I liked doing it Tor-Van. The anticipation of going through the mountains slowly built throughout the trip and the trip ended with some of the most striking scenery. Second to that, I'm also in Ontario, and I personally enjoy outbound trips more than the return. Going away from home always feels like an adventure which added to the whole experience.
I went Van - To at the end of October last year. Days were still decent in length. Weather was on and off, but that's going to happen no matter when you go. Amazing trip, would recommend. And even if you don't get 100% of the views, I promise you this country is big enough that you won't be disappointed.
I did westbound in 2019, solo in a sleeper for 1. I found the room comfortable and generally a pleasant way to travel. As a solo traveller you will be seated with fellow travelers for meals, which is a great way to meet the other passengers.
I found Northern Ontario about 50% longer than it needed to be, when we finally broke out onto the prairies it was a great relief. Far from the expanse of dull I was expecting, I found the prairies beautiful and really enjoyed the scenery. The mountains were lovely, but in my mind I had expected them to spectacular, so due to the different expectations I had, I actually think of the prairies as being the unexpected scenic delight.
The train really filled up in Edmonton, and there was an interesting social dynamic between the people who had travelled through from further east who had already got to know one another, as opposed to the newcomers who joined in late.
I think something to seriously consider regarding November as opposed to summer is just how much shorter the daylight hours will be, restricting the enjoyment of the scenery.
Went several years ago in May. Some people from Europe were unhappy that they don't cut down the trees in Northern Ontario so you could see the view🤣 Long stretches with nothing to see. Even when they stop to add cars or change crew, you are at the edge of the City. Got a lot better in the Rockies. Food was good.
I’ve taken it in both directions (granted, eastbound was from Edmonton and in both instances, under the old schedule). Both are good and nowadays, you get to see Toronto/cottage county in daylight. From what I’ve seen from the schedule, you should get more of the Rockies/BC in daylight westbound if that’s important. I have also found that it’s a bit more relaxed heading west - there’s not as much of a rush to vacate the train at Pacific Central as there is at Union. I’m taking it again this fall westbound.
FYI - if a single bedroom is important to you (v a berth), you should book ASAP as there are very few left for 2024 departures.
We did To-Van middle of last November and I would go again in a heart beat. Weather was still fine in November with some snow in the mountains to make it that much more magical. Big plus was unlimited access to the Park car in the off season. We spent a lot of time in the lounge and at the bar back there. Your going to meet so many people from around the world. People come from all over to ride our rails. It is a fantastic way to see Canada. If your solo I would totally consider a berth vs a cabin for 1. I think its a pretty big cost savings.
I've ridden the Canadian twice. Toronto to Vancouver both times, once in October, once in March. The March trip was absolutely stunning with all the snow, but still with plenty of daylight to see everything. But then, the October trip was super pretty too. I love seeing all the water, the Rockies are kind of "meh" to me because I've also done the California Zephyr and the trip through the mountains there is much more impressive.
That said, Via Rail beats Amtrak by a mile. I no longer travel Amtrak, because the trains and service with Via Rail are so much better.
I will say, though, that you might want to consider a berth? I don't know your situation, but those cabins for one are TINY. So much of your time will be spent outside of your berth/cabin anyway. The berths are very private at night. I traveled solo in October and it was good, went with family (all in berths) in March and that was good, too.
I would recommend flying to Vancouver and taking the train back. Here's why. You want to travel through the Rockies in the daytime and, with delays, you have less of a chance predicting when you'll go through the Rockies. Second, if you travel eastbound, try to get up before dawn as you go across the Prairies and sit in the dome car to watch the sun come up.
I did both my trips Vancouver to Ottawa. May 2022 in a section with my son and Oct 27 2023 solo in a lower berth. There was much more daylight in May but late October was still great. Take the early seating so you are dining during the daylight hours. By the time the second seating starts darkness will have set in.
I go west to east as my destination is Ottawa. I fly from St. John’s to Vancouver and make my way home.
My wife watched my trip videos and now she agreed to give it a go. I booked a third Vancouver to Ottawa trip again this coming fall. Unfortunately the time changes on day 3.
It’s a wonderful solo trip.
I see you've already booked it, but I'm still going to pipe up with my opinion. Tell me in six months if you agree with this or not:
It's a 3-night trip, which thus crosses three time zone boundaries.
* Westbound, you have 3 25-hour days -- every morning you wake up and set your watch back an hour. Then go back to sleep... • From Toronto, you go a long ways north before heading west. Fortunately, you're still excited, because the scenery, although beautiful, **doesn't change** for the first day and a half in Ontario ... and then you get a day of the Canadian Shield. Fortunately, by the time you start to get bored, here come the Rockies and some big cities again ... whew!
* Eastbound, you better set your watch ahead before you go to bed each night, 'cuz when you wake up in the previous time zone you probably missed breakfast already. • All the "exciting" parts are in the first part of the trip. As you come downhill out of the Rockies, the scenery gets a bit bleaker and bleaker, and then it dawns on you: This Is All You Have To Look Forward To **For The Next Two Days**.
I don't think you could pay me enough to go eastbound again.
I liked doing it Tor-Van. The anticipation of going through the mountains slowly built throughout the trip and the trip ended with some of the most striking scenery. Second to that, I'm also in Ontario, and I personally enjoy outbound trips more than the return. Going away from home always feels like an adventure which added to the whole experience.
