u/ResidentCarpenter588

I recently had my first ever ViaRail trip. My wife and I went business class. It was an all-day event, beginning with Train 35 from Quebec to Montreal and then transferring to Train 67 for Toronto.

The food was better than anything I’ve had on a plane, or on a European train, and it was hot! First breakfast on the 35, and then a nice salmon meal for lunch on the 67. The first train (35) was a morning run. I had a coffee in the lounge and then was repeatedly offered coffee before, during, and after the meal on the train. The conductor/server was very friendly, smiling and joking with us. I never felt afraid to ask for anything. The staff worked hard and were super receptive.

I had booked us in the face-to-face table, so I wonder if we were more visible to staff, but we had similar good service on the 67, beginning with the lounge where we were led to the train in a priority queue at boarding time, and we were offered drinks almost immediately. I noticed that the drink cart had Clamato, so I asked for a vodka and Clamato. The server told me that she could fix me a Bloody Caesar if I’d like. Yes, please! And it was quite good. Try to imagine such treatment on a plane.

For the second leg, both of us had pre-ordered salmon. The server confirmed this with us ahead of time, joking that it was fresh just for us. I teased him jokingly, “You caught it today on your way to work?” He replied, “Yes of course.” When he came by again later he quickly flashed us a photo he had on his phone of him holding a huge fish that he had actually caught. It was a nice bit of levity on a long voyage. The whole vibe was pleasant and light.

I have read about disappointments, and in most of those reports I wonder how much people expect. I think the experience I had was about as good as I could ask for on a train. The service was far better than anything I have experienced on an airplane, including premium economy (I’m way too cheap to fly business class). And it was better than my experiences on Eurostar or French trains.

With impending job action there is a real chance that I may have to cancel a flight with WJ. If I choose flight credits, are the credits determined by what I paid, or by destination and distance.

Specifically, I have booked from Vancouver to Quebec City via Calgary. When I booked, the tickets were much cheaper than they are now. If so take the cash refund, it will only half cover a flight with another airline. If I take credit, will it cover a whole flight in the future? Or will it only cover the present cash value of a flight in the future?

What power outlets do Venture and LRC cars have? USB-A? USB-C? 120?

West Coast person here. I’m taking a trip this summer to revisit Québec City. I went there as a boy on a student exchange in the early 80s and always wanted to get back.

After Québec, I’m travelling by train to Toronto to see my daughter. I’m ridiculously excited about taking the train. I went to Europe for the first time a couple years ago and loved the trains.

I’ve read the whole internet about Via Rail, and I sure hope it doesn’t let me down. I’ll be travelling business class.

So here’s what I wonder. Is Via improving?

I’ve read about the new venture trains. I’m booked on a Venture to Montreal, switching there to an LRC to Toronto. I’m happy to be able to compare the experiences of the old vs new train.

After so many disappointing stories, I’d love to hear someone say that the experience is getting better. Is it?

Has Via tightened things up after what seems to have been a difficult initial transition to a new train-set? Have they resolved some of their issues with CN? Is there a regular Corridor traveller who can weigh in here?

My grandkids are going to tri-camps at age 10 and 8. They seem to really like it. I’d like to support them with good bikes. I’m looking for some advice. I think they ride mostly on grass at this point, but I want something versatile for them.

Any recommendations for features to look for? I assume a lightweight frame is important. I’ve seen an 8-speed with multiple cogs + derailleur on the back-only.

I have Totem Arros driven by a Naim Nait 5si. The detail is good, but there’s just something missing. It sounds a bit thin to my ears. Any upgrade recommendations? Timing is important to me. I have that with the 2-driver Totems, but the sound lacks fullness.