Snapped this photo back in December 2024 when I took The Canadian all the way to Toronto. Taking this train had been on my bucket list for a while, and it was well worth it.

Lemmy did not like me trying to upload the full resolution photo, so this is a screenshot of the photo instead lol

  • 𝕽𝖚𝖆𝖎𝖉𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖍
    8·
    18 hours ago

    Train! This is a bucket list for me, too (Vancouver, to as far East as I could)! Did you get a cabin?

    Several years back there was some hubbub about reinstating one of the more luxury liners that did a multi-day trip along the entire border; we didn’t have the money for it back then, and I didn’t follow it to see whatever became of the plan.

    Your post has inspired me to reinvestigate it. How was your trip? How long? How were the accommodations - even if you went coach, how was the food/bar car?

    • Unsayableorc@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      9·
      17 hours ago

      It was a fantastic experience. Trip total was about 5 days (Departed Vancouver around 3 PM Monday, arrived in Toronto at Noon on Friday).

      I got myself a Cabin for One in Sleeper class, since I was traveling solo. The Cabin for One is definitely only for a single person. Once the bed was down, there was no room to move. But otherwise very cozy.

      Food was delicious and included in the price of the ticket. Communal seating so I got to meet tons of people from all around.

      They only open the Park Car (where the Bar is) to sleeper passengers in Off-Peak season. Otherwise, that section of the train is limited to Prestige passengers only. Luckily, December is Off-Peak, so I got to check out the bar and it is fully stocked and the bartenders I had were very friendly.

      • 𝕽𝖚𝖆𝖎𝖉𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖍
        2·
        6 hours ago

        Hey, another question: do you have more pictures, perhaps from the inside of the train? Which did you take?

        I haven’t started searching yet, so I don’t know if there are multiple lines, but Amtrak here in the states tends to run different services on the same lines, and I assume it’s the same in Canada. Did you take a special service?

        • Unsayableorc@lemmy.worldOP
          2·
          3 hours ago

          I absolutely have more photos. Only have a few of the inside of the train, though. I’m from the States myself, so I’m not too familiar about all of VIA Rail’s lines, but this is not a special service.

    • tempest@lemmy.ca
      5·
      18 hours ago

      There are some luxury trains that go through the mountains, I’ve thought about it but they are pretty pricey considering I’m on the other side of the country.

      • 𝕽𝖚𝖆𝖎𝖉𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖍
        1·
        6 hours ago

        Yeah, it’s sad that rail isn’t subsidized like the airlines are; it’s hard for them to compete unless it’s gross freight.

        But it sounds fun. We took a sleeper down there East coast (of the states) from Philly to Orlando once. It was… interesting, and far more expensive than flying. Certainly not luxury of any kind, although it was a more comfortable experience. Not really worth it for a 3 hr flight, but for a longer flight - like cross-country - it starts to look more attractive. But then, you’re also starting to compare against first-class airline ticket prices, which make the comfort difference less extreme.

    • Rentlar@lemmy.ca
      1·
      17 hours ago

      I have a feeling this is the sleeper area. The observation car in front is for coach passengers pretty sure.