|
| |
Riding The Canadian, VIA #1, Westbound FAQ
--or--
Useful Things To Know that VIA doesn't tell you about.
1. Okay. You've bought your ticket. Most likely you're a sleeping car passenger.
Have a printed or emailed image of that ticket on your person at all times. It
verifies your space and gets you back onboard at long walk-the-train stops.
2. Where do you board at Toronto Union Station? There is a Priority check-in
Business Lounge across from the VIA Ticket office. It is recommended you arrive
by 0855. Here you can check any excess baggage to your destination, have some
coffee or tea (no snacks, so have a light breakfast elsewhere), and get your
lunch and dinner reservations for the first day.
About half an hour before the 0955 departure time, you will be led to The
Canadian, towing your carry-on luggage. There will be someone where you
board to help get your luggage up into your car.
3. Your car attendant will stop by each cabin, introduce themselves, answer any
questions you may have and explain
the workings of your particular space.
4. How do meals work? Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are served in the Dining Car.
Breakfast is between 0630 and 0830, whenever you like. There are three
"Sittings" for lunch & dinner: First Sitting is 1100 and 1700; Second Sitting is
1230 and 1845; Third Sitting is 1345 and 2030. In the Lounge under each dome
car, snacks and drinks are available.
5. Hygiene. There are two bathrooms and one public shower in each sleeper. Upon
departure, you are given two towels, shampoo, soap and lotion in a plastic sack.
If you need more than that, just ask your car attendant (who can also change
your bed sheets upon request). Disposal of used towels is a bin in the shower.
My little roomette had a toilet and sink, but I rarely used them. Sink was a
good place to refill my water bottles, however.
6. Where do I charge my multitude of electronic gizmos? My roomette came with
two electrical outlets. If you have more than 3 laptops, phones, camera
batteries, etc. to charge, bring along a small power strip.
7. Tipping? This was very vague both on VIA's website AND online discussions.
From what I read and observed onboard, I'd say, "Tips are not expected, but
appreciated". For my purposes, I brought along Canadian $20, $10 and $5 bills.
There are two groups of onboard crews: Toronto-Winnipeg and Winnipeg-Vancouver.
Car attendants got $40, Dining Car got $5 for breakfast and lunch, then $10 for
dinner.
I did notice MOST people did not tip at all...unless they happened to see my
brother and I tip. So, it's a very nebulous thing. I mean, all the kids
were hustling and providing good service and the food was wonderful -- I just
felt they deserved a little something.
8. Did you ever wonder what the front of YOUR train looked like? Maybe get a
picture?
Well, on the 2,775 mile trip, there is just ONE place where this can be
accomplished: Jasper, Alberta. You exit through the Jasper depot, turn left down
Highway 16a, past the public washrooms, wander through a rental car lot, take
your pictures and get out of there. One caveat: Once you get off the train, you
can't get back on until they're done cleaning it, about 10 minutes before
departure time. This is a good time to go across the street and browse the gift
shops for the folks back home.
The only other way is a lucky shot from the dome car (seen above). And that's
somebody else's train. ;p
 
  |
