We just arrived home from our long anticipated trip by rail from Vancouver to Toronto on The Canadian. 4 days and 4 nights. We splurged and travelled Prestige Class. Thoroughly enjoyed. Met people from the USA, Great Britain, Austria, Australia and of course, fellow Canadians. Everyone gave this trip 2 thumbs up.
I have included some pictures taken along the way. Our cabin for two was beyond our expectations, complete with private shower and toilet. The meals were gourmet. Mid-afternoon snacks in the dome car were unexpected. Delicious, nevertheless. Constant attention from our concierges.
The hallway in our sleeper coach and our cabin, by day and by night:
The Fraser River. A track-side lake in Alberta:
Mt. Baker, in Washington State, visible to the south:
Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies:
Mainline shared with 3 mile long freights. Passenger service waits in the sidings:
21 cars and 2 locomotives make over 2100'. One baggage car, 4 dome cars, 2 dining cars and the rest coaches and sleepers. A camera hardly captures the size of this train. This was in Jasper, Alberta, the furthest point north on our route. Sunset was at 10pm. Note the Via Rail employee up on the hood cleaning the windshield and deflector:
I cannot say enough about the food. Three delightful meals each day and every afternoon, a snack in the dome car or your cabin, as desired. Fresh fruit, muffins, croissants and all beverages for the taking in our dome car 24/7. Melted brie and crackers at 3pm:
Our dinner in the dining car on the 3rd day. Our concierges and kitchen staff, with us from the start, changed shortly afterwards in Winnipeg and left us a message with our dessert:
Sorry about the long post. Should you decide to take this trip, I guarantee no disappointment.
Now I'm off to get some exercise and lose the pounds I gained!
Bob
