meals in business class

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northnorthwest

Service Attendant
Joined
Feb 21, 2013
Messages
158
I'm thinking of taking via rail in some combination between Quebec City, Montreal, and Toronto. I've never done any trains in Canada. I'm wondering what business class is like on these routes from people who've done it before, specifically the food and drinks. What were some of the meals you had or were offered and how good were they? What about drinks? Also are the drinks unlimited (within reason)? How does the meal service work?

Also are these routes and via rail generally considered high speed rail?

I saw through an online search that the business amenities (seating, lounges, etc.) have recently been upgraded as well. Overall do you think it's worth the price?

Thanks.
 
Riding on VIA's. Windsor/Toronto/Montreal/Quebec City

Corridor is similar to the NEC between BOS and WAS. There is not a Conductor inside the train, they ride in the cab with the engineer.

The Express trains between Toronto amd Montreal cost more than regular Corridor Trains and Biz Class is very popular with Business and Expense Account riders,similar to Acela FC. The food and drink is served @ your seat in Biz Class by an attendant. You will be able to use the Panorama Lounges in Toronto and Montreal if you upgrade to Biz Class. ( used to be called VIA 1)

The trains aren't HSR, but since they don't make many stops, keep fairly good time!

If you ride Coach the attendant will sell the snacks and drinks from a push cart just like the Airlines do (and the Hiawatha used to)

Overall I'd say its not worth the upgrade ( tickets are pricey and the GST is added to the prices also), Coach is plenty comfortable for the not terribly long trips. You might want to try one way from Toronto to Montreal if you can get a good price. ( the Canadian Dollar is very weak against the Greenback currently!)
 
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