Friday, September 20, 2019 - All Aboard

This Canada goose was hanging out in the park outside the train station to send us off on our ride from Vancouver to Toronto.

We certainly didn't know that we would be traveling on Via Rail Canada on its 100th year but there you have it.  It seems a bit like I have been dreaming of taking this trip nearly that long.

This layout of our train was posted on a window in the train station, hence my reflection. Our accommodations were in 211 Sleeper Plus Class.  We ate in Dining Car A second seating.

There are several different types of accommodations on the train.

All these prices are approximate and in US dollars for one-way passage.

Economy / $550 each = a bus type coach chair and access to a skyline car, bathroom (toilet no shower) and snack-bar.

All other accommodations include 3 meals daily, panorama car, and skyline car access.

Hallway upper or lower birth / $1750 for 1 = padded bench seat during the day and pull down beds for sleeping with a curtain closure.  The bathroom and shower are located nearby in the hallway.

Cabin for 1 / $2,500 = leather lounge seat, toilet open to cabin, bed pulled down at night.  The cabin has a door.

Cabin for 2 / $3,800 = two leather lounge seats, toilet in cabin with door, bunk beds put down at night when seats are folded over and access to the shower is in the hall.  All the beds are made up and put up and down by the helpful porter.

Prestige Cabin for 2 / $8,400 = most like a hotel room, regular bed, two chairs, full bathroom, drinks included along with some additional meal options.  I can't wait to see which of my friends choose this option some day.  Sure hope they are buying lottery tickets...

While waiting to board we posed with this background photo.  Linda and Laurie immediately caught this as a photo backdrop when I posted it on facebook! They likened it to an old Sears Photography Center background.  That tells you how long those two have been around!

We are excited for our 3 pm departure.  We are aware of the following information that is clearly posted when making reservations.  

While VIA endeavors to operate on time, the realities of increased freight traffic on tracks that we do not own may give rise to significant delays. We suggest that you plan accordingly, such as not arranging connecting transportation on the day of your arrival.

This does leave us to wonder how close to our 3 pm arrival on Tuesday we will be...

  All Aboard!

The cabins are so small that you can only take on one piece of carry on  luggage the size of what you would take to put overhead on a plane.  Our large suitcase was checked to the luggage car not to be seen until Toronto.

There is no internet at any of the train stations other than Vancouver and Toronto.  Even if you have internet on your cell phone service is rare as you make this crossing.

And fine dining three meals a day was enjoyed.

Up in the dome car we were treated to a welcome of champagne and canapés.  The dome car seated 40 and passengers were expected to be considerate and not monopolize the space.  However, this is where several talks and tastings were held...

Our view as we depart Vancouver and start our journey east.