I did the Canadian in 2019. I had a roomette which is for single passengers, only one bed. Sleeper class had at least one dome care but prestige class was at the end of the train, beyond the dining car, and the Park car was at the very end of the train, which had a bar, a dome and a lounge. This was restricted to prestige passengers only until 4 pm. After 4 pm, all sleeper passengers could use the park car. The park car also had occasional entertainment. Coach class passengers could not enter the sleeper end of the train but they did have their own dome car as well. Prestige class had full bathrooms and did not need to use the communal showers, but all sleeper class passengers had an in room toilet and sink except those with a 'berth', which was not quite as private. The food was very good and the menu was different every day. Yes, you had to pay for alcoholic beverages unless you were in prestige class, but the prices were not unreasonable and the brands offered were quite good.
We were fortunate that we could go in the dome car all day as we went in March , just first two rows for Prestige it was wonderful we had a great time Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦
Hello Norm and Tina, thanks for allowing me to ride along. Sounds like both could learn a thing or two from each other. The " moon shots" part was hilarious!
So informative! I love the comprehensive, side-by-side comparison of all aspects of the journey. And you were accurate, but tactful, about the deferred upkeep & maintenance of the Amtrak cars. I understand that funding has been allocated to address this but it will take time.
You do. You look happy, healthy, relaxed, refreshed....HAPPY SUMMER Glad you got some travel in this year.. All travel is good good GOOD@@ThisIsOurRetirement
Whenever I travel on Via's Canadian, there are more than one dome cars. It's only the dome car at the rear of the train which is the Prestige area that access is limited in high season to after 4 pm. There was a dome car next to my sleeper that you could access any time of day. There was also no car attached to the rear dome car with the bullet lounge when I took the train recently.
Hi guys! Love your reviews and videos, they are super helpful and detailed. Just wanted to clarify for other viewers - on VIA, coach passengers do get access to their own dome car and it is the same size/type as the others, they are just kept separate from each other to better crowd control passengers. As well in the coach dome cars, they have a canteen to buy snacks and drinks, as opposed to the bar and complimentary snack/coffee stations in the sleeper dome cars. But it is the same equipment. Sleeper class passengers do get two of their own dome cars (in the peak season - just one during off season), but just can't access the prestige dome car after 4pm. Having a reserved dome car for most of the day is part of what Prestige passengers pay for in their ticket price (as well as those fancy rooms and included alcohol, of course!). All of this is to also ensure a better rotation of passengers so everyone gets a chance to sit in the dome and one isn't more crowded than the other (ideally!). Anyways - just wanted to clarify that for anyone that was interested. Thank you again so much for your awesome video, you two are just lovely and I'm excited to see what other adventures you go on! All the best :)
Great comparison. One note regarding the dome on VIA is I believe that coach passengers have access to the forward skyline dome car but not the park car at the rear.
Hi Norm and Tina: Interesting way to travel. Glad you enjoyed the trips. We are studying and watching rail travel in Europe as a possible travel option. TVO Worlds Most Scenic Railway Journeys. Spain looks amazing by rail. Have a great weekend.
One of my husband's and my dream is a sleeper car experience. He specifically asked to plan a trip through Canada (West to East) for his 70th birthday (in 2025). Ultimately, we would hope to end up traveling further east via airplane to Boston to enjoy a few days on the coast. I've still been looking at Amtrak despite the fact that he wants to see Canada so as to do cost comparisons and learn the pros/cons of both rail companies. Definitely would be a trip in a sleeper car with included food. But I learned that while Via Rail offers freshly prepared meals, Amtrak offers the "heat and eat" variety. That was a big check in the cons side for Amtrak. We decided that The Canadian Vancouver to Toronto is what we are truly looking for in a bucket list item. And since this would be a big bucket list wish we will most likely spring for the highest category. I'd still like to experience the Zephyr but I'd probably only ever upgrade to a roomette and for a shorter trip (say SFO to Salt Lake/vice versa.) I see the link for your Zephy vlog so after this one I will watch that one so I have a better idea of this video is mentioning.
But on VIA Canadian Rail the coach class does have their own dome car which is not as fancy and updated as the dome car in the sleeper section. When I went in April 2023 there were limited seating for the sleepers dome car because the front half of that dome car was reserved for the Prestige Class sleepers only. I kept getting reminded by a staff member about that when I accidentally sat in the front part. That part irritated me about VIA Rail as they should have provided enough dome cars for more seating. Otherwise, I did enjoy traveling on VIA Rail especially to Jasper! My car attendant provided me with excellent service. He was always there when I needed him.
What an informative video! I have taken the Empire Builder in the US in the economy section. It was very doable but now getting a little older I have looked into taking a sleeper car the next time. Thank you for this great video.
Train travel in Canada is nothing like it was (gulp) half a century ago! I grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, and went to post-secondary school (I chose a technical school). The preferred travel was rail at the time. Canadian Pacific rail lines, and The Canadian was the passenger train which ran from Vancouver, B.C. to Toronto (and back), with an extension to Montreal, P.Q. This train ran daily, leaving Vancouver in the afternoon, and arrived forty-eight hours later in Toronto. Regina, in the middle of the prairie, meant the Canadian arrived around 2:00 A.M. I usually went Coach, whose fare at the time was $25.00; a few times I opted for a sleeper car (just like in the old movies), which was a bit more expensive, but included meals in the dining car. Canadian National Railway also ran passenger trains between the same termini, but the lines diverged at Winnipeg and Kamloops, I believe. The Continental (I believe) passed through Saskatoon and Edmonton, as opposed to the Canadian's route through Calgary and Regina. Today, the only passenger rail service, along the South line, Runs from Banff, Alberta, just west of Calgary, to Vancouver, but it is strictly a tourist service, and offers luxe service at luxe prices. Both Canadian passenger rail services offered Dome cars, but I don't recall restrictions on access; perhaps Via Rail realised it could monetise access to the panorama.
