Just finished a return VIA trip from Toronto to Kamloops (train finishes in Vancouver). It was 4 nights on the train each way. VIA uses the classic Budd stainless steel cars. The insides have been upgraded a few times since the 50's, with the newest upgrade to a premium "murphy" double bed in a double sized bedroom (only 6 bedrooms per car = 12 people).
The original sleeper cars have 2 configurations, the Manor cars have 4 single bedrooms, 6 double bedrooms and 3 upper&lower births. (the 4th birth was replaced with a shower). car sleeps 22 people. The other sleeper design is a Chateau car with 6 single bedrooms, 4 double bedrooms and 3 upper&lower births plus the shower.
In sleeper class, the food is included. The diner car holds 44 people, and they had 2 and 3 sittings, depending on how many people were on the train. the food is prepared on board by a chef, and the quality is excellent. there are always 3 choices per meal, with no repeats over the 4 days. The food is served on real china (no plastic). Liquor is extra.
Park car rear dome:
Lounge under the Park car dome
View entering Toronto:
Dining car and food presentation:
Skyline dome (mid train) lounge:
Upper birth: The lower birth is the larges sleeping area on the train.
Double bedroom (2 bedrooms with adjoining wall removed) sleeps 4:
Bedroom showing upper and lower birth. Sink is on the right. Washroom is the door beside the sink: I am 6'-1" tall and sleep on my side. Room is tight but I sleep very well on the train. My sons are 6'-4" & 6'-6" and sleep on the top bunk, on their sides.
Some views of the train:
This year the configuration was 1 baggage car, 2 coach cars, 2 skyline dome cars, 8 sleeper cars and at the end a park/dome car.
The staff is friendly and the service is excellent. This may be one of the best train rides in the world. The total duration is 4 days on one train. (however I have not travelled any overnight trains in Europe, yet)
