Travel Aboard Via Rails Canadian
Viewing Canada's Diverse Landscape In the Comfort of a Train
Ever wondered what it would be like to travel Canada by train? Is it really kid-friendly aboard the train? Questions and answers about Via Rails Canadian.
There are many ways to travel Canada's vast expanse but have you ever considered taking the train? If you haven't perhaps this option of family friendly travel deserves your consideration.
Via Rail, Canada's premier passenger train service provider truly offers a one-of-a-kind family vacation experience. With Via's varying passes and programs travelers have the utmost flexibility when it comes to planning family rail vacation.
Via Rail Travel Passes
Via offers passes which can be tailored to any travel plans but there are some things travelers need to consider before making ticket purchase.
- Do you want to travel roundtrip or return via an alternate method of travel?
- Do you plan to stop in different communities or one major destination?
- Would you prefer to travel in coach or sleeper class?
- Do you have a flexible return date?
If travelers plan to stop overnight in many different locations along the train route it would be best to purchase the Via Rail CanPass which is a flexible ticket offering 12-15 days of travel within a 30-day period for one cost. Riders can stop overnight in many different places and even upgrade to sleeper accommodation should they choose. This is also a good pass if a traveler has an open ended return date however advance purchase of the pass is recommended.
If the traveler is a senior there are many benefits to traveling on the rail such as the companion program. A senior can bring one companion of any age along free of charge in comfort class or at a 75% discount in other classes.
Youth 18-25 may also reap the rewards of train travel with a 25% discount in comfort class and 10% in sleeper class. And of greatest benefit, for families with children, is the summer program, which allows for one child to travel free of charge per traveling adult (ages 2-11).
All Aboard, What is it Like Onboard the Train
Depending on the direction of travel, on which line and in which class there are many great onboard features at a riders disposal. In Comfort Class passengers are seated in a comfortable seat or group of seats if the group is a family of three or more. At night passengers are shown how to recline their seat and given a pillow, blanket, eye mask and earplugs to drown out any cabin noise which is kept to a minimum. Access to the Dome and Skyline or Park Car is available 24-7 with the exception of the snack bar, which is open until 11Pm. There are games and activities in the Park Car for passengers to enjoy.
If a passenger is traveling in Sleeper Class they have access to the dinning car and the Bullet Car/Dome Car at the very end of the train from which to view the great scenery. Passengers will have a comfortable bed by night and luscious seating by day as well as access to great activities in the Park Car.
What To Bring On The Rail Trip
Though the staff onboard the train can provide for most passenger needs quite efficiently they may want to consider some tips from train travelers:
- Bring a change of clothes for longer trips and toiletries even if traveling in Coach.
- Traveling in Coach bring your own pillow and blanket.
- Pack activities for the kids (some good things, coloring books, action figures, portable DVD players).
- Pack snacks food on board is expensive.
- Talk to the Car Attendants they are very knowledgeable, don’t be afraid to ask for information on a town or if you need something on board.
Over all travel by train can be a wonderful experience for anyone with a heart for adventure or a longing for the finer things in life. The train offers something for everyone so be sure to consider train travel when booking that next big family vacation.