We enjoyed our train trip from Anchorage to Denali several years ago even though it was only one day. It was half price since we were traveling before the first of June. The trees weren't totally leafed out giving us a great view of the bears and other wildlife. Two days later we returned to Anchorage. Quite memorable.
Thank you so much for this comparison. I haven’t traveled on Via but have on Amtrak and found the room worn, uncomfortable and in need of a deep clean. Our in room meal was delivered cold - really disappointing. We’ve also taken the overnight Caledonia in Scotland and preferred it to Amtrak. The rooms were smaller and old, but cleaner and I understand they are replacing the cars. The Caledonia also gave us a 50% refund because they ran a few hours late. I look forward to taking a Via trip.
Hello Norm and Tina, I quite enjoyed the video. I was fortunate enough to travel to Toronto and back home to Vancouver in Sleeper Class on the Via Rail Canadian, an awesome experience. One thing I would note, that only the Park car at the rear of the train has the restriction of not being available until after 4pm. There are two other dome cars which are available to sleeper class passengers at any time.
Really interesting and informative video. You guys do pick some great topics and have a canny way of discussing exactly what the viewer wants to know. Keep up the great work.
I have taken the same two trips on Amtrak and Via Rail with the sleeper cars. On my trips both lines had delays, on Via Rail some of the stops were shortened, but still longer than Amtrak. Agree the scenery on both is spectacular so fun to see parts of each country you normally would not be able to see. Looking for wildlife was fun too. I had forgotten about the folks mooning us, it was so fun. In summary I enjoyed Via Rail a bit more but would definitely take another Amtrak route, perhaps the Southwest Chief or Empire Builder next time. On my Via Rail trip, I went West to East and would like to do it again East to West. Your review of both was excellent.
The west bound California Zephyr has NO lounge on the San Fancisco/Emeryville beginning. Trains cannot come into San Francisco, as it's a peninsula with no ground access.
Hi, this was my first time watching one of your videos, and it was just what I needed! Thank you! Question- Would it be toooooo much train travel time to go from Toronto to Vancouver by VIA, stop and see relatives for a few days and then travel Amtrak back East by the California Zephyr? My idea is that why should I fly home when I can see the country by train travel? I am a retired single lady 69 yrs old. What do you think?
Absolutely not Debra sounds a wonderful idea to be able to do both wonderful train trips , so rich in scenery , food and opportunity to meet others . Welcome to our channel we hope you do it Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦
Very interesting! I was looking forward to hearing your opinion of Amtrak! I wish they had built in opportunities for longer breaks on Amtrak, I'd probably be more amiable to taking a train trip here in the states. Thank you again!
VIA must have changed their schedules. I took VIA through the Rockies a number of times back in the late 70/early 80s and they always did the mountains at night. There were great views of the Fraser canyon going both ways due to a morning arrival in Vancouver heading west and a late afternoon departure from Vancouver heading east. I must say that seeing rail cars in the river below while going through the Fraser canyon was not confidence inspiring. I will note that have taken both the northern (via Jasper and Edmonton) and southern (Banff and Calgary) routes. The Rockies are not so spectacular at night. I never understood why they scheduled the most beautiful part of the trip for night. Fortunately I have driven both routes during day time so I did know what I was missing. I was a grad student and Post Doc at the U of Alberta then so I always traveled coach. By morning on those trips I was convinced that the coach seats were made from concrete with just a thi layer of vinyl over the concrete. I always enjoyed the meal service on VIA. The china, silver and white table clothes were nice. Although I do recall on breakfast between Jasper and Edmonton where they suspended service part wat through the meal because the train was going so fast in an attempt to make up time that none of the staff could keep their footing let alone carry food to the tables. My only Amtrak overnight trip (Eugene, OR to Dallas, TX) also included doing the most spectacular parts at night and riding east from LA in a sealed car with no air conditioning on an over 100 degree day across the Arizona desert was less than delightful. That trip the coach passengers on the LA to Texas segment were limited to eating in the cafe and the food was terrible. That trip was in 1980. I have taken Amtrak from Boston to Washington DC a few times as well as the train from Champaign Illinois to Chicago more recently. Despite those experiences I do enjoy train travel and would like to travel through the US rockies by train. One thing I found very interesting when taking the train was seeing the parts cities the trains ran through. That was particularly striking on the Amtrak routes due to the cities that had seen better days.
Yes Eric we had a couple of days in San Francisco and really enjoyed it. Union Square was very nice, we did a walking tour which was fantastic. We didn’t see all the troubles that are being reported, sure there was maybe three crazy people but no threat to us. It was Pride week so plenty of police present.
Thanks so much Norm and Tina for another fantastic video. We enjoy traveling by car as well as cruising. One of the activities that both of those modes of transportation allows is the ability to exercise daily. I sleep and feel so much better if I get in a workout of walking/running/cycling every day. I'm guessing this is not possible on Amtrak but with 2 hours stops "maybe" a possibility on Via Rail?? Via in particular with its stops seems to be more a fit for us. Thanks so much!!
Thank you for the review, I had been waiting patiently as I was hoping you were planning a comparison. A very balanced and fair comparison i might add. So now for the million dollar question - which one would you like to do again first? And follow up question which season seems better -off season with less people, better prices etc. Or full season for the views etc.? Thank you as always and really enjoying the videos.
