Is BUSINESS CLASS worth it on VIA Rail?
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- Опубликовано: 21 июл 2024
- What do you think: would you rather take the Economy Class or Business Class when travelling on the VIA RAIL from Toronto to Windsor?
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0:00 Intro
0:13 Toronto Union Station
1:11 Business Class
1:37 Comfortability
2:12 Amenities
2:31 Drinks
2:52 Views are the same
3:07 Food
3:30 Bathroom Tour
4:00 Arriving to the Most Southern Station
4:34 Things to do at the end of the line
Edited by: @MattMort & @NicholasReid
Thumbnail by: Matt Mort
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I’ll be the “please do every via route and become a full time train vlogger” button. Mike does travel in ways nobody else does
💪🏼💪🏼
It’s so hard to make a Vlog in a style like his, that’s so nostalgic and personal. I made a Vlog of a via rail trip in august and it’s no where near this excalibur. I love these train videos
@@DownieLive Are You From America or Canada
@@theg.o.a.t7508 Mike is from Vancouver Canada
@@michaelfisher6354 ok 👍
When I rode "The Canadian" this summer, one of the train crew joked that, "VIA stands for Variable In Arrival"
I like the idea of traveling economy one way and business the other. It's fun to treat yourself to a little extra sometimes.
I discovered Business Class on Amtrak about 20 years ago. At that time, it was only maybe $10 more than a coach ticket. Here were some of the benefits I discovered: #1 NO children. #2 Free dinner or lunch. #3 Free wine and cheese tasting in a lower berth. #4 large leather seats throughout the car. #5 At least twice I had the entire Business Class car all to myself, and the rest of the times there might have been 5-10 people max in the whole car. #5 The BC car was often times so quiet that if you didn't know better, you'd swear you were all alone inside a sensory depravation tank. Glad to see you're doing more train videos, Mike!
I took Business Class to Montreal pre pandemic and I will never go back to economy for all the reasons you said. I don't travel that much so I don't mind paying the premium. Anywhere I can go by train, I try to always take business class even if its a short trip (under 3 hours).
I love the effective way that you combined video of Economy and Business Class trips to show one seamless experience, with the obvious "E" & "B" indicators to make it simple for people like me :) Mr. Downie, I appreciate your standard of excellence...
Simple for people like you. I didn't clue in until halfway through the video. I need to stop doing my own brain surgery.
I love VIA's economy service. So much nicer than being on an airplane.
As someone who works in Downtown Detroit yes our skyline may be more prominent but the smell of fermenting yeast from The Canadian Club distillery is VERY distinctive and quite enjoyable!
Note, there is a railroad tunnel under The Detroit River and it is possible to continue rail travel into The U.S. and various proposals have been brought about to restart Detroit-Toronto (and beyond) service co-op between Amtrak and VIA.
Screw GM they close their plants in Canada but whiskey 🥰
@@TimeforchangeTrudeaumustgoEndb yes but we have Honda and Toyota here so not all is lost
Have you seen the abandoned tunnel next to the one in use? I’m very curious about it
Ran until the 90s IIRC, the train was called the "International" and ran from Chicago to Toronto
@@hi55us2
That line a actually crossed at Port Huron/Sarnia but yes and it actually ran until 9/11 happened. I attended Michigan State and those trains ran right through our campus and was intrigued by seeing VIA trains running in U.S. soil.
Business Class! Also liked the info about Windsor. I had no idea Detroit was so close. Another great video, Mike!
Just across a bit of water :) And, you might not know that to get from downtown Windsor to Detroit, you travel *north*. Windsor's my hometown, btw.
Same thing in Niagara Falls!
Most populated international community in North America. We are one big community with families on both side and people commuting daily. Missed opportunity that this is not more widely known.
Love the side by side E and B comparison! Used to take the Riverwalk every day going to and from Uni. Nice to relive the experience.
When I saw the video, I had to watch immediately haha!
Right on! Hahaha, I hope it didn't disappoint, Reece.
I thought you might like to know my five year son loves your videos. Of course I introduced him to the videos, but he’s totally transfixed by them. Thanks for creating videos that are informative and safe for him to watch on RUclips. Keep up the awesome work!
Your vlogs are so good, I just love them. Yeah, and business class is the way to go. Thank you for taking us along.
I'm also from Vancouver and have done VIA Rail's Canadian to Toronto and back a few times. Train travel is incredible, frustrating at times on such a long journey, but a unique way to experience our wonderful country and meet great people along the way. Great videos!
I started watching your videos a while ago and then my parents moved to Windsor so I had a reason to do this trip. You make train travel look like an adventure.
I booked business class to and from Windsor and I did this round trip in one day.
