VIA Rail is Canada’s inter-city train service. It is the Amtrak of the North, but like so many things in Canada, a bit nicer.
VIA Rail recently updated their fleet of trains on the eastern portion from Quebec City to Toronto. During my trip, the train reached speeds of 160km/h (100 mph). I ended a cruise in Quebec city and used the opportunity to explore Canada by train.
My route would take me from Québec City to Montreal to Ottawa to Toronto. I stayed two nights in each city before getting back on the train.
The longest leg of the trip was the section from Ottawa to Toronto – a roughly 5 hour trip. I was able to book a Business Class seat for $178 CAD (about $130 USD at time of booking).
Ottawa Station
The Ottawa VIA Station is about 5 km from the Andaz ByWard. There is a new light rail line that connects downtown Ottawa to the station in 10 minutes. When you get off the light rail at Tremblay station, it is just a short walk to the VIA Station.
The station is modern and above ground. As a Business Class passenger, you have access to the VIA Business Lounge.
While it isn’t worth arriving early just to visit the lounge, if you are there early it is a comfortable and clean space to sit and wait and have a coffee or soda. I didn’t see any food available during my visit.
Business Class Car
I believe our train originated in Ottawa on that particular day as the boarding was called rather early. It is a small station and very easy to get to your train from the lounge.
There were two Business Class cars (1 & 2) and three Economy Class cars (3-5). The cars are marked and there are staff to direct you where to go.
Seats are assigned ahead of time. The layout of the Business Class car is a 1-2 set up with single seats on one side, an aisle, and then two seats on the other side.
There a few seats that face each other with a table in between. I was traveling with my mom so we booked those seats (8D and 9D).
If you are traveling with a group of four people, there is a special cubical that you can reserve that is four seats facing each other enclosed with a small wall for privacy. The idea is for those wanting to have a meeting during their trip.
During my trip, a family had booked this space.
The cars are bright with large windows. There is space over each seat for luggage and additional luggage storage at the end of the car. The seats are comfortable and can slightly recline without impacting passengers behind you.
There are outlets and cup holders at every seat. Each seat has a tray table or full table.
The Economy Class has a 2-2 seating; though I believe the actual seats are very similar if not the same.
Free wifi is available in all sections of the train. It is quick and works well.
There is at least one restroom in each car. Every other car has a large accessible bathroom.
Food and Beverage
Throughout the trip, the attendants offered drink service from a bar cart. All beverages, including mixed cocktails, wine and beer, are complimentary in Business Class. During the first beverage service I was also given a pack of crackers and nuts.
Our train departed around 11:45am, so after the first beverage service, lunch was served. There were three options (pasta, salmon, or a veal meatloaf). I went with the pasta which was very good. It came with a beet salad, olive roll, and dark chocolate dessert. The food and beverages were served in reusable glass or ceramic ware.
My mom got the salmon and said it was also very good.
In Economy, you can pay for a meal, drink, or snacks.
The drink cart came through every hour or so. There is no bar car on the train, but if you wanted another drink at any time you could ask the attendant. Towards the end of the trip we were each given a chocolate.
We arrived in Toronto only a few minutes late. Union Station is in the heart of downtown and connects to the Go commuter trains and the Subway 1 Line.
I loved exploring Canada by their new trains on the Quebec City to Toronto corridor. It is more relaxing and comfortable than air travel and the prices are very reasonable.
Have you tried VIA’s new trains? Share your experience in the comments below.