Interesting comparison. Duly noted. I would imagine that rail travel in North America is a bit less than in Europe (eg. investments in updated cars etc.) given rail travel there is much more part of the culture. Next up, you’ll have to review the Rocky Mountaineer! I can’t speak to rail travel through northern Ontario, but if it is anything like the TransCanada around Lake Superior, it would be stunning and not to be missed..Saskatchewan and Manitoba, meh, not so much.
Glad you enjoyed it Murray , not sure about the Rocky Mountaineer we actually like sleeping 😴 on the train , with the other one you stay in hotels along the way 🤔have a great weekend Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🙂
Thanks for the comparison, we would like to try Canadian rail travel. I think the food menu on Amtrak has many selections so they really don't need to change the menu-you aren't on the train long enough to try all of the items. There is so much food 3 meals a day, it's almost too much without exercise from being on the train. You spend the day sitting enjoying the scenery, and the stops(unless there was refueling) were too short for anything. I hope VIA has better customer service. Our train was shut down in Sacramento due to the concern of the rail strikes in 2022, and Amtrak did nothing to get us home-didn't even care. The sleeper room was compact but great-understaffed as can be expected. I made my own bed. Our car was very clean, although the whole waste water system stopped working (toilets, showers). I think it would be worth the money for the Prestige service on VIA. Very good information, thanks for taking the time.
So sorry to hear about your Amtrak trip, we must have been so lucky, our beds were always turned down and room service was offered for meals. Hope you get chance to do the Via Rail and Prestige class is impressive and $$$$
I took both the Canadian and Ocean trains in 2019, a few months apart. I agree with all of your observations. I recall some Americans on board that had the opinion that the food service on Via was better. Do you have any plans to try the Eastern services in Canada and the US?
Hello guys! I really enjoy your videos and appreciate them You mentioned we might have seen in a previous video that we saw a bag of towels on via rail. Did you put a video out of that Canadian trip? I couldn't find it if you did. I did see the Amtrak video. That's on my wish list to travel that route you guys took. I would like to see the West. Thanks a bunch, and take care! Is there any chance you guys will take a cruise any time soon, or is Portugal in the near future?
Both trips had great scenery we share all the costs of both trips in each video , have been looking at Cruises 🚢 and hope to be back in Portugal 🇵🇹 this Winter David Cheers 🇨🇦🚂🇺🇸🙂🇵🇹
As a Canadian whose done the Montreal-Halifax Via rail journey almost a dozen times, and also done the St Albans to DC Amtrak 8 times, Amtrak is by far a better value and service. Amtrak has nicer trains, far friendlier staff, slightly better food, and is more affordable. I wish Amtrak would buy out VIA rail.
Thanks for this comprehensive comparison of the two lines. Via Rail sounds like their staff is better trained and more professional than Amtrak. The ability to book the "handicapped room" on Amtrak is a fantastic deal if you are lucky enough to "snag" it. As an American, I guess I'm prejudiced in a sense that I just assume that the Canadian train will be "an upgrade" over Amtrak. This is based on seeing so many travel videos of both services and riding on Amtrak. Via is still on my "bucket list". Amtrak has a reputation (fair or not fair) of having poor service, mediocre food(especially during Covid when all of their meals were basically microwaved TV dinners)😱🤣 and endless delays. I understand that there are private companies offering "ultra luxury train cars" that are attached to the regularly scheduled train services. Of course, they are extremely expensive but as the saying goes, "you get what you pay for". Take care and have an enjoyable August. Winter will be here before you know it. 😊
Thanks for sharing John yes we had heard it was different during Covid, both our trips were this year so they were back to normal and we loved both Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🌺🙂
Hey 👋 Tina & Norm This video was great for highlighting the pluses and minuses comparing ViaRail and Amtrak. I’ve seen the USA I-90, I-80, I-70, many times. But never seen Canada west of Sault Ste. Marie. One day, we’re going to do that whether on ViaRail or via car. Why don’t these trains have ALL prestige accommodations instead of a 2-tier system? Plus, I may not be athletic enough for climbing up onto a bunk. I’m 6’1”. Is there room enough for larger people? Thank you for sharing.
Yes the bunks are large enough, it’s just the technique of getting into the upper bunks would suit younger folks. That’s where the Prestige class wins on Via Rail for us oldies as it’s a double bed.
In my student days, I was also 6'1", and don't recall any issues in bunks. I seem to recall the Roomettes being a bit cramped, but the private privy (ha,ha alliteration!) and the included meals made up for it. Regarding two-tier fares, it's just an attempt to drag a few more shekels out of the tourists.
Great info! Which side is better viewing when travelling Toronto towards Vancouver? And also your US trip towards California which side is best for views?
If you book a bedroom keep the door open and you can see out of both windows Wendy , doesn’t matter in the dome car you see it all . We have done videos on top tips on both trains the links are in a pinned comment in the description Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🥂
Thank you for sharing your comparison, very interesting. You discussed some lounge and food price comparisons, but did you compare cost of tickets for the two somewhere? Or was that not comparable due to difference of train car booked? Thank you
We mentioned about the fact that they were in different months of the year so hard to compare , we give all the costs of both trips in the individual videos we did of each train , the links are in the description thanks for watching Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🙂
Do you know if Americans are allowed to carry their guns on Amtrak? I'd like to do the Coast Starlight down the Pacific Coast but would be nervous about concealed weapons.
Hi from Geelong Australia I am thinking of doing the California zephyr if you got any tips I'm thinking of going coach one way and maybe a roommate back Or go back on another train have you got any tips
The coach class isn't too bad and you can bring food onboard. You get equal rights to the dome car for sightseeing. We haven't done it but there are a few long distance trains by Amtrak or you could jump over the border to Canada and do part of The Canadian train by Via Rail. Good luck!
