I’m very tempted to take the Canadian one way this summer (in a roomette by myself). Is one way “better” than the other?
VIA Rail Canadian and the Canadians 2025
- Thread starter pennyk
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I'm pretty sure westbound is typically slated to be better. I hope so, because I'm booked on #1 for the first time in June!
Westbound costs a couple hundred dollars extra because of Ontario sales tax.
I remember hearing about that on a YouTube video about the Canadian.
Like most of the western Amtrak routes, there are arguments regarding scenery that can justify either. The tax issue explained above is hard to ignore and some consideration of departure and arrival times factors into personal preference. IIRC there are also some "compromises" in meal service eastbound if the train is on or ahead of schedule - e.g. a couple of brunches instead of separate breakfast and lunch. Then there's availability in a desired fare bracket in one direction vs. the other. A lot to think about.
xzperu42
Service Attendant
This is especially true in the Winter when the daylight hours are already short.I like going west, because you get three 25 hour days, versus three 23 hour days.
Also, you’re saving the best scenery for the end of your trip.
crescent-zephyr
Engineer
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With VIA scheduling and time-keeping it's really hard to say but in my personal experience Eastbound was 10 times better for the scenery.
You can also consider spending a day or two in Edmonton or Winnipeg and catching the westbound train back to Vancouver.
You can also consider spending a day or two in Edmonton or Winnipeg and catching the westbound train back to Vancouver.
Personally I like eastbound better. There are two main reasons. If the train is on time, westbound you miss the spectacular views of the Rockies for the hour east of Jasper. They're in pre-dawn darkness. The other is the morning arrival in Vancouver. If the train is remotely close to on time at Kamloops, it can arrive in Vancouver as early as 4:00/4:30 am (wyeing the train on arrival usually wakes me up). You can occupy the room until 8 am, and they do a full breakfast service, though. I find it weird to be eating in the diner sitting in the station. I prefer the early/mid afternoon arrival in Toronto.
Thanks for all the good advice. It seems like an even split between east and west, but I didn’t know about the Ontario tax. That would at least be a tie-breaker. I can’t over think this (as I am wont to do) because June is a busy month and I need to make a decision.
crescent-zephyr
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I'm not sure if everyone replying knows the current schedule - there is a lot of padding built into the schedule so the train often arrives very early into Vancouver - which means you won't see any of the scenery west of Kamloops if you are traveling west bound - and that is some of the best and most spectacular scenery on the route through the Fraser River Valley.
Eastbound in the summer, even with some delays you are going to see plenty of scenery before sunset and then you wake up around Blue River and have great views south of Jasper National Park. Even if you leave Jasper a little late, you'll still have good daylight to see the spectacular Mountain views from the train - probably get to Edmonton around dusk.
Again, I've ridden both and would highly recommend eastbound.
Eastbound in the summer, even with some delays you are going to see plenty of scenery before sunset and then you wake up around Blue River and have great views south of Jasper National Park. Even if you leave Jasper a little late, you'll still have good daylight to see the spectacular Mountain views from the train - probably get to Edmonton around dusk.
Again, I've ridden both and would highly recommend eastbound.
xzperu42
Service Attendant
Another thought on $… if you have narrowed things down to a couple of choices in either or both directions… check hotel prices on your dates at both ends. Both Toronto and Vancouver can have wildly varying prices that could favor one of your alternatives.
Marbleski
Train Attendant
I took the trip eastbound each of the last three years. I was booked on the Jan 8 westbound train but had to cancel due to a medical emergency in the family. I was looking forward to a winter trip, change in direction and 25 hour days.
The only issue with the eastbound trip was the 23 hour days. It seemed like we were always eating lol. The long days in June are a bonus. My trips were May, late Oct and Nov 1. I must say the extra daylight in May was much better.
I highly recommend the trip. I don’t think you can go wrong either way. If you wish I can share my YouTube page. In one of my videos I put together 73 tips and suggestions that might be of some help to get the most out of your trip.
The only issue with the eastbound trip was the 23 hour days. It seemed like we were always eating lol. The long days in June are a bonus. My trips were May, late Oct and Nov 1. I must say the extra daylight in May was much better.
I highly recommend the trip. I don’t think you can go wrong either way. If you wish I can share my YouTube page. In one of my videos I put together 73 tips and suggestions that might be of some help to get the most out of your trip.
I’d love it! Thanks!!
Marbleski
Train Attendant
I am not sure how to share my channel link but do a search in YouTube for …
adventureswithtodd
Once you open my channel go to the tab “playlist” and scroll down and you will see “Via Rail Train Trips”. There are a number of long and short videos in there.
Hope you can find it.
