After six LD AMTRAK trips in the last 1 1/2 years, hubby and I are finally going ViaRail Sarnia-Toronto-Vancouver and back the first three weeks in October.
For anyone who has already taken this trip in the fall, what kind of clothes should we pack for the train, what is unnecessary to pack and any other tips? We live in mid-Michigan and assume October across Canada is transitional like here but probably a bit chillier on average.
Thanks,
Christine
I am boarding Via #2 at Edmonton tonight, returning to Toronto. There is a chance to walk around in Winnipeg for a few hours on your westbound trip, chances are it will be pretty cold in October although we are having a much milder than usual September. There are other stops along the way for crew changes, fuel etc. where you may get out and stretch your legs so it may be a bit cold then too. Make sure you don't wander too far away and get back to the train with plenty of time to spare, it's a few days until the next one!
Most of the complaints I have heard about things being too cold on board are generally (not always) from seniors
who may have circulatory problems or are used to a warmer environment. As others have noted, the comforters supplied with sleeping accomodation will keep you warm at night.
You will find the food, service and accomodation on this train to be excellent and typical of what once was available on the best railroads in the 1940's and 1950's. This is about as close as you can get to a trip on the California Zephyr when it was at it's peak and run by Western Pacific.
On my westbound trip a week and a half ago, there were 22 revenue cars including 3 Skyline domes, one Park dome obseation and two full dining cars. The sleepers and diners were packed with tour groups, many from the UK, the coaches were with more local travellers and students
On your westbound trip, get a spot on the left-hand side of the dome about one hour out of Rivers, Manitoba. The train follows the beautiful Qu'Applelle Vallley for about 20 miles. The Praries "ain't" all flat.
Oh yes, the prices are pretty high but keep checking those Express Deals on Via's website, some are pretty reasonable if you have departure date felxibility. If you do a fair bit of Via travel as I do on business, get a Via Preference (points)( card, too.
Gord