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Thanks for your reply my friends Yes there is a lot to think about I think I can go one way by coach and the way back in a roommete I think that might be a goer when do you reckon would be a good time to book a ticket say for next year
As someone who took the Via Rail Canadian in the opposite direction to you, the first class lounge in Vancouver leaves a lot to be desired. No way as nice as the one in Toronto. Albeit it is a smaller station.
We did the the trip on March 4 th 2023, we saw the deal and booked two weeks before Sharron all the pricing is on our video of the trip , the links are a pinned comment on the description Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🌺🙂
My comment was getting a little long. Did the 2 trips have similar costs? Was the scenery better on the Canadian trip or the USA trip? Maybe I'll try both! I'm 60, my wife is 58, and we plan on retiring in 2 years. Thx and take care!
No we didn't have in room showers on VIA, unless you are prestige class, we used a communal shower room in the rail car where our bedroom was. Amtrak in some rooms have in room showers, i.e. wet bathroom.
Did you tip on either train after journey/s? If so, what amount? As a UK born, Canada raised retiree, I just don’t tip like my U.S.A. friends. What’s your thinking?
Tried to open this week's post, but it keeps saying private. My husband looked at it earlier today, and he now gets the same message as I do. 2023 08 08.
Hi Estelle we made a scheduling mistake it went up at the wrong time so we made it private , it has just gone live at 4.00pm hope you can see it now Cheers 🇨🇦🍷🇵🇹
Our Canadian Via Rail Train Trip here: ruclips.net/video/k8FOQ7B1qLI/видео.html
Our Amtrak Zephyr train Trip here: ruclips.net/video/dvLtj1n5-nI/видео.html
Via Rail Canadian Train Tips Here: ruclips.net/video/UL0M5bRx5j8/видео.html
Booking The Amtrak Zephyr here: ruclips.net/video/MxpLDf9pGN4/видео.html
I did the Canadian in 2019. I had a roomette which is for single passengers, only one bed. Sleeper class had at least one dome care but prestige class was at the end of the train, beyond the dining car, and the Park car was at the very end of the train, which had a bar, a dome and a lounge. This was restricted to prestige passengers only until 4 pm. After 4 pm, all sleeper passengers could use the park car. The park car also had occasional entertainment. Coach class passengers could not enter the sleeper end of the train but they did have their own dome car as well. Prestige class had full bathrooms and did not need to use the communal showers, but all sleeper class passengers had an in room toilet and sink except those with a 'berth', which was not quite as private. The food was very good and the menu was different every day. Yes, you had to pay for alcoholic beverages unless you were in prestige class, but the prices were not unreasonable and the brands offered were quite good.
We were fortunate that we could go in the dome car all day as we went in March , just first two rows for Prestige it was wonderful we had a great time Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦
When we traveled CA Zephyr pre-Covid, there were table cloths and delicious food with the sleeper car ticket.
Yes we also had table cloths and very much enjoyed the food on the Zephyr
Hello Norm and Tina, thanks for allowing me to ride along. Sounds like both could learn a thing or two from each other. The " moon shots" part was hilarious!
Thanks Johnny, the moon was certainly rising along the river 😂😂
Well done, guys !!! Excellent comparison ! Stay healthy and safe. Enjoy the weekend !🤠🍺🍻🍷🍷🍓🍓
Thank you have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🙂🍻
So informative! I love the comprehensive, side-by-side comparison of all aspects of the journey. And you were accurate, but tactful, about the deferred upkeep & maintenance of the Amtrak cars. I understand that funding has been allocated to address this but it will take time.
Glad you enjoyed it! we were trying Beth to be accurate both train 🚂 trips are awesome to do Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦
LOOKIN GOOD GUYS! You guys are so polite.GREAT comparisons. THANKS for this excellent video. I LOVE a good 🧚turndown 🧚♂fairy too🧚♀❤❤
Thank you so much 🤗
You do. You look happy, healthy, relaxed, refreshed....HAPPY SUMMER Glad you got some travel in this year.. All travel is good good GOOD@@ThisIsOurRetirement
This was very enjoyable. You are both so informative, sharing your adventures. Thanks
Our pleasure! Cheers Linda 🌺🙂
Whenever I travel on Via's Canadian, there are more than one dome cars. It's only the dome car at the rear of the train which is the Prestige area that access is limited in high season to after 4 pm. There was a dome car next to my sleeper that you could access any time of day. There was also no car attached to the rear dome car with the bullet lounge when I took the train recently.
We believe they have just taken it off Michael Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦
Hi guys!
Love your reviews and videos, they are super helpful and detailed.
Just wanted to clarify for other viewers - on VIA, coach passengers do get access to their own dome car and it is the same size/type as the others, they are just kept separate from each other to better crowd control passengers. As well in the coach dome cars, they have a canteen to buy snacks and drinks, as opposed to the bar and complimentary snack/coffee stations in the sleeper dome cars. But it is the same equipment.
Sleeper class passengers do get two of their own dome cars (in the peak season - just one during off season), but just can't access the prestige dome car after 4pm. Having a reserved dome car for most of the day is part of what Prestige passengers pay for in their ticket price (as well as those fancy rooms and included alcohol, of course!). All of this is to also ensure a better rotation of passengers so everyone gets a chance to sit in the dome and one isn't more crowded than the other (ideally!).
Anyways - just wanted to clarify that for anyone that was interested. Thank you again so much for your awesome video, you two are just lovely and I'm excited to see what other adventures you go on!
All the best :)
Thanks for sharing
I so agree with you about the beauty of so many landscapes. There is beauty all around us in this world!😊
Thanks for watching Karen have an awesome weekend Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🌺🙂
Great comparison. One note regarding the dome on VIA is I believe that coach passengers have access to the forward skyline dome car but not the park car at the rear.
