Thank you for your thoughts! This was by far the most detailed review I've watched so far! Most around the same time or longer didn't get explain half of what you did!
For me I was trying to figure out if the upgrade was worth it, seating plans, food, the lounge, and a few other things. It’s going to be my first VIA rail trip. Going from Toronto to Quebec City. Not a lot of people vlogged the trip. Might be because it’s a long trip. Keep doing what you’re doing, because I know I’m not the only who appreciates the detailed videos.
One of my biggest complaints with VIA Rail is the restriction on baggage weight. Message to VIA: "YOU ARE NOT A PLANE! You do not need weight restrictions. I presume the train is staying on the ground, no?" Planes need this so that they can get off the ground. Trains do not have this same restriction so why make it a big issue when boarding trains. By eliminating the weight restrictions you would get many more people travelling by train that couldn't fly without paying extra for overweight baggage. It would be a good selling point. But as it stands, you, Via Rail are destroying the capability of Canadians to travel effectively and efficiently.
Really enjoy your videos. Your voice is great for the narration, calm and pleasant, and your editing/production is really well put together. Would love to see your channel grow!
Thank you very much Andrew, great to see your videos from Canada. Traveling by train is always very beautiful, the landscapes and views of the river are beautiful. The train itself, as you say, is a comfortable train, but for price reasons it seems more convenient to use the cheaper cars hahaha. Greetings!
I traveled on ViaRail from Ottawa to Montreal in economy class. It wasn’t as comfortable as I would’ve liked for it to be. It was nice though. I caught the AMTRACK from Montreal to New York. I was more impressed with the comfort of the AMTRACK service than ViaRail. ViaRail didn’t seem to put enough plush materials in their seats and the reclining options were not as nice as Amtrack’s service. I would do the same trip over again and consider using ViaRail for other destinations throughout Canada but I would advise transportation companies that it’s all about the comfort when it comes to traveling.
I've never rode on an amtrack train, so I can't compare. As you mentioned seats are the best, but theyre ok but can be improved. I'd like to try that montreal nyc route one day.
It's unfortunate, before COVID the business class lounge used to serve small snacks, and the meal was more substantial. There was a salad/appetiser course that was served prior to the main course. This service was reduced and never reinstated again. Perhaps they should focus less on the mask recommendation at the start of the trip and instead provide more food for their customers...
I didn't know what their service was like before corona. Sad to see they didn't go back to it, but not surprised tbh. With the new trains I hope they step up their game and quit with their luggage nonsense.
On my only visit to Canada we did consider ViaRail from Montreal to Ottawa and onwards, but research suggested it was slow and somewhat old fashioned. Which is what you review suggested to me. I'm not sure what market its really looking at as it seems too slow for business travellers and moderately ok for economy travellers. We ended up driving and followed a similar route, but it also allowed us to detour to PEC.
Via is a Crown corporation, so change tends to be slow with any govt business so the old fashion aspect is definitely highlighted. I'm not sure their target market either! I assume a lot is uni kids during the school year. Mtl traffic is known to be horrendous, so I thought the 2 hour trip I did last year between Mtl & Ott was reasonable. Via can have much better service but would require a lot of work. Thanks for the comment Kent!
Well presented! Thank you! Is there wheelchair assistance available for seniors who need support, to carry them from the station to the rail? And is there a rental car office near by the station in Ottawa? I am planning on taking my senior parents from Toronto to Ottawa for a 3 day tour, mid-August this year, and your video is really helpful.
These are good questions and best left to VIAs website or help centre. I did another via video from Ottawa - Montreal and you can see inside Ottawa stn at the start which may provide some clarity. Enjoy your trip!.
I take a look at the cost differential when booking. If it's less than $50(ish) more, then I'll usually go with regular coach and use the buy-on-board option there.
I would stick to business class on VIA Rail as I can't stand to be in a lower class of service. If I were to fly, I'd be taking Air Canada Business Class which costs a lot more.
I agree -would go with economy from now on. Though via is getting a new fleet, and the business class cars looks like a step in the right directions from the pictures I've seen. We'll see how those new trains pan out.
Agreed. Many years of funding cuts did no one any good. Rode their new trains last week, so looks like they're doing something right..but will take a lot of investments if they're serious about rail travel in this country.
Extra space in the car, the lounge, meal and drinks, extra points, refundability etc etc. As mentioned, I'd be perfectly comfortable with the economy seat in this case. But it was a nice day overall!
