My husband and I leave for Montreal Friday and will be taking the Canadian across the country all the way to Vancouver with some nice stops along the way. Any last words of wisdom from those of you experienced with VIA? I plan to pack for the train just as I would on Amtrak. We will be in berths which I note are much wider than the Amtrak roomettes but have only a curtain rather than a door for privacy. Looks to be nice temperatures in Montreal and Toronto, cold in Banff and Vancouver. A report will follow. Our trip ends with SEA to LAX on the Coast Starlight, a newly on-time route!
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
Wow. This sounds like so much fun.......and the berth option sounds enticing and romantic. I wouldn't want to book a VIA berth unless my wife was along for the ride, however.
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
Vicki - I have never used the berth accomodations, but hace seen them on the Canadian -- they are much like those in the famous scene from Marilyn Monroe's "Some Like It Hot" (?) movie.
Enjoy the Canadian!! You will have several dome cars on the train, and you will be "assigned" one which is either the same sleeper you will be in, or it will be within 2 or 3 cars of your sleeping car. You will have all your meals in the lower level of that dome-diner car. My advice -- sit in the dome as much as you can and enjoy the scenery!!!! You will really enjoy it!!!!! And expect MUCH better service and "perks" than you would on AMTRAK!!!! (like champagne and snacks in the PM in the dome car, etc.)
Enjoy the trip, and takes LOTS of pictures you can share with us!!!!!! We look forward to reading your report!
--Railroad Rich
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Miss Vickie, enjoy--
I will be the first to acknowledge that you and Mr. Art are far more the intrepid travelers than I whose travel motto is "the best surprise is no surprise", but somehow I think you will understand where not only the movie "Some Like it Hot" but also the various Abbott and Costello skits are all coming from. I've traveled in Berths on enough occasion in the past to "know the drill (mostly summer camp during the '50's)", it was one thing for an adventuresome "tweenie' (does that term apply to the male gender?), but it was definitely something else for the "postwar" business traveler that "held on" (choice notwithstanding) to rail travel. It is no wonder that very few open section cars were delivered to railroads as part of the "postwar" re-equipping, and those that were soon found they were withdrawn from service and mostly rebuilt as Coaches.
I can only attribute that Sections held on in Canada to that somehow I don't think Canadians quite expect the "best of everything' as do Americans. I must wonder if the square footage of a Canadian McMansion is less than the usual 3500' of such around here, and that SUV's are bought for reasons other than "well everyone else has one" (many more "legit" reasons come to mind for one "up there" than "down here"). Regarding travel, I can remember staying at the "high end" Hotel Vancouver during 1962. My room was not air conditioned - standard equipment in the US whether needed or not. Further, I can remember renting a non-air conditioned auto during 1965 in Winnipeg (it WAS needed there in June) and again in Toronto during 1982.
So, Miss Vickie and Mr. Art, try it out; while I'm not saying such will happen, I would not be surprised to learn that you seek to upgrade en-route to a room accommodation.
Posted by zephyr (Member # 1651) on :
Have a great trip, Vicki. Looking forward to your report when you return.
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
Have a wonderful time Vicki. Having driven across the continent I can tell you, you are in for some magnificant scenery. In the "old days" I did the "berth route" a number of times and I must agree with Gil. While it certainly is better than coach there is much to be desired because there is less space when the bed is made than in a roomette(if that is possible. Also if you are in the top berth you climb down the ladder right into the aisle. Then during the day you have no privacy either. But as I said it surely beats coach and I would't let that stop me from going. You do write such good reports so I am eager to read this one on your return.
Posted by 20th Century (Member # 2196) on :
Enjoy your trip Vicki. One never knows...You might enjoy the berths. They are roomy during the day. I did travel in Via Rail's double bedroom about ten years ago. I found it comfy, but I missed the bench/sofa seating which the berth section has. The beds in the bedroom go into the ceiling or walls during the day and 2 folding arm/lounge chairs replace the space. Happy training!
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
I noted earlier that few roads ordered open section cars for their "postwar" fleets. This is likely the most appropriate to enumerate those ordered (source; Wayner; Car Names Numbers Consists):
Omitted from this compilation are lightweight pre, and during, war 6-4-6 cars delivered to roads such as ATSF IC UP & ERIE They were named "American--" except on ATSF where they were "--Valley" and IC (random names).
All told 139 "postwar" cars.
On the Canadian roads(source: Official Register Passenger Train Equipment april 1963):
Plus, on each road, "scores" of heavyweight Sleepers with Sections were in service through V-Day.