Yes your are correct David have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🌺🙂
Hi Norm and Tina: Interesting way to travel. Glad you enjoyed the trips. We are studying and watching rail travel in Europe as a possible travel option. TVO Worlds Most Scenic Railway Journeys. Spain looks amazing by rail. Have a great weekend.
You too Paul have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🌺🇨🇦🙂🍷
You guys are our heroes!
Great info - you’re the best hosts!!!
Thank you.
Our pleasure! Cheers David 🌺🙂
One of my husband's and my dream is a sleeper car experience. He specifically asked to plan a trip through Canada (West to East) for his 70th birthday (in 2025). Ultimately, we would hope to end up traveling further east via airplane to Boston to enjoy a few days on the coast.
I've still been looking at Amtrak despite the fact that he wants to see Canada so as to do cost comparisons and learn the pros/cons of both rail companies. Definitely would be a trip in a sleeper car with included food. But I learned that while Via Rail offers freshly prepared meals, Amtrak offers the "heat and eat" variety. That was a big check in the cons side for Amtrak. We decided that The Canadian Vancouver to Toronto is what we are truly looking for in a bucket list item. And since this would be a big bucket list wish we will most likely spring for the highest category.
I'd still like to experience the Zephyr but I'd probably only ever upgrade to a roomette and for a shorter trip (say SFO to Salt Lake/vice versa.)
I see the link for your Zephy vlog so after this one I will watch that one so I have a better idea of this video is mentioning.
Your salutation reminds me of Mr. Rogers. It’s not a criticism it makes one feel good.
Glad you enjoyed it Cheers 🇨🇦🚂🇺🇸🙂
But on VIA Canadian Rail the coach class does have their own dome car which is not as fancy and updated as the dome car in the sleeper section. When I went in April 2023 there were limited seating for the sleepers dome car because the front half of that dome car was reserved for the Prestige Class sleepers only. I kept getting reminded by a staff member about that when I accidentally sat in the front part. That part irritated me about VIA Rail as they should have provided enough dome cars for more seating. Otherwise, I did enjoy traveling on VIA Rail especially to Jasper! My car attendant provided me with excellent service. He was always there when I needed him.
We traveled out of season so there were only two rows of reserved seating for prestige class in the dome car.
Thanks for this comparison video…makes our Tor/Vancouver via trip next fall even more exciting. Do you have any other train vacations planned?
Not at the moment Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦
What an informative video! I have taken the Empire Builder in the US in the economy section. It was very doable but now getting a little older I have looked into taking a sleeper car the next time. Thank you for this great video.
Glad it was helpful! hope you manage to do the train 🚂 trip
Xx Xx
What a fun trip guys! I do plan on traveling across the US some day and doing it by train sure sounds nice ❤❤❤
You should! we had a great time Paul highly recommend it Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🙂
Train travel in Canada is nothing like it was (gulp) half a century ago! I grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, and went to post-secondary school (I chose a technical school). The preferred travel was rail at the time. Canadian Pacific rail lines, and The
Canadian was the passenger train which ran from Vancouver, B.C. to Toronto (and back), with an extension to Montreal, P.Q. This train ran daily, leaving Vancouver in the afternoon, and arrived forty-eight hours later in Toronto. Regina, in the middle of the prairie, meant the Canadian arrived around 2:00 A.M. I usually went Coach, whose fare at the time was $25.00; a few times I opted for a sleeper car (just like in the old movies), which was a bit more expensive, but included meals in the dining car.
Canadian National Railway also ran passenger trains between the same termini, but the lines diverged at Winnipeg and Kamloops, I believe. The Continental (I believe) passed through Saskatoon and Edmonton, as opposed to the Canadian's route through Calgary and Regina.
Today, the only passenger rail service, along the South line, Runs from Banff, Alberta, just west of Calgary, to Vancouver, but it is strictly a tourist service, and offers luxe service at luxe prices.
Both Canadian passenger rail services offered Dome cars, but I don't recall restrictions on access; perhaps Via Rail realised it could monetise access to the panorama.
Thanks for sharing great memories Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🌺
I think I would prefer a free drink with dinner than sparkling wine with hor dourves.
yes!
We enjoyed our train trip from Anchorage to Denali several years ago even though it was only one day. It was half price since we were traveling before the first of June. The trees weren't totally leafed out giving us a great view of the bears and other wildlife. Two days later we returned to Anchorage. Quite memorable.
Sounds great Mike amazing how when the trees are in full , you can’t see as much of the scenery LOL 😂Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🌺🙂
Thank you so much for this comparison. I haven’t traveled on Via but have on Amtrak and found the room worn, uncomfortable and in need of a deep clean. Our in room meal was delivered cold - really disappointing. We’ve also taken the overnight Caledonia in Scotland and preferred it to Amtrak. The rooms were smaller and old, but cleaner and I understand they are replacing the cars. The Caledonia also gave us a 50% refund because they ran a few hours late. I look forward to taking a Via trip.
Your welcome hope you get to do the Canadian it’s a wonderful train 🚂 trip Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🙂
Hello Norm and Tina, I quite enjoyed the video. I was fortunate enough to travel to Toronto and back home to Vancouver in Sleeper Class on the Via Rail Canadian, an awesome experience. One thing I would note, that only the Park car at the rear of the train has the restriction of not being available until after 4pm. There are two other dome cars which are available to sleeper class passengers at any time.
Wonderful! glad you enjoyed it 🚂🍻🙂
Really interesting and informative video. You guys do pick some great topics and have a canny way of discussing exactly what the viewer wants to know. Keep up the great work.
