User:Samuell/Sandbox

The Canadian (French: Le Canadien) is a 4,466 km (2,775 mi) passenger train operated by VIA Rail Canada running from Toronto to Vancouver, with numerous intermediate stops including Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper and Kamloops. The trip, which takes over three days, is the longest passenger train route in North America, and covers a several distinct landscapes, running from Toronto's financial district, through the sprawling suburbs of the Greater Toronto area, passed Ontario's Lake Country and through the massive Canadian Shield, the open expanse of the prairies across the Rocky Mountains, and into the lush Fraser Valley of British Colombia, before ending in the bustling pacific city of Vancouver.

Understand
The Canadian is the longest scheduled passenger train in North America, at 4,466 km it is 542 km longer than the second place California Zephyr, though it less than half the distance of the Moscow-Vladivostok Trans-Siberian Railway.

The train inherited its name from a previous service operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway, which ran from Toronto to Vancouver, albeit on a more southern route that ran through Thunder Bay, Calgary and Banff. The current routing is largely that used by the rival Canadian National Railway's Super Continental. After both railways turned their passenger service over to VIA in the 1970s, VIA operated both trains until the southern route was mostly cancelled in the 1990s due to budget cuts, and the Canadian brand was transferred to the northern route.

The train operates using an assortment of cars used on the original Canadian as well as cars of the same era purchased from US railways. The cars, mostly built in the 1950s, have been rebuilt multiple times and while quaint, are functional and have been modernized to a limited degree. During the summer months, when demand is higher, the train will be longer than 20 cars. While the train is dominated by tourists, especially in the summer, one of its official purposes is to provide transportation services to the remote communities between Capereol and Winnipeg, and thus it makes many stops in remote places along the line.

Service on the train and major stations is available in English and French, all staff will speak English and most will speak French. While passengers have a legal right to service in either language, English is the default language and the French spoken by some of the staff is weak. With a few exceptions the communities served by the train are primarily English speaking.

Tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly from VIA Rail it's website, over the phone (1 888 842-7245 in Canada and the United States, +1 514 989 2626 worldwide, 1 800 268-9503 TTY), in person at any staffed VIA station counter, or through overseas travel agents. Unlike European rail tickets, the ticket is valid only for a specific date of departure.

Sales and special online discounts are available through sporadically on VIA's website for both economy and sleeper tickets, unless there is a general sale, discounts for the next few weeks of travel are available every week Tuesday Toronto (Eastern) Time. Especially in the off season these sales can halve the base fair. For the past few years, VIA has offered $15 fares for children age 11 and under between any two points on the route during the peak season.

See the sleep section of this article for a breakdown of classes and full prices.

Boarding
For passengers getting on in Toronto, Sudbury Junction, Capreol, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper or Vancouver, this is simply a matter of showing up at the station at the right time and if necessary checking your baggage at the baggage counter. In Toronto, sleeper class passengers have access to the Business class lounge. As Toronto is the only station on the route with frequent departures of other trains, economy passengers leaving Toronto should make sure that they get in the right line in the station concourse.

At all other stations boarding is simply a matter of waiting until the train arrives. Depending on the station, there my be a building for you to wait in, washrooms and a wheelchair lift, passengers should check the station's page on VIA's website. Many remote stations will only have a signpost, and some not even that. Passengers check the status of their train ahead of time. When the train approaches at a remote station, stand a safe distance from the tracks but, so the conductor can see you. Approach the conductor when they beckon or turn a flashlight on you. They may ask you to take you baggage to the baggage car yourself and will help you board the train. At most remote stations you are on railway property and should abide by the directions of railway staff, though they will typically leave you alone if you keep out of their way.

Route
Note that this description may not reflect what is visible on the train, some areas will inevitably be covered by darkness as the train passes through them. Eastbound travellers should read the travel guide in reverse.

Coach Cars
These cars have large seats with significant legroom and recline, leg and foot rests and airline-style tray tables, and AC plugins. Seats are in a 2-2 configuration, with some pairs facing each other that are typically reserved for families. There are bathrooms at each end of the car, one of which is wheelchair accessible and has a changing table.

Sleeping Cars
Sleeping Cars, which make up the bulk of the train during the peak season, come in two different configurations: Manour and Château. The Château cars are usally used on other trains and are less common on the Canadian


 * Manour cars have 3 sets of berths, 4 single bedrooms, 6 double bedrooms, 2 common bathrooms and a common shower.
 * Château cars have 3 sets of berths, 8 single bedrooms, 1 triple bedroom, 3 double bedrooms, 2 common bathrooms and a common shower.

