What NOT to Do When Taking the Train in Canada
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when using Canadian trains. Whether you are visiting the larger cities of Canada or taking the train across Canada, there are a few things you should know!
Don’t Forget to Pre-Purchase Your Tickets
If you’re traveling on the weekend or in the summer, make sure you buy your train tickets ahead of time because they can sell out! Local trains can sell out a few weeks in advance, while cross-country trains sell out months in advance. You will also get a better price by purchasing your ticket in advance.
Pay attention to the different ticket classes on the trains; there are some pretty big differences, so choose wisely! Once you board the train, don’t put your ticket away. The train conductors will come by periodically to check your ticket, so keep it handy!
Don’t Expect to Save Money
You might think taking the train will save money over taking a plane. In some cases, that might be true, but not always! Canadian train tickets can add up quickly, depending on the route and class of car that you choose. My ticket for the Toronto to Montreal train was $300 for business class, while a flight was $150. Sometimes you choose the train for the experience, not to save money!
Don’t Expect a Short Trip
There are no short train rides in Canada! It’s a huge country! The Toronto to Montreal train is over five hours long if that gives you an idea. If you want to take the train across Canada from Toronto to Vancouver by train, it takes at least four days. (Most travelers opt for a longer ride with more sightseeing opportunities.)
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Don’t Forget to Pack Snacks
Because you will be on the train for a while, make sure you have some snacks and beverages to get you through the trip. The food served on the train is decent, but it’s always good to have snacks for those in between meal times, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Most of the train stations will have kiosks or shops where you can pick up a few things before boarding. Just don’t bring smelly snacks…nobody appreciates that!
For the meals served on the train, you can pre-select your meals so you know ahead of time what you are getting.
Don’t Expect Outstanding Views the Entire Trip
Canada is a lot like the United States, and some parts are more photogenic than others. You might travel through forested areas where the trees block out the view, or on an overnight train, you might miss some of the scenery once the sun goes down. So, it’s good to have a book or something to occupy your time between those amazing Canadian vistas.
Even when you do have excellent views, don’t expect to have amazing photos. You’re moving, so it can be hard to focus. The windows also might be smudged or dirty on the outside, and often, cameras will focus on something on the window rather than the scenery in the distance. Sometimes, it’s best to just enjoy the scenery and buy a postcard for your memories.
If your train has a panoramic car, make sure you check it out! They have clear tops so you get a panoramic view. The view car may not be accessible for all ticket classes, so if you’re taking the train for the views, make sure you purchase the best ticket option!
Don’t Expect Cell Service Everywhere
In some parts of Canada, your cell service may be spotty. The trains have WiFi, but it’s not always working or very fast. I supposedly had WiFi on the Toronto to Montreal train, but it took about four minutes just to load a web page. So don’t expect to be streaming Netflix and Hulu throughout your trip. If you’re traveling with kids, make sure you pre-download games or movies to their tablets; don’t rely on WiFi!
Don’t Be Shy
Riding the train for several days in a row is a great way to meet other like-minded travelers! The person who brings a deck of cards or a card game like Uno is always a big hit, and it’s perfect for meeting your fellow passengers.
Likewise, don’t be afraid to ask the ViaRail Canada staff for help. They are super friendly and they are there to help!
Don’t Overpack
Some trains have a limit on what you can bring aboard, especially if you have reserved a regular seat rather than a sleeper car. Make sure you read the rules for your specific ride and don’t bring more than is allowed. You might be able to check a bag, but your access to it may be limited.
Don’t Forget to Pack Layers
Much like airplanes, the temperature can vary wildly, and you might need to add or remove layers throughout your journey. More often than not, the air-conditioning is turned up high, so I always appreciate having an extra coat or blanket, and they can double as a pillow if needed!
Don’t Expect One Train for the Whole Journey
If you are traveling across Canada by train, you will have to change trains at least once. If you are traveling from Halifax to Vancouver, you will be on at least three different trains. (This is another reason to pack light because you will be getting on and off throughout your trip.)
Don’t Forget Your Train Manners
When spending several days on a train, it may start to feel like home. Or at least a hotel room. But don’t let that be a reason to forget your manners.
- Keep your shoes on when walking around
- Don’t put your feet and shoes on the seats
- Don’t be loud
- Don’t listen to music or movies without headphones
Don’t Forget to Hold On!
Some of the tracks in Canada are very bumpy, and there are signs reminding you to always have three points of contact. Have two feet on the ground and a hand holding on somewhere when you are up and about on the train. The trains in Canada are more similar to Amtrak than those in Europe, so keep that in mind and temper your expectations!
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Taking the train in Canada is a great way to see the country, and much more relaxing than driving. Taking the train across Canada is a bucket list item for many travelers, but even the shorter journeys are fun to experience. Want more tips for traveling in Canada? Check out some of our other blog posts: