Introduction - How to get to and What to do in Halifax
As I have talked about in some of my other blogs, one of my goals is to visit as much of Canada as I can. I know Toronto (because I live there) and Montreal inside and out. Ottawa because I went to university there. But beyond that, I want to see more. Check my blogs about Montreal here – Blog 1 and Blog 2
In the spring of this year, I wanted to go to Halifax by train, thus coupling my love of train travel with my Canada goals.
See the Best of Canada
I honestly believe Canada has one of the best train networks for touring. I regularly travel the Toronto to Montreal route as it is the most comfortable and quickest way to go. You eliminate having to get to the airports in both cities two-plus hours in advance. Further, you go downtown to downtown eradicating large taxi or limo fares. Plus, Via Rail offers up the best Caesars in business class!
The history of Via Rail starts back in 1977 when they were created as a Crown Corporation. Via Rail took over passenger rail services from both Canadian National Railway and the Canadian Pacific Railway, modernizing passenger travel and making it more accessible to the Canadian public.
Step one of the journey is the train from Toronto to Montreal. There are multiple choices of departure times and classes of seating. Business class is for me the only way to do this trip. You get seats with legroom, a meal, and an adult beverage or two if that is your desire.
As for the Montreal to Halifax portion of the trip, that was the frustrating part of planning. I had decided that I wanted a sleeper cabin. But on the Via Rail website, I was finding it impossible to book. The only vacancy that I could find was almost six months away from the date that I wanted to travel.
Halifax Train Trip
Train 14 is the designation of The Ocean Train by Via Rail. The layover in Montreal is just two hours. The bonus being that they consider the sleeper cabin travellers as first class and thus you have access to the business class lounge while waiting.
While waiting, my first moment of confusion happened. The CSR in the business lounge announces that we all must check in to reserve our dinnertimes. Well okay, I thought hoping I could get a later time like 8:30 or 9:00 pm.
On checking in, I was told the only time available for all passengers was 7:30 pm. Why have us checked in then? Just announce that dinner for everyone boarding in Montreal would be at 7:30?
All Aboard for A Canadian Train Trip
Given the departure time was 7:00 pm and in October, it was already dark in Montreal. This is too bad because it is quite a scenic trip out of Montreal as we head east.
Now it is time to describe my “sleeper cabin for one”. Bottom line: I have seen closets bigger! The CSR who booked me warned me. In my personal opinion, the size would have been fine except that these cabins come with a toilet dap smack in the middle.
The positioning of the toilet made any sort of legroom impossible. So, this fact would be a thing to consider if you are thinking of taking this trip. If I do this again, I will pay the premium and book a sleeper cabin for two for just myself. I did get a peek inside a couple of these cabins and felt they would be more comfortable. (Honestly, even the economy seats had more legroom than I did).
Sunrise in Eastern Quebec
Via Rail - Train 14
Luxury Sleeper Accommodation
Now this complaint aside, when the bed was pulled out, I found myself more comfortable on it. I watched several episodes of “Rings of Fire” as we rattled through the dark Quebec countryside.
Sleep for me in any moving vehicle has always been elusive. Whether it is cars, boats, planes, or trains, once in motion I have not been able to fall asleep.
But around midnight, we had an extended stop somewhere along the way. I did fall asleep and was able to get about four hours of sleep. I would say not a deep restful sleep but sleep it was.
The Meals On Via
I have always found the meals on Via Rail good to excellent. Travelling on the train since I was in university, my expectations are in line with the service.
Do not expect sumptuous ten course meals. But I can say, from my point of view the meals are tasty and satisfying. The only draw back is that they make the announcement of meals they have and by the time that they get to you the meal you may have wanted may not be available. Always have a second choice ready.
I would also recommend bringing some snacks with you in your carry-on. It could be a long time between meals.
Views from the Train
Scenic Train Rides to Take in Canada
The vistas in the morning after waking up were absolutely gorgeous. When the sun came up, we were still in Quebec nearing the border with New Brunswick. I choose to go in autumn hoping to catch the foliage colour change. It was not disappointing.
We passed through villages, farmland, and tons of woodlands. There were rivers and lakes. I had the camera clicking as much as I could. In the end I was impressed with many of the pictures because the windows were dirty and streaked!
The Best Way to See Canada
A recommendation for all when you buy your ticket, you will be asked if you want SMS messages from Via on departures, delays and so on. In this way you can prepare yourself mentally for stoppages along the way.
In this particular trip, I did receive notifications that there would be stoppages due to track construction along the route. They said the delay may result in a one-to-two-hour late arrival in Halifax.
Here is the thing with train travel though, any sort of delay can have a domino effect. Because we ended up so delayed, as we approached Halifax, we had to stop several times to allow freight trains the right of way.
Overall, we ended up arriving at 9:00 pm as opposed to 5:00 pm. It was a bit frustrating.
Conclusion
The trip on the Ocean train to Halifax was an awesome experience. I want to do it again in a different season – spring or winter.
The food and the views are worth the expense. If you a bigger boy like me, I would look at something other than the “sleeper cabin for one”.
But do not wait – get out on the train and see Canada.
My blog about Halifax itself will follow soon.