I will never go economy class. The treatment you get and the extras ( that you pay for) are well worth it.
On my trip home from Windsor there were only 4 people in the business class car! Economy was full and lots of kids.. WELL WORTH THE COST.
Thank you Mike had nice time nice meeting you stay safe 😊😊😊😊
You too!
Definitely Business class if cost doesn't prohibit you. It's a much more relaxing atmosphere and your meal and drinks are included.
Been through Detroit several times and to be honest it looks better when looking across the river from Canada. Nice editing on the comparison between the two.
You make such awesome videos, dude. I always get pumped up seeing your stuff in my subscription list.
Well sir. I’m taking this exact trip myself in a few weeks. I’m booked on business class and I’m definitely looking forward to it. This will be my first Via Rail experience. Thank you for what you do. I’ll have more to say on this soon I’m sure! Stay safe
Thank you so much for posting the skyline, I didn't know you could see Detroit from Windsor so clearly that is really cool.
Mike you did it again, another fantastic video. All my trips on VIA's Corridor have been in Economy & never in Business Class. Next time I'm out East (when Covid is gone) I'll for sure book Business Class. Keep those VIA Rail videos coming!!!!!
IM FROM WINDSOR! So exciting to see you come here! We are often forgotten!
Making the trips a comparison made it all the more interesting. I was amazed at how crowded economy class was; on other train vlogs it's still rather empty. The business class car had a real Wow factor. For a trip of three hours or more I'd always choose it. I actually wished this post was longer.
This was really interesting. Enjoyed the video. Great to see your country. Love from Scotland.
I've never been on a train before but this makes me want to get on one now. Love these videos and hope to see more of the Canadian railways. Keep it up
I found your channel recently for my son because he looooves trains. But now I just love watching your channel for myself. Traveling by train looks so fun! And love all of the content you put in your videos 😃
That’s so fun! Thanks Shauna.
Maybe you two can take a train trip together sometime.
For me the biggest surprise was to see Windsor ON. its a lovely part of Canada, and I have family there. plus theres a great aviation museum at the airport that I highly reccommend. didn't know it was the southernmost rail stop In Canada though, that's pretty neat!
Worth every cent. I did it in 1999 from Toronto to Montreal. I needed a breather before getting on The Ocean to come back to Nova Scotia. Hope all is well with you dude. Was good to meet you a few weeks ago in Halifax.
Right on Dann!
All is well, just busy with this trip and I’ll get back to posting the videos soon!
i took the Montréal to Toronto to London train every year for 4 years in economy(before covid), there was outlets on the window side on the old carriages(like the one you rode) and between the seats on the newer ones. Also, from what i remember, they all had curtains...
Yes yes business class on via is worth it. The food is great, the leg room, the silence. Oh god I love it
Great video. As a former Vancouverite, I do enjoy the train trips between Toronto and Montreal. Both business and economy class are nice. The real gem is getting to look out the window and see the beautiful scenery (especially if its snowing outside). By the way you can get great deals on business class by booking well in advance.
This is awesome! Thank you for posting man! Cheers!
Business class always!!! Are you losing weight? What a beautiful day for traveling to see such nice sights! Thanks so much!
American Amtrak rider here who has done this route in both directions, both classes of service, several times. I've walked from the furthest point Windsor Transit could get me, in front of the distillery to the VIA Station and back. I liked Business Class a lot and felt it well worth the price. C'est été bonne pratique pour mon Français !
Awesome!!! Welcome to Windsor!!!
Hi. I came back last week from taking The Canadian, from Vancouver to Toronto. In economy we had an outlet at the seat, blinds for the window, and hot meals. Really good meals.
What a nice shots my dear. It’s just superb.
Excellent background view with your super video.
Merry Christmas !! My go to to relax! Thanks kiddo!
On a very short trip I guess economy is fine but I think I would definitely prefer business class.....so much quieter and better perks! Thanks for sharing Mike!
Your videos have been such a godsend during COVID - love traveling virtually with you
Hey look! Just finished catching up on your adventures and there you are on
my local news! Wait what? Your train vlogs are being shown on TV? Sweet!
Congrats!
Hi Lynn!
Yeah, it’s a new collaboration, and I’ve been working on a big project to launch with ChekTV!
Coming very soon!
As always Mike......... you make every trip an adventure! We admire your spirit and we enjoy "coming along for the ride"! It was a nice comparison of business and economy. 😉
I last rode via rail the canadian back in 2002, the food was outstanding, glad to see they have not lost their touch. Back then the toronto union station looks about the same. thanks.