It should be noted that "the US Government" would only authorize Berths at least for the "lesserlings"; the roads that ordered a disproportionate number of Section cars had "disproportionate" amounts of Government traffic. Finally, it should be noted that there was one "retro" conversion out there. The D&RGW acquired 4 10-6 cars from C&O (named for D&RGW "Big shots"), they converted those cars to 5Sec-6BR-5Rm.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
I was on the berths--silver & gold service. They are very comfy, with wonderful blankets too, kind of like comforters. But definitely noisier, so I do recommend earplugs. The food is a far cut above Amtrak. And spend as much time as you can in the dome cars. Be sure to see Jasper station; I liked little Jasper itself too. Banff is too commercial downtown but gorgeous scenery of course, and nice by river and the old rr hotel now Fairmont, take the free tour if they have it the afternoon you are there.
Enjoy!
Posted by royaltrain (Member # 622) on :
As a frequent traveller on The Canadian, I would strongly recommend a bedroom or two roomettes over a section. The lack of privacy and having to use a public toilet is not my cup of tea. But as most others have said, The Canadian is one of the great trains of the world and I'm sure you will enjoy it. One further comment: try to check in early in Toronto with the train service manager as dining car reservations are given when they take your ticket. There are usually three sittings, and the middle sitting is the most popular and tends to be assigned early. Otherwise you may be stuck with the too early 5pm sitting or the too late 9pm sitting (these times are approximate).
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Royaltrain - we are used to Amtrak roomettes so the shared toilet, etc. won't bother us. But Gil and Royal - what is meant by "open section cars"?
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
HopefulRailUser, my wife and I are taking the Canadian from Toronto to Jasper in mid-October, overnighting there three nights, then going to Vancouver for two nights and returning to Chicago via the Empire Builder. We're in a double bedroom Toronto-Jasper, a Marilyn Monroe/Jack Lemmon bunk (open section sleeper) Jasper-Vancouver, and the usual roomette Seattle-Chicago.
We opted for the open section for one night because neither of us has ever slept in one and want to chalk one up in our memory book.
Both of us are veterans of European bed-and-breakfasting where a dozen or so guests share the bathroom, so we won't mind having to pad in our slippers and jammies to the WC at the end of the car.
Have a great time and be sure to post a lengthy trip report for the rest of us.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
What you are traveling in, Miss Vickie.
Open because you are enclosed only by a curtain at night and during the day you are as open as if you are sitting in a Coach.
Incidentially, a piece of protocol; he who occupies the Lower gets choice of which direction to ride; the Upper gets what is left.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Gil, now you really got me. Why would the "direction to ride" matter to anyone. And why would the direction the lower one takes have any affect on the direction the upper one uses. Since Mr. Art must sleep on his right side he must have his head to the left when facing the berth so he at least is facing out to where there is some air circulation. More info please.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Miss Vickie, to clarify, direction to ride refers to daytime occupancy of the Section. Naturally with husband and wife, the point is moot, but when there are two unrelated parties occupying the Section, the Lower gets first choice on which direction to ride (that presumably is forward).
Posted by bmpbmp (Member # 4537) on :
My suggestion is to google each of the station stops, print out the history of that area, and take it with you to peruse. Gosh I'd love to take that trip again, knowing more about the history of the towns and regions.
Take a ton of pictures, and when people are craning their necks to be able to say "bear!", just make stuff up - they'll never know. I shouted "Wilfred Brimley" once, and people actually tried to find him.
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
Vicki, some people get "sea sick" if they sit facing backward. Also, not a concern of yours because your are a couple, sometimes sharing with a stranger is not terribly comfortable. You are sitting facing each other and you can't put your feet up. In other words it is or can be an intimate situation. (which you don't have to worry about.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
OK, I get the idea on the direction one faces. I always sit facing forward because I take the photos and need to see what is coming. But sitting backwards doesn't bother either of us. Bmpbmp - will I not have a route guide like Amtrak to tell me about the stops??? If not, you're right, I need to do some computer searching tonight.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Vicki--
Have a wonderful trip! I wish I were going to be here when you pass through SBA but "God willin' and the creek don't rise" we should be in Australia then. What's the date, just in case?
Frank in still gorgeous SBA
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
Mr. Norman:
Thank you for the intelligence about who gets which direction to ride in. I have a bad back, so have to sleep in the lower bunk. I will tell my wife that gives me dibs on either seat.
I wonder, however, if the conductor would be willing to referee the dispute that is certain to ensue.
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
Henry I see the beginings of a mystery. The Body in the Upper Berth."It all started as a simple dispute over who sat where during the day...(well I said beginning!!) In the old pullman cars there was a net hammock which hung from window to window at night. You put your belongings in there ..watch, flashlight,wallet, purse,etc. There was no other place to put things. I wonder if they still use that or is there a modern solution?
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Frank - the date for SBA is October 20th and you will be in New Zealand I believe. Getting together with you is like meeting royalty!
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
LOL. I know, I know.
I promise it will happen one day, though. And you'll even get a bottle of wine and some munchies like the guys who came through last month!
