VIA Rail Canada Inc. — Attraction in Toronto

We went on Via Rail from Toronto to Jasper recently. Because this was a once in a life time trip we booked the Premier cabins.

When we arrived at the rail station in Toronto we were a little bit lost. Some better signage would have been helpful. We were 'helped' by a perfectly lovely lady who is the epitome of the adage 'people want to help and will tell you something even if they don't know the answer.'. Good thing we didn't listen to her. Better signage would have helped us.

However once we checked in, we were helped every step of the way. We had access to a very nice private lounge with only a few people in it. The gentleman helping us turned out to be the one who stayed with us on the train all the way to Winnipeg.

Every bit of service was first class. When we had a problem with toilets on the train, we were quickly moved to a different room. The beds were large and each night we had turn down service where they pulled our bed down from the wall and left us chocolates on the pillow.

I would totally suggest this form of travel to anyone who wanted to explore Canada. Every employee we met was helpful, even those who didn't know we were Premier customers.

The train was clean and kept clean. The employees were friendly and kind and helpful...

Bought tickets for a return trip from Halifax. Train broke down before first town. 4+ hr wait, just to be crammed on a BUS for 11+ hours to Montreal. Second train... Via rail down graded seats and moved to later train. Went from 4 seats facing eachother to 3 all facing forward, one slightly apart and no scenery (pic). Also the car was full of ef'n kids...(I know , not their fault, but I am a mid 40's that's already annoyed.) Just really sucks cus I was super excited and looking forward to this 'amazing experience' and it ended up, absolutely horrible. I seriously hated the whole train part and cannot recommend. Even with a 50% refund, I say take a plane! Train was not worth it. EDIT: NOPE, was "miscommunication" All I ef'n get is credit???? What, to pay extra for a bus ride and seats I don't want in the future?! DO NOT waste your money on VIA Rail. They don't maintain the trains and then say "While VIA makes every effort to ensure service and on-time performance, you will appreciate that operating problems beyond our control can occasionally disrupt services despite our best efforts." ... .... MAINTAIN YOUR TRAINS! And give me...

Update Was told by customer service to call ahead of booking to ensure I get the train with the older comfy red seats. Tried to do that today. For almost 10 days after the initial trip I want to book. All trains leaving at 5:30am have the hard leather seats. How is this fair. How is it justified to give no other option. Am I supposed to stand for the entire 8hr trip? Should I boycott VIA and never take the train again? I’m just curious as to what lifetime riders have to do to see actual positive changes. Telling us that the new fleet will be here next year is not a feasible response and more of a slap in the face. How the hell does that help my lower back now?**

New seats for economy are absolutely uncomfortable. Guess we have to pay almost 3x as much to have seats with suitable cushioning for long distance journeys? What a joke of a company. Had the older seats on a previous trip and the comfort level comparison is night and day. Bring back the old red seats on all...