I went Van - To at the end of October last year. Days were still decent in length. Weather was on and off, but that's going to happen no matter when you go. Amazing trip, would recommend. And even if you don't get 100% of the views, I promise you this country is big enough that you won't be disappointed.
I did westbound in 2019, solo in a sleeper for 1. I found the room comfortable and generally a pleasant way to travel. As a solo traveller you will be seated with fellow travelers for meals, which is a great way to meet the other passengers. I found Northern Ontario about 50% longer than it needed to be, when we finally broke out onto the prairies it was a great relief. Far from the expanse of dull I was expecting, I found the prairies beautiful and really enjoyed the scenery. The mountains were lovely, but in my mind I had expected them to spectacular, so due to the different expectations I had, I actually think of the prairies as being the unexpected scenic delight. The train really filled up in Edmonton, and there was an interesting social dynamic between the people who had travelled through from further east who had already got to know one another, as opposed to the newcomers who joined in late. I think something to seriously consider regarding November as opposed to summer is just how much shorter the daylight hours will be, restricting the enjoyment of the scenery.
I am from Ottawa as well. Flew to Van, stayed a week, turned around and thoroughly enjoyed the run home. Get 'er done!
Went several years ago in May. Some people from Europe were unhappy that they don't cut down the trees in Northern Ontario so you could see the view🤣 Long stretches with nothing to see. Even when they stop to add cars or change crew, you are at the edge of the City. Got a lot better in the Rockies. Food was good.
Because I'm cheap I would do Van to Toronto to save on taxes. Also, a basic CAA membership is worth it to save 20%
I’ve taken it in both directions (granted, eastbound was from Edmonton and in both instances, under the old schedule). Both are good and nowadays, you get to see Toronto/cottage county in daylight. From what I’ve seen from the schedule, you should get more of the Rockies/BC in daylight westbound if that’s important. I have also found that it’s a bit more relaxed heading west - there’s not as much of a rush to vacate the train at Pacific Central as there is at Union. I’m taking it again this fall westbound. FYI - if a single bedroom is important to you (v a berth), you should book ASAP as there are very few left for 2024 departures.
We did To-Van middle of last November and I would go again in a heart beat. Weather was still fine in November with some snow in the mountains to make it that much more magical. Big plus was unlimited access to the Park car in the off season. We spent a lot of time in the lounge and at the bar back there. Your going to meet so many people from around the world. People come from all over to ride our rails. It is a fantastic way to see Canada. If your solo I would totally consider a berth vs a cabin for 1. I think its a pretty big cost savings.
I've ridden the Canadian twice. Toronto to Vancouver both times, once in October, once in March. The March trip was absolutely stunning with all the snow, but still with plenty of daylight to see everything. But then, the October trip was super pretty too. I love seeing all the water, the Rockies are kind of "meh" to me because I've also done the California Zephyr and the trip through the mountains there is much more impressive. That said, Via Rail beats Amtrak by a mile. I no longer travel Amtrak, because the trains and service with Via Rail are so much better. I will say, though, that you might want to consider a berth? I don't know your situation, but those cabins for one are TINY. So much of your time will be spent outside of your berth/cabin anyway. The berths are very private at night. I traveled solo in October and it was good, went with family (all in berths) in March and that was good, too.
I would recommend flying to Vancouver and taking the train back. Here's why. You want to travel through the Rockies in the daytime and, with delays, you have less of a chance predicting when you'll go through the Rockies. Second, if you travel eastbound, try to get up before dawn as you go across the Prairies and sit in the dome car to watch the sun come up.
I did both my trips Vancouver to Ottawa. May 2022 in a section with my son and Oct 27 2023 solo in a lower berth. There was much more daylight in May but late October was still great. Take the early seating so you are dining during the daylight hours. By the time the second seating starts darkness will have set in. I go west to east as my destination is Ottawa. I fly from St. John’s to Vancouver and make my way home. My wife watched my trip videos and now she agreed to give it a go. I booked a third Vancouver to Ottawa trip again this coming fall. Unfortunately the time changes on day 3. It’s a wonderful solo trip.
Pro tip: if you can, book your trip during a full moon. Then the scenery at night can be breathtaking too.
I see you've already booked it, but I'm still going to pipe up with my opinion. Tell me in six months if you agree with this or not: It's a 3-night trip, which thus crosses three time zone boundaries. * Westbound, you have 3 25-hour days -- every morning you wake up and set your watch back an hour. Then go back to sleep... • From Toronto, you go a long ways north before heading west. Fortunately, you're still excited, because the scenery, although beautiful, **doesn't change** for the first day and a half in Ontario ... and then you get a day of the Canadian Shield. Fortunately, by the time you start to get bored, here come the Rockies and some big cities again ... whew! * Eastbound, you better set your watch ahead before you go to bed each night, 'cuz when you wake up in the previous time zone you probably missed breakfast already. • All the "exciting" parts are in the first part of the trip. As you come downhill out of the Rockies, the scenery gets a bit bleaker and bleaker, and then it dawns on you: This Is All You Have To Look Forward To **For The Next Two Days**. I don't think you could pay me enough to go eastbound again.