This is what I'd send to a friend before they set off on the Vancouver to Toronto train. A few of these questions have been asked of me many times. The train is a big commitment, so here are some tips to help you make the most of it. Here are 10 things to know before you go.
The Vancouver to Toronto train goes through five provinces, covering 4,466 kilometres in roughly 86 to 97 hours, so it requires some planning to make the most out of it.
VIA Rail shares tracks with freight railways, which means the latter occasionally takes priority. So a flight on arrival day doesn't end well. Allow yourself an extra day in Toronto, and you won't regret it.
Going east means seeing Jasper, Alberta, late next morning, which means catching mountain sunrise if you're into that sort of thing. That is, if you're travelling between spring and early autumn. The trains run twice or three times a week in both ways, and more leave during the summer.
The Toronto to Vancouver train runs on the same route as the original, only westbound. It passes through Sudbury Junction, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper and Kamloops on the way. Pick your preferred direction based on where you want to visit on the way.
Economy seats recline, starting from $514 CAD per person, rail only. Sleeper Plus provides you a berth or private cabin, from $1,083 CAD. Prestige offers more comfort and starts from $6,040 CAD and adds a large cabin, a private shower and concierge service. A private Sleeper Plus cabin for two starts near $1,960 CAD per person.
Sleeper Plus and Prestige passengers have meals included in their fares, served in the dining car. Economy passengers buy their own, to be eaten at tables that seat two or four people. Be prepared to make new friends.
Except the Park Car at the end of the train, which is reserved for Prestige passengers outside peak season. Skyline dome cars are accessible to all classes of passengers.
It's the easiest of the mountain parks to access from the train, with spectacular views from the observation deck. Winnipeg makes for a good stopover too, being about halfway through the route and featuring a vibrant arts and culinary scene. Stopovers are recommended if you're likely to get bored sitting in a train seat for a prolonged period of time.
Layers are a must, along with a phone charger, book and camera. There is no in-train WiFi, so you might as well disconnect and enjoy the scenery. You might find that you actually enjoy this unplugged life.
You should book your luxury rooms ahead of time because they fill up quickly, especially in the summer. Adding a day or two at either end is recommended, if only as a backup in case connections don't work out.
None of this is particularly difficult, but it does require a mindset of its own. The Vancouver to Toronto train trip isn't a race against time, but a leisurely experience designed to be enjoyed. All it takes is a little forethought to make that happen.
