Via Plan
Experience Canada's diverse landscapes from the comfort of Via Rail, offering a relaxing and scenic journey across the country.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more seats
Via Plan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more seats
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Canada's diverse landscapes from the comfort of Via Rail, offering a relaxing and scenic journey across the country.
"A comfortable and scenic way to see Canada, perfect for a relaxing trip."
🎯 Book in Advance
Secure your seats and best fares by booking your Via Rail trip early, especially for popular routes.
📱 Use the Via Rail App
Plan your trip, manage bookings, and get real-time updates with the convenient Via Rail mobile app.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Routes
Across Canada
Experience breathtaking Canadian landscapes from the comfort of your seat. Enjoy mountains, forests, and coastlines unfold outside your window.
Business Class Comfort
Select Via Rail Trains
Indulge in premium seating, complimentary meals, and dedicated service for a truly relaxing and productive journey.
Onboard Amenities
Via Rail Trains
Enjoy Wi-Fi, power outlets, and access to the dining car, making your travel experience convenient and enjoyable.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Your Via Rail Journey
Packing for Comfort and Convenience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book in Advance
Secure your seats and best fares by booking your Via Rail trip early, especially for popular routes.
📱 Use the Via Rail App
Plan your trip, manage bookings, and get real-time updates with the convenient Via Rail mobile app.
🧳 Pack Smart
Bring entertainment, snacks, and comfortable shoes for a pleasant journey.
☕ Enjoy Onboard Dining
Savor delicious meals and beverages in the dining car for a complete travel experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book in Advance
Secure your seats and best fares by booking your Via Rail trip early, especially for popular routes.
📱 Use the Via Rail App
Plan your trip, manage bookings, and get real-time updates with the convenient Via Rail mobile app.
🧳 Pack Smart
Bring entertainment, snacks, and comfortable shoes for a pleasant journey.
☕ Enjoy Onboard Dining
Savor delicious meals and beverages in the dining car for a complete travel experience.
🔌 Stay Charged
Utilize power outlets to keep your devices charged throughout your trip.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers generally praise Via Rail for its comfortable seating, scenic routes, and the relaxing pace of train travel. The ability to move around and enjoy the onboard amenities is a significant plus. However, some users report issues with Wi-Fi reliability and occasional delays, which can impact the overall experience.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily plan your Via Rail trip using their official website or the Via Rail app. The 'trip planner' feature allows you to search for routes, select dates, and view available schedules and fares.
While Via Rail primarily operates in Canada, for travel to Livigno, Italy, consider flying into Milan and then taking a train or bus. The journey can be complex, involving multiple transfers.
Yes, Via Rail offers services suitable for business travel, including Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. You can plan your corporate trips using their trip planner.
Via Rail often has special offers and discounts available. It's recommended to check their website regularly or sign up for their newsletter to stay informed about promotions for your trip.
The Via Rail trip planner is your best tool for finding the best route. Enter your departure and arrival stations, and it will show you available options, including direct trains and those with connections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can book Via Rail tickets online through their official website, via their mobile app, or by calling their customer service. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Via Rail offers different seating options depending on the class of service. Economy class typically has a 2-2 configuration, while Business class offers more spacious seating. You can often view seat plans online when booking.
Changes to Via Rail tickets are usually possible, but policies vary based on the fare type purchased. It's best to check the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or contact Via Rail customer service.
Yes, Via Rail frequently offers discounts, especially for early bookings, students, seniors, and families. Keep an eye on their promotions page for the latest deals.
Via Rail has specific baggage allowances for carry-on and checked luggage. It's important to familiarize yourself with these rules before your trip to avoid any issues.
🎫 🧳 Onboard Experience
Via Rail trains offer various amenities, including Wi-Fi (service can be intermittent), power outlets at most seats, comfortable seating, and access to a dining car or café.
Wi-Fi is available on many Via Rail trains, but its reliability can vary depending on the route and location. It's best not to rely on it for critical work.
Business class offers more spacious seating, complimentary meals and beverages, and access to dedicated lounges. Economy class provides comfortable seating at a more affordable price.
Yes, you are generally allowed to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages onboard Via Rail. However, consuming your own food in the dining car may not be permitted.
Seating arrangements vary by car and class. Economy class typically has a 2-2 configuration, while Business class offers more legroom and a 2-1 or 2-2 setup.
📸 📸 Photography
Routes like the Canadian (Toronto to Vancouver) and the Ocean (Montreal to Halifax) are renowned for their stunning scenery, offering ample opportunities for landscape photography.
Try to capture the changing landscapes by positioning yourself near the window. Consider using a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance colors.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, be respectful of other passengers' privacy and avoid intrusive photography.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset often provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography.
Yes, you can take photos of the train interiors, especially if you are in Business class and want to showcase the amenities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look into the VIA Rail train seating plan to ensure you can sit together. While Wi-Fi can be spotty, pre-downloaded movies and games are a lifesaver. The dining car can also be an exciting experience for kids, offering a chance to try new foods and enjoy the journey.
💼 Business Travelers
Utilize the Via Rail trip planner to find routes that align with your schedule. Booking in advance is recommended to secure Business class seats and potentially better fares. The onboard dining service also means you can have a meal without leaving the train, maximizing your time.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for Economy class is the most cost-effective choice. While it lacks the premium amenities of Business class, it still offers a comfortable and scenic journey. Bringing your own snacks and drinks can also help reduce onboard expenses.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Planning Your Via Rail Trip with the Trip Planner
When using the trip planner, pay attention to different fare classes, such as Economy and Business. Each offers distinct amenities and price points. For those looking to plan a business trip, the planner helps identify services like Wi-Fi and power outlets that are crucial for productivity on the go. It's also the best place to check for any ongoing promotions or discounts that can make your Via Rail trip more affordable.
Remember that for more complex journeys or specific needs, like traveling to remote areas or international destinations (though Via Rail is Canadian), you might need to combine their services with other transportation methods. The trip planner is primarily for Via Rail's network, so always cross-reference with other transport options if your destination isn't directly served by them.
Understanding Via Rail Seating and Classes
Business class elevates the travel experience significantly. Seats are more spacious, often in a 2-1 or 2-2 layout with greater legroom and recline. Passengers in Business class also enjoy complimentary meals and beverages, access to dedicated lounges at major stations, and priority boarding. This class is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed and productive journey, whether for leisure or Via Rail business class travel.
When you use the Via Rail plan your trip tools, you can often view a general seating plan for the car you're booking. While specific seat selection might be limited in Economy, Business class often allows for more choice. Understanding these differences is key to planning a trip that meets your comfort and budget needs.
Scenic Photography Opportunities
Other routes, like the Ocean line connecting Montreal to Halifax, offer coastal views and maritime charm. Even shorter regional routes can provide unexpected photographic gems. The key is to be prepared: have your camera or smartphone ready, and be aware of the changing light conditions. Early mornings and late afternoons, often referred to as the 'golden hours,' provide the most flattering light for landscape photography.
While the journey itself is a visual feast, remember to also capture the ambiance of the train. Photos of the interior, the dining car, or even fellow passengers (with their permission) can add a personal touch to your travelogue. The slow, steady pace of the train allows for more deliberate composition than you might achieve while driving.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit