Back in October, a charming Irish lady and I shared a table for dinner one evening in the Empire Builder’s dining car. After returning home, and knowing of my involvement in NARP, she very thoughtfully put together some comments and observations of her Amtrak experience. On the whole, she enjoyed the trip, but she did…
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…
My one and only ride on VIA Rail’s train #15, the Ocean, was eight years ago and I would love to do it again. I do have to say that he scenery along the way isn’t extra special—certainly nothing to compare with the Toronto-to-Vancouver train. It was mostly farmland, small farms with modest buildings and…
One way to rate any train ride is to ask yourself, “Would I like to take that ride again?” Certainly, if I’m thinking of VIA Rail’s trans-continental train, the Canadian, I’ve already answered that question in the affirmative something like five times … with Number Six coming up next month. I’d also love to…