Frank in cooling SBA
Posted by David (Member # 3) on :
quote:Originally posted by RRRICH: ... Enjoy the Canadian!! You will have several dome cars on the train, and you will be "assigned" one which is either the same sleeper you will be in, or it will be within 2 or 3 cars of your sleeping car. You will have all your meals in the lower level of that dome-diner car. ...
Just a small point: VIA stopped using the Silver & Blue Class mid-train dome cars as diners a few years ago. On an average day in October there will be two diners, each one with a dome-lounge (Skyline) car ahead of it. This is called the Activity Car. The dining area will be used as lounge space. Occasional movies will be shown there. If the train is one of the extra-long ones - up to 30 cars - there will be an additional diner and dome. The first dome on the train is for coach passengers, and the dining area will be in use as a coffee shop as there is rarely room for them in the dining cars during the peak season.
Posted by whistler (Member # 2620) on :
Have fun. I am head for Toronto on Leif Ericsson Day, to the rest of you Columbus Day, for a trip upto Moosonee by way of Cochrane and then back to Toronto on the way to Montreal and a berth on the Chaleur to Gaspe.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Nice route guide downloaded from the VIA website. Unfortunately one needs a magnifying glass to read it but we shall arrange same. Besides, I bet they will give me the full size version on the train. Full color brochure.
Posted by whistler (Member # 2620) on :
Is the book I picked up for my trip. It appears to do a good job of describing the history and high points of different sections of ViaRail and other lines. It is also nice because it isn't overly large.
Posted by jp1822 (Member # 2596) on :
Most of your time is spent in the Park Car Dome/Lounge or Skyline Dome of the Canadian. Time in the bedroom, so to speak is limited at best. You can book upper or lower berth on VIA and I am sure the attendant will arrange the bed in any direction you want (facing in direction of travel or the opposite). You have this reservation option - upper or lower berth. If you have trouble sleeping the first night, ask if there is a roomette or bedroom they can upgrade you too. VIA is more flexible on this than Amtrak - they want their passengers happy. There is a lot of turnover at Jasper and Winnipeg. Sometimes passengers exceed those getting off and soetimes the opposite occurs. I would call VIA about your luggage in a berty. I have no idea how luggage is handled in a berth. I have stuffed a full suitcase and back pack comfortortably in a bedroom and roomette aboard VIA.
Enjoy the trip - it is absolutely spectacular to travel across this country. And take advantage of the long station stops where VIA onboard staff allow you to get off the train.
Also, make sure you aske the attendant to explain the temperature controls and other such gadgets in the berts.
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
What time does the departure desk open for the Canadian at Toronto station? I'll be at the Royal York across the street, and am an early riser.
Posted by royaltrain (Member # 622) on :
quote:Originally posted by Henry Kisor: What time does the departure desk open for the Canadian at Toronto station? I'll be at the Royal York across the street, and am an early riser.
They tend to open about one hour before departure, i.e. 8:00 am. But that is not consistent, as I have seem them open it earlier or later. I guess it depends on the mood of the train service manager.
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
Henry - I stayed at the Royal York also in 1999 prior to my Canadian trip, and it seems to me that the departure lounge was open fairly early, at least 1 1/2 hrs before train departure, but we couldn't board until maybe 1/2 hour before or something.
While staying at the Royal York, if you have a lot of luggage, the bell-hops there can actually take your luggage across the street to the VIA Station for you. Also, if the weather is bad on the day you depart, there is a direct connection from the Royal York to the VIA station by a tunnel system beneath the street.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
We are in Jasper, preliminary report on VIA Rail and the Canadian:
WOW!!!
Posted by CN 6060 Fan (Member # 3093) on :
quote:Originally posted by HopefulRailUser: WOW!!!
And it’s only going to get better!
The government just poured $691.9 million into VIA yesterday. Mostly for the corridor operations but also for equipment rebuilding including the F40 locomotive fleet used on the Canadian.
This morning I noticed that the Yank dollar had fallen against the Canuck loonie some more -- US$1 is now worth CAN$0.971. HopefulRailUser, have you noticed the difference yet?
I'm glad I bought my The Canadian tickets away back in February, when the rate of exchange favored the US dollar by about 8 per cent. Still have to pay for the hotels at current rate, though.
Posted by royaltrain (Member # 622) on :
Speaking of the rising Canadian dollar, back in the summer I gave $500 (U.S.) or $535 (Canadian) to Grandluxe rail for a December journey from L.A. to Chicago. When they cancelled the train and refunded my deposit I got back only $516 (Canadian). So what happened to my $19.00? It just disappeared into some mysterious black hole of the universe? Possibly why banks are some of the wealthiest institutions in the world.
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
I suppose this means that the southbound Maple Leaf soon will be full of Canadians traveling for a cheap vacation in the U.S. -- just like the Europeans (and presumably the Asians) are today.