Skyline Car
There are typically at least two of these cars on each train, one of which is available to economy passengers. They feature a lounge at each end, one with cafeteria-style tables and the other with long couches, and a glass dome viewing area with seating raised above the area in between. Below the dome area there is a narrow hallway with a snack bar and a kitchen. The kitchen is only open during the peak season for economy passengers, and in sleeper class the kitchen is closed and the snack bar provides bar service and complimentary light snacks. Various activities are available in one of these cars for sleeping class passengers, and live music is provided on some trips to passengers in both classes in in the lounge areas.

Park Car
The last car on the train. Similar external appearance to the Skyline car, with a dome section sticking out. Houses two lower lounges, a dome section and Sleeper premier and accessible suites. Available exclusively to Sleeper class passengers in the off-peak season. In the peak season it is available only to Prestige Sleeper passengers, except between 19:00-22:00 when it is open to all Sleeper passengers.

Baggage Car
Usually the first car of the train and generally closed to passengers.

Communications
As the train passes through some remote areas, cell phone service is not available along large parts of the journey. Most travellers with Canadian mobile contracts should be able to receive voice and data service between Toronto and Capreol, in Gogama, Foleyet, Hornepayne, Caramat, Longlac, Nakina, Armstrong, Minaki, and Brereton Lake, between Winnipeg and Jasper, in Valemont and Blue River, between Clearwater and Ashcroft, in Boston Bar and between Hope and Vancouver. Travellers with on smaller Canadian or international mobile carriers should check with their carriers (Towers on the route belong to Rogers, Bell, Telus, Tbaytel, MTS and Sasktel, though many of these carriers have tower sharing agreements with each other that may extend to international carriers).

Free wireless internet is available at stations in Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Jasper and Vancouver.

Smoking
Smoking (and vaporizers) are prohibited on the train and that prohibition is strictly enforced. Designated smoking stops are Capreol, Hornepayne, Sioux Lookout, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper and Kamloops. The train crew may at times limit or cancel these one stops if the train is behind schedule.

Sleeping and Prestige Classes
Throughout the year, sleeping car passenger receive free three course meals in the dining Car. Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are available in the Park and Skyline cars. There is at least one vegetarian option available and Gluten-free, Kosher and vegan meals can be requested by calling VIA 10 days before departure. A childrens' menu is available.

Economy Class
During peak season passengers can purchase meals from the snack bar in their Skyline car. Meals are cooked in the kitchen next door and are of generally good quality, slightly better Amtrak long distance dining car food and cost around $10. There is at least one vegetarian option at every meal, but be sure to specify that you are vegetarian to avoid miscommunication. There are also a few children's options. Other special diets are not explicitly accommodated.

During off-peak season, the kitchen in the Skyline car is closed and service staff come around the economy cars offering to sign passengers up for dining car sittings.

In either season, the snack bar is open stocking hot and cold beverages, snacks and premade sandwiches.

The dining car is officially open to economy passengers in the off season, though in practice economy passengers can often get a seating in the dining car during peak season if the train is not too full by asking service staff. As the quality of the dining car meals is most pronounced at dinner, this is the best meal to eat in the dining car. Prices are higher than in from the kitchen in the Skyline car, with dinner costing around $20, though the portions are somewhat larger.

Many passengers in economy bring their own food, hot water is available from the snack bar for instant food. There are no fridges or microwaves available for passengers.

Alcohol
Alcohol is available for purchase the Park car, Dining car (though only during meals) and economy class Skyline car. On board selection is limited to a few domestic beers, several wines and a small selection of spirits and mixers. Alcohol cannot be taken outside of the car where it was sold, though passengers with cabins may drink alcohol bought off the train in their cabins. Depending on what province you happen to be in at the time, the minimum age to purchase alcohol is 18 (Manitoba, Alberta) or 19 (Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Colombia). Prestige Sleeper passengers have the cost of alcohol included in their ticket.

Prestige Sleeper
The most expensive option by far, a double bed that converts into an L shaped coach during the day, and a private bathroom and shower. Based on double occupancy and including taxes, this cabin can cost over $7,500 for the entire Toronto - Vancouver trip.

Sleeper class
There are a variety of sleeping options in sleeper class. Pillows, sheets and blankets are provided for all.


