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Has anyone ever taken a, VIA train trip from, Toronto to Vancouver, or vise-versa? I am trying to get a feel for how long this ride may take, and, approx. the amount of fare such a trip, like this would cost.(I'll take a, "Guess-amate"!) VIA, is not offering any, special rates, right now, however, they say to check back with them, periodically..... Any comment's, are appreciated!!!! ......Richard Posts: 144 | From: Yanceyville,NC. USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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quote:Originally posted by richarddschivley: Has anyone ever taken a, VIA train trip from, Toronto to Vancouver, or vise-versa? I am trying to get a feel for how long this ride may take, and, approx. the amount of fare such a trip, like this would cost.(I'll take a, "Guess-amate"!) VIA, is not offering any, special rates, right now, however, they say to check back with them, periodically..... Any comment's, are appreciated!!!! ......Richard
I`ll be going in May. As a senior I paid $1165 US. I paid $1295 US for my son. This includes a double bedroom one way and 2 adjacent roomettes the other way. Don`t forget these are off-peak prices and are more expensive during peak season. I recommend for you to call the VIA North America Railpass facility in Moncton, NB at 1 (800) 561-3949 EXT 5289. They`ll issue all tickets, including AMTK. It`s a scheduled 3 day train ride but from what I`ve been gleaning across the web, if the train arrives the same day, that`s an accomplishment. Anyway, who cares. More time to spend on the beautiful beasts. Good luck and bon voyage.
Posts: 14 | From: Auburn, NY USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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From my frequent experience with Via, there are few bargains to be had on The Canadian. The best deal at present is the Seniors Free Companion offer. This applies to any accomodation from coach to drawing room. A senior is defined as age 60 or older; the free companion can be any age. The trip must be booked at least 10 days in advance and the special is in effect until the 15th of February. Full information and fares are available on Via's web site: www.viarail.ca.
Even though the Canadian is travelling through some fairly severe weather due to an early start of winter, the timekeeping is better than it was during the summer. On a trip last month from Toronto to Jasper and return, I noticed a marked improvement in CN's dispatching. Westbound we were early just about everywhere. On the return we encountered some problems on the prairies, but after leaving Winnipeg 2 1/2 hours late, we arrived Toronto 30 minutes early. The scheduled arrival time of 2000 hours in Toronto can be a problem if the train is quite late. At one time, the train would be parked at Union Station for the balance of the night if arrival was after midnight or 0100. Because of the short turn-around time (0900 departure for Vancouver) passengers are detrained on arrival, even if it is 0300 or 0500. Don't be deterred though, it is a splendid trip.
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Two great little side trips would be VIA rail's last RDC runs, The Malahat that runs on the E&N from Victoria to Courtenay and The Lake Superior that runs from Sudbury to White River, exellent scenery.
quote:Originally posted by richarddschivley: Has anyone ever taken a, VIA train trip from, Toronto to Vancouver, or vise-versa? I am trying to get a feel for how long this ride may take, and, approx. the amount of fare such a trip, like this would cost.(I'll take a, "Guess-amate"!) VIA, is not offering any, special rates, right now, however, they say to check back with them, periodically..... Any comment's, are appreciated!!!! ......Richard
Dear Richard. My above remarks are now being revised due to new information I received. I`m in the process of returning my tickets to VIA rail and expressing my displeasure at their allowing smoking in several areas that are non-smoking. Horror stories of the stench for 3 days, if you`re a non-smoker, can not be conducive to pleasurable travel. I`ve contacted 4 sources who verify these facts. I`ll now take AMTK trains 7 and 8 to Seattle and work from there. Good luck.
Posts: 14 | From: Auburn, NY USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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Budd, Thanks, for the update. I do not smoke and find the practice, "gross". Why in the world, Via, would jeopardize ones health and their revenue, is beyond me! I thought the trend to curb smoking, in public places, was moving, swiftly, in The States. I guess Canada sees it differently. Thanks, again for your help. ....Richard Posts: 144 | From: Yanceyville,NC. USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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I am trying to get a feel for how long this ride may take, and, approx. the amount of fare such a trip, like this would cost.(I'll take a, "Guess-amate"!) VIA, is not offering any, special rates, right now, however, they say to check back with them, periodically..... 
Any comment's, are appreciated!!!! ......Richard 
