AW Travel Blog

Here I am in Vancouver and about to board the train for an overnight journey through the Canadian Rockies. I checked in at the VIA Rail check in desk, after being advised in advance before leaving home that I can only take an overnight bag with essentials on board, as my main luggage travels in their own cabin! I had some time before departure, so headed to the VIA Rail lounge to relax, before boarding the shiney silver train (after taking a photo of the Canada flag of course!).

I had no idea how fabulous this train is! There are four distinct accommodation options and I got a two berth cabin, with its own wash basin and toilet, all to myself.

Once the train departed I went up to the dome carriage for canapés and champagne as I travelled out of Vancouver…very flash!

The views were fascinating and the length of the cargo trains were phenomenal (182 carriages was the longest cargo train I counted.  Sheesh!)

Returning to my cabin I discovered the two seats had been transformed into a very comfortable bed, complete with towels, water bottles and chocolates. There were a load of hand towels, bath towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner etc as well. I really didn’t need to pack this in my overnight bag. I was even able to charge my camera onboard as well.

I was rocked to sleep by the rhythm of the train as it made its way through the night…