 * Berths: the cheapest sleeper option, the lower and slightly cheaper upper berth convert into couches during the day. Mattress dimensions are 178 cm x 109 cm (5 ft. 10 in. x 3 ft. 7 in.). Bathrooms and showers are located in the same car. Unlike all other options on the train, these seats do not have their own electrical outlets, though some are available in the bathrooms. Before discounts, fares start for the entire length of the route start at $1,200 including taxes ($1,700 in the peak season).
 * Cabin for one: Private room with a single bed that is replaced with a chair during the day. Mattress dimensions are 180 cm x 76 cm (5 ft. 11 in. x 2 ft. 6 in.). Includes private toilet and sink, though toilet is covered when bed is set up and you must use the general toilets in the car instead. Shower is available in the car. A standard North American 100 AC outlet is provided in the cabin. Some cabins require a small climb up to the bed, passengers with mobility issues should call ahead to request a lower cabin. Before discounts, fares start for the entire length of the route start at $1,900 including taxes ($2,600 in the peak season).
 * Cabin for two: Private room with an upper and lower bed. Upper bed is accessed by a ladder. Mattress size is 180 cm x 79 cm (71 in. x 31 in.). Beds are replaced with chairs during the day. Includes a private bathroom, access to a shower in the same car and a standard North American 100 AC outlet. Before discounts, fares start for the entire length of the route start at $2,900 including taxes for two people ($3,900 in the peak season).
 * Cabin for three: Only carried in limited number during the peak season and sells out quickly. Mattress size is 153 cm x 91 cm (5 ft. 11½ in. x 2 ft. 7 in.)
 * Cabin for four: Two combined two person cabins, not sold online.
 * Accessible Cabin: Only one per train. Includes fully accessible bathroom and shower. Full specifications are on VIA's website. Can only be booked over the phone.

Economy Class

Large reclining seats in a 2x2 configuration, with airline-style tray tables, a standard North American 100V AC outlets for each seat and a leg rest stowed underneath. There is a bathroom and luggage storage area at each end of the car as well as overhead storage for small bags above your seat. Groups of four seats facing each other are offered to families. Passengers travelling alone are typically given two seats to themselves if they are travelling overnight will rarely be asked to give up the second seat. There is a wheelchair tie down and an accessible bathroom at one end of the car. Before discounts, fares start at $450 including taxes ($510 in the peak season)

Carry on
Economy: 1 Personal bag (max 11.5 kg/25 lbs., 43 x 15 x 33 cm/17 x 6 x 13 in.) and either one large bag (max 23 kg/50 lbs., 158 linear cm/62 linear in.) or two smaller bags (max 11.5 kg/25 lbs., 54.5 x 39.5 x 23 cm/21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in.). Sleeper: 1 Personal bag (max 11.5 kg/25 lbs., 43 x 15 x 33 cm/17 x 6 x 13 in.) and two small bags (max 11.5 kg/25 lbs., 54.5 x 39.5 x 23 cm/21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in.). As there is less storage space in the coach cars the larger bag is not an option. Purses and small folding infant strollers are not included in the carry on baggage count.

Checked
All passengers: Two large bags (max 23 kg/50 lbs., 158 linear cm/62 linear in. each)

Oversized and excess bags can be transported for a $40 fee. Pets in travelling crates can be kept in the baggage car for between $30-$50. Bicycles can be transported for $50 ($100 for tandems) and bike boxes are available for free at major stations. Canoes and kayaks can, with some care, be loaded into the baggage car for $100 fee. As the train serves several remote communities between Capreol and Winnipeg, VIA has a fee schedule for a moving variety of unusual items between those destinations, including groceries, construction materials, and appliances.

Get off
While many international travellers (and indeed many Canadians) opt for the full distance. There is a decent amount of people getting off and on along the way, particularly in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Jasper.

Connections
Because the train is often late VIA recommends against same day connections, though it will rebook you for free if you miss a connection to another VIA train.

Toronto: Union Station is the busiest passenger terminal for any mode of transportation in Canada, though the intercity train concourse is quieter than the commuter concourse below it. From here you can catch VIA Trains to Ottawa, Montreal, and Southern Ontario, a daily Amtrak train to New York City, GO Transit commuter trains and buses to various points in Southern Ontario including Niagara Falls, Ontario. There is a major subway station below the station. There is a rail shuttle to Toronto Pearson airport west of the station and a bus shuttle to Toronto Island Airport across the street in front of the Royal York Hotel. The Toronto Coach Terminal, which has buses throughout Ontario and to Quebec, Western Canada and the United States, is 1.5 km (1 mile) north or three subway stations away in either direction.

Sudbury Junction/Capreol: VIA offers a train from downtown Sudbury to White River, Ontario that serves various remote communities in Northeastern Ontario. You can also catch a bus to various points Northern Ontario in downtown Sudbury. Either way you will need to take a taxi. The on board service staff may be able to have the dispatcher call one for you to time it with the train's arrival.

Longlac: Caribou Coach offers a daily bus to Thunder Bay, though there is some distance between the train station and the bus stop.

Winnipeg: VIA offers a train from to the subartic port of Churchill, Manitoba, most notable for its polar bears. Transit and taxi connections to the airport and adjacent Greyhound bus terminal are available.

Edmonton: Greyhound buses use the train station as a terminal, providing a relatively easy transfer to Calgary and other communities in Alberta.

Jasper: This in the terminus of VIA's trice-weekly train to Prince George and Prince Rupert. Luxury Rocky Mountaineer tour trains and Greyhound buses also depart from this station.

Vancouver: Amtrak offers two trains a day to Seattle, and Greyhound also uses the station as a terminal. There is a Skytrain station nearby to allow transfers to downtown Vancouver.