Well depends on what part of Union Station we're talking about. The Grand Concourse (where the VIA trains are) more or less stayed the same, but the GO Concourses Bay and York (the latter which didn't exist back then and I believe was a parking garage) are unrecognizable today. Actually almost all of Union is unrecognizable today. The only reason why the Grand Concourse is the same is because its so old that its officially a heritage structure, and as such they can't change it.
@@Absolute_Zero7 the grand concourse yes, I did take a go train, but dont exactly know where in the station. I stayed at a holiday inn in the downtown area. loved the ROM, and ft York
I always loved riding on a train. Did it to see my Grandparents when I was a kid. Thanks for the ride along...where you going next! :)
One thing for sure is that via rail business class is amazing. The coffee looks good as well.
5:00
That scene gets me every time! Its like "yours are bigger, ours include something"
SWEET!! I LOVE THE TRAIN VIDEOS!!! I wish you would do the double/twin that was really cool you did it in another video!!
Bro, this guy is AMAZING, travel vlogs and trains are two of my all-time favorite things! Keep up the great work Mike.
Thanks! Will do!
I'm doing a day business class trip to Montreal next week for a experience...love your video 💖
Didn’t expect to click on this video and it be about my city!!! I live 10 minutes from the train and river good video
Love your commentary, Mike. Business! Business! Business!
Good video. I have taken the train many times from Chatham to Toronto to see Blue Jays games. I like taking the train since it is so close to the Rogers Centre and I don't have to worry about parking/traffic.
Thank You for all of your videos that you did. I am enjoying all of them.
Love your vlog style, so fun watching videos like this 👍 man that business class looks nice.... One day!!
You should try it, Dan!
I live in Windsor and have taken Via to Toronto more times than i can count. Business class is def worth it. Welcome to my home town!!
Loving this series! Can’t wait to see more!
Definitely trying this out soon! thanks for the video!
Mike and DownieLiveChannel is BACK in action and traveling by Train! Woohoo!!!! ♥♥♥
I’ve travelled both economy and business class. I have to say, the trip from TO to Montreal is wonderful in business class! Great option when they have seat sales. Almost all the free wine you want. 😁 I’ve also taken the train across Canada in economy, which was fine, but not the way I would want to go right now. I’ve also taken the bus from Ottawa to Terrace BC… now that was interesting!!
Thank you for this trip. Waiting for more videos . Cya!!!
Hey, you got to see my hometown (Detroit)! Must be an amazing view, I know the view of Windsor from our side is great! Hopefully in the near future, we'll have passenger trains running through the tunnel to create (once again) a single connection between Chicago, Detroit, and Toronto. It's something Amtrak really wants to move forward with, pending approval from the appropriate authorities.
Great comparisons. Ill be doing the Via Rail from Toronto to Montreal next month. It will be my first time going by train.
Business Class for sure!!! Thank you and always enjoy your traveling videos!!!
im from windsor and i love your channel this was so cool thank you !
Those old economy coaches are getting upgraded currently, they won’t look like that for long! A lot of them now have the leather seats, updated furnishings and refurbished bathrooms. Great video as always Mike!
Via rail need to start looking at buying trains and carriages from Hitachi and the other large manufacturers rather than refurbishing the trains from the 1970s
@@ianinvancouverbc They already are getting new trains for the Corridor, from Siemens. The first one was delivered to VIA's Montreal Maintenance Centre last week; it passed through Ontario. Maybe Mike passed it somewhere on his travels without realizing it.
I've done this a couple of times as a long day trip from Toronto. Whisky tasting and tour of the distillery, lunch at the casino, and long walk along the riverfront. A great way to spend the day on the rails and in Windsor!
Thanks for uploading these videos. I love your videos so much. I just got on a train for the first time in my life and I loved it. You have inspired me to ride trains and travel to other places. Thanks for you videos and your inspirations.
That's awesome!
Wow Mike, you were really close to my home! Thank you for showing Detroit! :-) I want to come to visit you! :-)
Business all the way .
Awesome video Michael
Absolutely love your train videos! They are so enjoyable
The River Walk looks like such fun!
I didn't know I wanted to go to Windsor by train, but now I definitely do!
For long journeys I think business is a must if you plan on working, I am glad I saw this video as I just booked a train from Toronto to Quebec City and I almost did economy because in Europe most of our economy tickets allow seat choice and usually offer some form of decent table to work on. The economy class on via rail, while being much more expensive then most European trains seems to offer very poor comfort and space to work.
Nice to see u Mike. Its the perfect video for muy next trip
Terrific video! I’d pick business class, yup, no doubts.
At 5'7-½" tall and 330 pounds (1.71 meters, 150 kg), I displace a bit more room in a seat than I think you do, Mike. Thus, I always pay to upgrade to business class. Having travelled on Via Rail several times, I have always appreciated their emphasis on better food over more accurate departure times. I just assume the train doesn't move until the chef says the food is ready. Thank you for another slice of perfection in video. I can't start my weekend without DownieLive.
