We really enjoyed your great trip report and pictures. What an adventure in the winter. We did the Ocean from Montreal to Moncton in the summer 2016. All Renaissance equipment. We left our car in Kingston, Ont. and took Corridor trains between there and Montreal. Our final destination was Prince Edward Island. We also did two trips on the Cardinal that summer.
I think the Ocean really is one of the most under rated trains in North America. It has beautiful scenery especially the Matapedia Valley, and around Nova Scoatia. It's something I recommend for everyone.