trip.
Checked Bags
For your comfort VIA Rail asks that you check bags bigger than 66 cm x 46 cm x 23 cm (26 in. x 18 in. x 9 in.) and heavier than 23 kg (50lbs). Most premier classes allow each passenger to check 3-4 bags. Extra charges apply to travellers wishing to check up to 7 bags. Other items welcomed as oversized checked baggage include: bicycles, household pets, canoe, kayaks, sailboards, and dog sleighs. Each additional bag or oversized bag costs an average of $20.
Checking in with Baggage
When arriving at the train station VIA Rail personnel will take you bags and will load them onto the train for you. If you have a train connection with a stopover you bags will be transported to the next train for you.
"What goes better with a variety of scenery, destinations and trains than a variety of food services? On a one day trip, for example, you generally have access to snack bar service. For longer journeys, such as between Toronto and Vancouver or Montréal and Halifax, the train includes a superb dining car. Plus, if you opt for VIA 1, Easterly or Silver & Blue class, the price of your ticket includes sumptuous multi-course meals.
Sample Menus: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Dining Cars
The gourmet food in the full service dining cars will spoil you. On board chefs cook freshly made meals inspired by seasonal ingredients from the region. You will surely be impressed by the food and level service available aboard VIA Rail trains.
"It's no secret that children love trains. And VIA Rail love kids! On most routes children are entitled to special touches that will make their journey even more enjoyable.
Kids Activity Book
Your children will delight in our VIA Rail Kids Activity Book which contains a variety of cut and paste, and colouring activities. Children love it! It's guaranteed to set their imagination free and it's available on the following trains: the Canadian, the Ocean, the Chaleur, the Skeena and most trains in southern Québec and southern Ontario.
Special activities in the Skyline car
Exclusively in Silver & Blue class aboard the Canadian, games, activities and video showings for children are organized in the Skyline car every morning from 7:30 to 10:00. A start to the day that kids - and their parents - greatly appreciate! Aboard the Ocean, videos for children are shown during the day and evening. And any time of the day (or night, if the moon is visible), the scenery that can be viewed from this car's panoramic dome fascinates young and old alike. The Canadian, the Ocean and the Chaleur all have a Skyline car.
Menus for children
When it's time to eat, excellent menus for children are available aboard the Canadian, the Ocean, the Hudson Bay and most trains in southern Québec and southern Ontario.
Babies and infants under 24 months
Babies and infants under 24 months travel free provided that they do not occupy a seat. They must, however, be seated on an adult's lap throughout the trip (an adult can travel with only one infant on his or her lap).
The Skyline car
This your exclusive entertainment centre. Climb up to the observation dome to enjoy 360-degree views or a refreshing beverage in the lounge below. Watch a video about your destination, grab a book from the library rack or have fun making new friends during scheduled activities. Ask your Service Attendant for details. (Skyline cars are not available on all routes, however similar services are often available)
Internet Access
Available for a small cost on the Corridor Routes
A Learning Experience
The Ocean route offers a unique opportunity to learn about Maritime history and culture. VIA Rail has developed a hosted program that allows passengers into this fascinating corner of the world.
VIA Rail maintains a classically modern look throughout most of its trains. The Stainless Steel trains and Renaissance trains are two flagship models used on the busiest routes. The Stainless Steel cars have hints of the art deco styles from the 50's and 60's with contemporary amenities. The Stainless Steel style is maintained to reflect the important history of the cars.
They were originally used by past rail companies to help modernize post war Canada. The Renaissance cars have more up to date design features and a sleek and sophisticated look. These cars are equipped with excellent working spaces and access to internet.
Train travel offers passengers excellent opportunities to view the spectacular natural surroundings. Several VIA Rail trains offer the premier classes’ access to a dome car. This area of the train is a second level built for optimal viewing with surrounding bubble windows. Even the roof is a window! Passengers can relax with a cup of coffee and spend time with fellow passengers while taking in breathtaking views of the Canadian landscape.
At many stations, passengers in Sleeper class (Silver & Blue, Easterly, etc.) and in VIA 1 class can enjoy priority boarding. While waiting for boarding, passengers can enjoy the panorama lounge available at most major train stations. Here one can choose from a selection of refreshments, snacks, and reading materials while waiting in a comfortable private lounge within the train station.
Seniors, passengers with young children, pregnant women and passengers with restricted mobility may also board the train before other passengers at stations where this is possible. If you fall into any of these categories, please mention this when you book your ticket. Then come to the station early and let station staff know what help you have requested.