It was interesting to see the contrast in quality in the video and to get your tip as a big person. I'm 6'1 and 260, going by what you said and the video, I think if I travel VIA rail I'll save up a bit more and go business class and try and get to get an individual seat.
Mike, you’re such a great dude. Love your videos. Great content.
I've done the train trip from Toronto to Vancouver 10 times and loved it every time 😃😃😃
10 times?! wow thats impressive
What a joy to see you enjoying late summer/early fall on a Via Rail journey. Isn't it great to be alive and free to travel again !?!! I see you are doing a Canadian imitation of that young British lad from Huddersfield, Dylan, in reviewing the on-board facilities. Great to see that Windsor has cleaned up the waterfront and it appears Downtown Detroit across the way is improving its image as well. Urban renewal with parks like that in Windsor really lift the spirit of people experiencing the results. Love the Canadian Beer promo. The food on the train looks great too. Keep up the good work on your cross-Canada journey. Looking forward to the next installment as we downunder need a constant boost of joy as we await the end of lockdown.
As an aside that you will appreciate, I got my first jab of Pfizer a week ago (patiently waited for it to be available to over 60s), am booked in for the second in two more weeks and will then have a vax passport to participate in regular society again (I hope). Cheers from your namesake in the most locked down city in the world (recently shaken and stirred by a 5.9 earthquake). Stay safe and well.
Thanks, was looking for a short trip / vacation to do and this gave me an idea!
Have fun!
Love randomly seeing my hometown of Paris ON at 3:02!
You are so natural. You should go to Hollywood to act. NO, please, stay in Canada and keep doing your train vlogs!
Wow, thank you!
"Normally I don't get this excited about bathrooms..." LOL! or XD! Great one, Mike! I'll go with Business Class.
Wow. Took the trian from Buffalo to Toronto in the 70s, went to the zoo and science center and took a boat ride in the bay area. Believe it or not it was a school field trip !!!!! Dont know if it was that station, but I remember seeing the Tower up close like you showed it.
Love your vlog style, especially the travel and destination vlogs, simply the best 👍🏻👍🏻
I didn't forget about your question and what I say is, for me, it doesn't really matter. However, after seeing the side by side, I'll take the Business Class, if I could afford it.
Your right Windsor doesn’t have many tourist spots other than the riverside, but there’s allot. Hope you visit us back pre-COVID.
Enjoying your train videos. Makes me want to go for a ride somewhere here in Ontario and see the beautiful views.
Energy is awesome Mike what a intro 🤩✌🏽
I grew up in Detroit and am used to the view of the Windsor skyline from the Detroit riverwalk and/or Belle Isle. Fun to see you looking across from the opposite side of the river! (Btw- I associate the Caesar's Casino more than grain towers with the view of Windsor! lol)
I do too. Wish Windsor would develop a “tower” like so many other Canadian cities, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Calgary.
Love your vids man, keep it up!!
Appreciate it!
Before watching I’ve rode business class from Toronto to Cornwall and I would say it’s worth it I really loved the experience with via rail
Mike !!! Welcome to YQG ! It’s no Vancouver Seawall but our riverfront is still something haha. Hope you enjoyed your stay, keep up the great work !
No but I tune it could be more, lining both side with routes up into the cities and all over Belle Isle and into the Ojibway Prairie. The new bridge will have a pathway and we need another at the Ambassador Bridge, an automated ferry at Belle Isle and Hart Plaza to the Festival Plaza. Then we’d compete with any community for the greatest waterfront. It’s time we both think competitive.
I've loved taking business on VIA either Montreal to Toronto or Ottawa to Toronto and think that extra bit of comfort is well worth it. Plus they usually have student or CAA discounts, and cheapie Tuesdays!
Thanks for the info!
Canada all the way, as I have been to both. Hello from Australia just came across it and love it.
I didn’t get a notification for this, but I’m here now.
Duuuuude train content is baaaack! I wanna do the cross canada trip one day!
Amazing catches of the train coming by and pass, I like it 5 stars, keep up the great work, I subscribed your channel, Greetings from Portugal.
I took the “maple leaf” from union station to penn station in nyc and back business class both ways, and it was immaculate. Wouldn’t travel any other way. Totally worth it. Mind you it was a 10-12 hour train ride.
wow that is a pretty blatant difference....that's pretty crazy that "economy" had not boarded the train at the time Business Class passengers were already boarded wow Michael that was very well done sequencing for the comparison thank you it was very useful as well as entertaining.
The simple pleasures and exchanged for the joy of being home...💖
Very entertaining as always