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Would appreciate any hints, comments, what kind of money to bring on this train.
Posts: 14 | From: Auburn, NY USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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Just returned from a trip on the Canadian - Toronto to Jasper, Alberta. The dining is in either the main dining car or in a dining/lounge/dome car - one for each three passenger cars. Great service and food which ever one you're in. You should have Canadian dollars for tips, if you're in Silver and Blue class you'll need to tip the crew in Edmonton which is where they change crews, and the next crew whereever you depart. No need to dress fancy despite some of their pictures. I'm not sure how much meals cost when traveling coach but my guess is on the high side. There are quite a few children traveling in the summer but most were well behaved. Am going to write a bit more about our travels when time permits. Feel free to email me with specific questions. Hopefully may have some answers Enjoy!!
------------------ Gin
Posts: 4 | From: Grahamsville, NY USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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Until mid-November, the "Canadian" will be huge, with at least 10 sleepers and three first-class dining units (one full diner plus two Skyline dome-lounge-diners.) A total of 25 cars is not unusual. During this peak season, coach passengers eat in a separate Skyline car. Coffee shop service is provided, but there are some cooked meals. The prices are quite moderate. During the off-peak season, the train is normally short enough that all passengers dine in the dining car. At that time only, there will be prices on the menus. Full breakfasts are about $8, lunches $10 and dinners depend on the main course, but run about $18 - $22. Those are, of course, in Canadian dollars and all taxes are included in the menu prices. This should make it easer to estimate tips to dining car attendants. Wine and bar prices also include taxes. All on-board service personnel change at their home base of Winnipeg. It is appropriate to tip one's sleeping car attendant, therefore, at Winnipeg and then the other person at the end of the trip. Sometimes there are sleepers added between Jasper and Vancouver; they are usually staffed by crew based in Vancouver. Sleeping car attendants appear to receive good tips from most passengers. Sadly, those of us who sometimes travel in roomettes are often totally ignored by the sleeping car attendant as we handle the bed ourselves. Service, however, is generally very friendly and efficient. There are two sleeping car attendants assigned to each set of three sleepers; it is my experience that when service slips it is usually in the middle car of the three. A gentle word to the attendant will get the room freshened up quickly.
Posts: 216 | From: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 2000
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