Our pleasure! glad you enjoyed it have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🙂🌺
Very good review of both trips. Thanks!
Our pleasure! have a great weekend Bob Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🌺🙂
Tina, what a lovely necklace! Great information Norm & Tina! Enjoy your weekend!
Thank you so much! have an awesome weekend too guys Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🙂
Sounds like. iA rail is a winner! Looking to travel that route in the coming future. 🙂
We would highly recommend both , perhaps Via our favourite! Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🌺
I often wondered about the difference between these 2 rail trips. Thank you for this abundance of information. Have a great long weekend!!!
Your welcome Lorna have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇨🇦🚂🇺🇸🌺
Thank you so much for doing the video I requested!! ❤️
You are so welcome! have a great weekend Paul Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🙂
I have taken the same two trips on Amtrak and Via Rail with the sleeper cars. On my trips both lines had delays, on Via Rail some of the stops were shortened, but still longer than Amtrak. Agree the scenery on both is spectacular so fun to see parts of each country you normally would not be able to see. Looking for wildlife was fun too. I had forgotten about the folks mooning us, it was so fun. In summary I enjoyed Via Rail a bit more but would definitely take another Amtrak route, perhaps the Southwest Chief or Empire Builder next time. On my Via Rail trip, I went West to East and would like to do it again East to West. Your review of both was excellent.
Glad you enjoyed it and that you have also enjoyed both train 🚂 trips hope you have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇨🇦🚂🇺🇸🌺
Very interesting and thorough comparison. Thanks for doing that as we are interested in taking both trains at some point.
Glad it was helpful! we did enjoy both and would recommend them on a to do list Cheers 🚂🇺🇸🇨🇦🙂
Hi. Interesting. Enough so we are shopping options for a future excursion. Thanks and Happy Saturday.
Thanks for watching!
Orient Express with Daniel Bianchi as roommate.
The west bound California Zephyr has NO lounge on the San Fancisco/Emeryville beginning. Trains cannot come into San Francisco, as it's a peninsula with no ground access.
Thanks for watching Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦
Hi, this was my first time watching one of your videos, and it was just what I needed! Thank you! Question- Would it be toooooo much train travel time to go from Toronto to Vancouver by VIA, stop and see relatives for a few days and then travel Amtrak back East by the California Zephyr? My idea is that why should I fly home when I can see the country by train travel? I am a retired single lady 69 yrs old. What do you think?
Absolutely not Debra sounds a wonderful idea to be able to do both wonderful train trips , so rich in scenery , food and opportunity to meet others . Welcome to our channel we hope you do it Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦
Very interesting! I was looking forward to hearing your opinion of Amtrak! I wish they had built in opportunities for longer breaks on Amtrak, I'd probably be more amiable to taking a train trip here in the states. Thank you again!
That would be cool! it’s a very tight schedule they follow but still a great trip Jan Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🌺
The empty car on the end of the Via Train is now gone. Deemed not needed anymore. Great news.
Awesome thanks for the info!
Great perspective, it touched on experience that other Vloggers missed.
Glad you enjoyed it! have a great weekend Julie Cheers 🇨🇦🚂🇺🇸🙂
Very helpful information Tina and Norm! Thank you ❤
Our pleasure! have a great weekend Susan 🙂🍷🌺
Thanks for the detailed comparison of the 2 trips.
Our pleasure! have a great weekend Marny Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦
That's on our bucket list as well
Thanks for watching they were both great train 🚂 trips Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🙂
Thank you so much! Great info.
Your very welcome Patty 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🙂🌺
This was balanced and helpful. Thank you.
You're so welcome!
good job guys.....................enjoying my life through yours thanks
Glad you enjoy it!
My retirement plan is to sell everything and be a hobo living on the train going coast to coast
VIA must have changed their schedules. I took VIA through the Rockies a number of times back in the late 70/early 80s and they always did the mountains at night. There were great views of the Fraser canyon going both ways due to a morning arrival in Vancouver heading west and a late afternoon departure from Vancouver heading east. I must say that seeing rail cars in the river below while going through the Fraser canyon was not confidence inspiring. I will note that have taken both the northern (via Jasper and Edmonton) and southern (Banff and Calgary) routes. The Rockies are not so spectacular at night. I never understood why they scheduled the most beautiful part of the trip for night. Fortunately I have driven both routes during day time so I did know what I was missing. I was a grad student and Post Doc at the U of Alberta then so I always traveled coach. By morning on those trips I was convinced that the coach seats were made from concrete with just a thi layer of vinyl over the concrete. I always enjoyed the meal service on VIA. The china, silver and white table clothes were nice. Although I do recall on breakfast between Jasper and Edmonton where they suspended service part wat through the meal because the train was going so fast in an attempt to make up time that none of the staff could keep their footing let alone carry food to the tables.
My only Amtrak overnight trip (Eugene, OR to Dallas, TX) also included doing the most spectacular parts at night and riding east from LA in a sealed car with no air conditioning on an over 100 degree day across the Arizona desert was less than delightful. That trip the coach passengers on the LA to Texas segment were limited to eating in the cafe and the food was terrible. That trip was in 1980. I have taken Amtrak from Boston to Washington DC a few times as well as the train from Champaign Illinois to Chicago more recently.
Despite those experiences I do enjoy train travel and would like to travel through the US rockies by train. One thing I found very interesting when taking the train was seeing the parts cities the trains ran through. That was particularly striking on the Amtrak routes due to the cities that had seen better days.
Thanks for sharing your comments
Awesome comparison. Thanks.
