Across Canada in a VIA Rail Sleeper.
VIA’s western trains–that is, trains operating west of Toronto–use the classic single level stainless steel cars built in the 50’s and lovingly restored and refurbished. Sleeping car passengers enjoy lounge cars with a viewing dome, dining cars, and the classic bullet-ended Park cars, each one named for one of Canada’s national parks. In addition to their own dome, Park cars also have a lounge area, plus a deluxe bedroom (more about that follows) and one handicap accessible suite.
Each of the standard sleeping cars in the stainless steel fleet (referred to as “Manor” cars) has a maximum capacity of 22 passengers: four roomettes for solo passengers, in which the bed folds down from the wall, plus six double rooms featuring upper and lower berths. There are also three “sections” in each sleeping car, with facing seats during the day that convert to upper and lower berths at night. Privacy is achieved by heavy zippered curtains. (Think “Some Like It Hot” and the hilarious scene with Jack Lemmon and members of the all-girl band.) Each car has one shared shower.
VIA uses what they call “Chateau” sleepers on the train they operate from Winnipeg north to Churchill on the shores of Hudson Bay. The interior configuration is different from the Manor cars, but they’re certainly just as comfortable. Each Chateau sleeper has eight singles, three doubles, one triple room, and three sections.
With the exception of the sections, all of VIA’s sleeping car accommodations include en suite toilet facilities The only quirk to note is in the single roomettes in both the Manor and Chateau sleepers: when the berth is lowered, it rests on and covers the toilet. Not a big deal: If, like me, you invariably have to use “the facilities” in the middle of the night, you just get out of bed, release the latch that holds it in the “down” position, and raise it up half way. (Just don’t forget to secure the latch before climbing back into bed!)
Some of the sleepers and Park cars used on VIA’s premier train, The Canadian, (Vancouver-Toronto) have been renovated–VIA calls it “Prestige Class–and passengers opting for this new service enjoy actual suites, each with a sitting area and a full-sized double bed that folds down from the wall.
I confess to having indulged myself on VIA’s superb transcontinental train more than a half dozen times over the years. Now the renovated suites and the refurbished lounge area in the Park cars (photo above) provide a brand-new excuse for doing it again!
Finally, please note that through the end of 2016 members of NARP, the National Association of Railroad Passengers, will be given a 10% discount on both the rail fare and the sleeping car accommodations on all VIA trains. (Note, please, that the discount does not apply to the Prestige Class accommodations.)
Dear Jim,
I am SO HAPPY that I stumbled across some of your information!!! I am in the early stage of trying to book a trip through the Canadian Rocky’s via a sleeper car ( my husband would like to experience both sleeper car and dining while he still can. Let’s call it something on our “Bucket list”).
Where do I start to find out routes that offer the sleeper car and the cost? Also, my husband is a Veteran w/ a disability rating of 100% ( he can walk, but not long distance, which is why we don’t want to be on/off the train)- are there any discounts for Veterans or seniors? We would like to do it in September and can be flexible with days of week and dates.
Thank you in advance for your help.
With all sincerity,
Loreli Pepping
Thanks … I will respond in detail by email.
I’m planning on a Christmas trip for 2017 and would LOVE the full train experience; including a sleeper car. How much would such an accomodation cost?
Good for you, Joanna. Quick answer: depends on the train and on the accommodation you choose. I’m short on time at this moment since I’m leaving in a few hours for the NARP meeting in Denver. But you have plenty of time to plan for a trip more than a year away. If you will email me again around the end of this month, I’ll be delighted to make some suggestions and offer some insights. Best email address is jploomis@maui.net.
So, if I’m understanding correctly, the roomettes on the Manor cars (The Canadian) would be roughly equivalent to roomettes on the Superliners, except is there just one bed in the Via roomettes? If so, would that one-bed roomette be somewhat roomier than the two-bed Superliner roomettes?
(Frankly, in my case I’ve never traveled with a second person in an Amtrak roomette; I’ve always used a bedroom if my wife was along for the trip.)
Regarding the Via ‘double rooms’ how would you say their roominess compares with an Amtrak ‘bedroom?’ And would one or both of the ‘double room’ beds be as wide as the lower bed in an Amtrak bedroom?
Would the accommodations price structure on Via be similar to Amtrak as far as a comparison in Via prices for roomettes vs. double rooms?
Roomettes in the Manor cars only accommodate one person. The bed is more comfortable than those in a Superlunar roomette. And, of course, there is a sink and a toilet. I’d say “roominess” is about the same. VIA’s double rooms also include a sink and a lavatory and I’d say they feel a little roomier than the Amtrak bedroom because the seating is two comfortable chairs that take up less room. They fold up and slide under the lower bunk at night. It comes down out of the wall like a Murphy bed, while the upper berth folds down from the adjoining wall. Both beds are (I’m guessing now) perhaps 6-8 inches narrower than a standard twin bed … but very adequate. Basically, both options are more comfortable than the comparable in an Amtrak Superliner.
I never tire traveling across Canada during every season of the year on “The Canadian”–over 5 times. Simply fantastic; the very best of North America and right up there in the top 5 of the world!
In particular, one has to truly respect VIA for the superb work it has consistently performed to keep those 1954 Budd built cars (ex-CPR) in an impeccable condition–everything works, the compartments are clean; real berths; duvets and comfortable pillows; space for luggage. And yes, the original vista-domes are magnificent!
Although you should bring a thick book when traversing Manitoba and Saskatchewan, do note that the first class lounge in the Park car (recently remodeled-yet again) actually makes real (and terrific) cocktails. Meal service aboard “The Canadian” is simply terrific–every meal, every day features its own menu. Dinners typically feature rack of lamb, duck, the best steak and fish, etc. Breakfast is your choice of freshly prepared omelettes, fruit, french toast, etc. Lunch equally freshly cooked and great. However, the entire process for serving so many first class passengers is classic. Be sure to tip out entire train staff by Winnipeg, as the staff is totally changed out, and the train provisioned there.
Do note how VIA is on top of everything–unlike Amtrak, passengers are not bombarded with incessant PA announcements throughout the day, starting 0700 that the diner and cafe are opened and details of menus. No, instead, a server simply walks thru the sleepers discreetly announcing second or last call for that meal.
Finally, I recommend joining the VIA Preference program (with rewards like airline mileage program), that will send you monthly email notices of sales up to 50% off for these magnificent trains.