Canadian Rail Concession

[vantage]

It’s my wife’s ‘big’ birthday this year and she has also wanted to see Canada. I’ve booked a train journey across the country, Toronto to Vancouver. Four days on a train, wheelchair accessible cabin, meals included etc.

Anyway, and my reason for posting is that the train company, VIA Rail Canada, offer free tickets for any escort/carer where proof of support can be provided, for example letter from GP/Consultant.

I managed to also secure a discounted ticket price, which wasn’t available on the website as such tickets were shown as being sold out. So worth the price of a phone call!!

[oldngrumpy]

Can I enquire as to how you got to know about this…I know probably internet.

I am hoping to go to Prague for the New Year and I wondered if there are any ‘benefits’ whilst in this country?
Regards to getting around etc.

Thanks in advance

[vantage]

Hi,

I came via the concession whilst looking into rail trips in Canada on the internet. I booked the trip via VIA Canada's UK booking agent, although I did have to inform them of the concession.

We have just recently completed the trip, going coast to coast from Toronto to Vancouver, 4 nights on the train in an accessible cabin. The cabin was fantastic and very new, in fact I believe we were only the second people to use it. Meals are served in the cabin as it's not able to get to the dining car in a wheelchair. The meals were included, as are all non alcoholic drinks. The staff were excellent, always attentive but never over bearing. Our cabin was a 2 berth, but accommodation is setup as bunks, so one person needs to be able to climb a ladder or you could share the lower bunk, which would be very cosy!!

Its possible to get off the train at various stops, such as Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Jasper (which is a lovely little town). The train has various viewing cars but again these are not wheelchair accessible, although I've given some feedback and a few ideas on how they could make one of them accessible.

I would highly recommend the trip. In addition Toronto is a very accessible place as is Vancouver. I've never seen so many buildings with push button opening doors which actually work! In Toronto I was also struck by how many wheekchair users there were. People just going about their daily business, can't say I've seen that as much as say in London.

[oldngrumpy]

Sounds like you both enjoyed yourself..thank you for the reply

[vantage]

Thanks, we're still enjoying it. In Vancouver still.

Our only issue has been lack of our luggage! Our case has still yet to arrive.

[BrandnYarist]

You mean that you couldn't take with you as much luggage as you wanted? or some of it stuck in transit and you still have not got it?

[vantage]

You mean that you couldn't take with you as much luggage as you wanted? or some of it stuck in transit and you still have not got it?

No, our luggage was lost by Air Canada on the first London to Toronto part of the journey. The luggage has not been recovered and I'm currently engaged in a lost luggage claim with the airplane. We had to buy all new clothing, accessories, etc.

With regards to the train, the cabins have limited space but luggage can be stored in a baggage car. My plan was to take a small bag in the cabin and place the large case in the baggage car, but we were travelling lighter than planned!