Thanks for watching! Have a great weekend Eva Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🙂
Very interesting comparison. Thanks for sharing.😊enjoy your weekend small town USA 🇺🇸
Thanks for watching! have a great weekend Cinde Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🌺🙂
Excellent information!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video guys. Thank you. ❤
Glad you enjoyed it!
Nice pros and cons comparison. I would love to eat prime rib daily so maybe I'll add the American trip on my bucket list ;)
The steak was great!
Great information. Are you doing a show on your experience in SanFrancisco?
No John we took a break from filming and just took photographs. We had a great time in SF.
Great video. Good comparison.
Glad you enjoyed it have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🌺🇨🇦
Lovely comparrison video and a trip we will consider in the future,.
Glad you enjoyed it Adrian Cheers 🇨🇦🚂🇺🇸🙂
Hey 👋 Tina & Norm
I was wondering if you had time to explore San Francisco at all, once you arrived, and what were your impressions? Thanks!
If you go there, make sure you visit San Francisco. It is a beautiful city with lots to do.
Yes Eric we had a couple of days in San Francisco and really enjoyed it. Union Square was very nice, we did a walking tour which was fantastic. We didn’t see all the troubles that are being reported, sure there was maybe three crazy people but no threat to us. It was Pride week so plenty of police present.
We agree!
Great comparison. Any blue moon amongst all of them.😂 Have a great weekend.
Thanks, you too Tony Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🌺🙂
Thanks so much Norm and Tina for another fantastic video. We enjoy traveling by car as well as cruising. One of the activities that both of those modes of transportation allows is the ability to exercise daily. I sleep and feel so much better if I get in a workout of walking/running/cycling every day. I'm guessing this is not possible on Amtrak but with 2 hours stops "maybe" a possibility on Via Rail?? Via in particular with its stops seems to be more a fit for us. Thanks so much!!
Our pleasure! you do get quite a bit of walking Andy all up and down the cars , to the restaurant and dome car so that helped Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🙂
Great info for future trip planning. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the review, I had been waiting patiently as I was hoping you were planning a comparison. A very balanced and fair comparison i might add. So now for the million dollar question - which one would you like to do again first? And follow up question which season seems better -off season with less people, better prices etc. Or full season for the views etc.?
Thank you as always and really enjoying the videos.
Off season for sure the Via Rail in summer has lots of trees that limit the view. We would do Via Rail again and pay for Prestige class.
we enjoy your vids very much, thanks...........Norm, where do you get your rock band t-shirts?
Thanks Malcolm, Giant Tiger for t-shirts
Via rail does have dome cars for coach.
We did say that and put up a graphic
Interesting comparison. Duly noted. I would imagine that rail travel in North America is a bit less than in Europe (eg. investments in updated cars etc.) given rail travel there is much more part of the culture. Next up, you’ll have to review the Rocky Mountaineer!
I can’t speak to rail travel through northern Ontario, but if it is anything like the TransCanada around Lake Superior, it would be stunning and not to be missed..Saskatchewan and Manitoba, meh, not so much.
Glad you enjoyed it Murray , not sure about the Rocky Mountaineer we actually like sleeping 😴 on the train , with the other one you stay in hotels along the way 🤔have a great weekend Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🙂
Thanks for the comparison, we would like to try Canadian rail travel. I think the food menu on Amtrak has many selections so they really don't need to change the menu-you aren't on the train long enough to try all of the items. There is so much food 3 meals a day, it's almost too much without exercise from being on the train. You spend the day sitting enjoying the scenery, and the stops(unless there was refueling) were too short for anything. I hope VIA has better customer service. Our train was shut down in Sacramento due to the concern of the rail strikes in 2022, and Amtrak did nothing to get us home-didn't even care. The sleeper room was compact but great-understaffed as can be expected. I made my own bed. Our car was very clean, although the whole waste water system stopped working (toilets, showers). I think it would be worth the money for the Prestige service on VIA. Very good information, thanks for taking the time.
So sorry to hear about your Amtrak trip, we must have been so lucky, our beds were always turned down and room service was offered for meals. Hope you get chance to do the Via Rail and Prestige class is impressive and $$$$
I took both the Canadian and Ocean trains in 2019, a few months apart. I agree with all of your observations. I recall some Americans on board that had the opinion that the food service on Via was better.
Do you have any plans to try the Eastern services in Canada and the US?
We have thought about maybe the Ocean train 🚂 trip have a wonderful weekend Chris Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🙂
Mashallah good 💞💕😊 sharing
Thank you 🌺🚂🙂
Hello guys! I really enjoy your videos and appreciate them
You mentioned we might have seen in a previous video that we saw a bag of towels on via rail. Did you put a video out of that Canadian trip? I couldn't find it if you did. I did see the Amtrak video. That's on my wish list to travel that route you guys took. I would like to see the West. Thanks a bunch, and take care!
Is there any chance you guys will take a cruise any time soon, or is Portugal in the near future?
Both trips had great scenery we share all the costs of both trips in each video , have been looking at Cruises 🚢 and hope to be back in Portugal 🇵🇹 this Winter David Cheers 🇨🇦🚂🇺🇸🙂🇵🇹
Great. Waiting for your trip to Portugal. I plan to be back in Portugal all the winter days
As a Canadian whose done the Montreal-Halifax Via rail journey almost a dozen times, and also done the St Albans to DC Amtrak 8 times, Amtrak is by far a better value and service. Amtrak has nicer trains, far friendlier staff, slightly better food, and is more affordable. I wish Amtrak would buy out VIA rail.
Thanks for this comprehensive comparison of the two lines. Via Rail sounds like their staff is better trained and more professional than Amtrak. The ability to book the "handicapped room" on Amtrak is a fantastic deal if you are lucky enough to "snag" it. As an American, I guess I'm prejudiced in a sense that I just assume that the Canadian train will be "an upgrade" over Amtrak. This is based on seeing so many travel videos of both services and riding on Amtrak. Via is still on my "bucket list". Amtrak has a reputation (fair or not fair) of having poor service, mediocre food(especially during Covid when all of their meals were basically microwaved TV dinners)😱🤣 and endless delays. I understand that there are private companies offering "ultra luxury train cars" that are attached to the regularly scheduled train services. Of course, they are extremely expensive but as the saying goes, "you get what you pay for". Take care and have an enjoyable August. Winter will be here before you know it. 😊
Thanks for sharing John yes we had heard it was different during Covid, both our trips were this year so they were back to normal and we loved both Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🌺🙂
Hey 👋 Tina & Norm
This video was great for highlighting the pluses and minuses comparing ViaRail and Amtrak. I’ve seen the USA I-90, I-80, I-70, many times. But never seen Canada west of Sault Ste. Marie. One day, we’re going to do that whether on ViaRail or via car. Why don’t these trains have ALL prestige accommodations instead of a 2-tier system? Plus, I may not be athletic enough for climbing up onto a bunk. I’m 6’1”. Is there room enough for larger people? Thank you for sharing.
Yes the bunks are large enough, it’s just the technique of getting into the upper bunks would suit younger folks. That’s where the Prestige class wins on Via Rail for us oldies as it’s a double bed.
In my student days, I was also 6'1", and don't recall any issues in bunks. I seem to recall the Roomettes being a bit cramped, but the private privy (ha,ha alliteration!) and the included meals made up for it.
Regarding two-tier fares, it's just an attempt to drag a few more shekels out of the tourists.
The tail end buffer car on the Canadian is now over. The Park car views are now back.
Great news 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦
Awesome it seemed unnecessary just a shame we didn’t experience it.
Great info! Which side is better viewing when travelling Toronto towards Vancouver? And also your US trip towards California which side is best for views?
If you book a bedroom keep the door open and you can see out of both windows Wendy , doesn’t matter in the dome car you see it all . We have done videos on top tips on both trains the links are in a pinned comment in the description Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🥂
Thank you for sharing your comparison, very interesting. You discussed some lounge and food price comparisons, but did you compare cost of tickets for the two somewhere? Or was that not comparable due to difference of train car booked? Thank you
We mentioned about the fact that they were in different months of the year so hard to compare , we give all the costs of both trips in the individual videos we did of each train , the links are in the description thanks for watching Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🙂
Do you know if Americans are allowed to carry their guns on Amtrak? I'd like to do the Coast Starlight down the Pacific Coast but would be nervous about concealed weapons.
We don’t know Jane, perhaps a quick phone call to their customer service team.
Hi from Geelong Australia
I am thinking of doing the California zephyr if you got any tips I'm thinking of going coach one way and maybe a roommate back
Or go back on another train have you got any tips
The coach class isn't too bad and you can bring food onboard. You get equal rights to the dome car for sightseeing. We haven't done it but there are a few long distance trains by Amtrak or you could jump over the border to Canada and do part of The Canadian train by Via Rail. Good luck!
@@ThisIsOurRetirement
Thanks for your reply my friends
Yes there is a lot to think about I think I can go one way by coach and the way back in a roommete I think that might be a goer when do you reckon would be a good time to book a ticket say for next year
As someone who took the Via Rail Canadian in the opposite direction to you, the first class lounge in Vancouver leaves a lot to be desired. No way as nice as the one in Toronto. Albeit it is a smaller station.
Thanks for sharing 🙂🌺🇨🇦
I’d like to ask when did the sale you booked on Via Rail occur. I’m looking to go in Feb or March 2024 but would like to get a sale price.
We did the the trip on March 4 th 2023, we saw the deal and booked two weeks before Sharron all the pricing is on our video of the trip , the links are a pinned comment on the description Cheers 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦🌺🙂
@@ThisIsOurRetirement thank you. For responding.
Just curious - did you meet anyone who experienced motion sickness on either train?
No we didn’t
My comment was getting a little long. Did the 2 trips have similar costs? Was the scenery better on the Canadian trip or the USA trip? Maybe I'll try both! I'm 60, my wife is 58, and we plan on retiring in 2 years. Thx and take care!
Yes it's here David ruclips.net/video/k8FOQ7B1qLI/видео.html
So you are saying you had in room showers on VIA RAIL ? Without the in room showers are there no alternatives to taking showers in the room?
No we didn't have in room showers on VIA, unless you are prestige class, we used a communal shower room in the rail car where our bedroom was. Amtrak in some rooms have in room showers, i.e. wet bathroom.
Did you tip on either train after journey/s? If so, what amount? As a UK born, Canada raised retiree, I just don’t tip like my U.S.A. friends. What’s your thinking?
Yes we did when you get great service we feel it’s the right thing to do whatever amount you are comfortable with 💰👍
Did you leave a gratuitity?
Yes we did for great service 🌺
the buffer car are not allonger in use.
That’s great!
sounds very similar to our sleeper trains in Australia on long journeys
*the like is hit👍Au👀fully watched🦘*
dont let the coach class to mix with us
Nothing wrong with that Amtrak wins!
Hello 🤗 beautiful ❤️🥰
Thanks for visiting ❤️👍
leave the kids alone................................................and travel by train
Thanks for watching 🇺🇸🚂🇨🇦
Tried to open this week's post, but it keeps saying private. My husband looked at it earlier today, and he now gets the same message as I do. 2023 08 08.
Hi Estelle we made a scheduling mistake it went up at the wrong time so we made it private , it has just gone live at 4.00pm hope you can see it now Cheers 🇨🇦🍷🇵🇹