7 tips for taking the train across Western Canada

(The Canadian by Via Rail)

In the summer of 2019 I took the VIA Rail train from Vancouver to Toronto, also known as The Canadian. After flying to Vancouver I spent a couple hours in the Museum of Vancouver and walking along False Creek. I then headed to the train station to hop on the VIA and head back to Toronto.

Before I packed for my flight, I read a few articles on what to expect on the trip. Below is a list of eight things I wish I had known before packing.

1. Showering

The VIA train offers you a shower pack, you don’t need to bring a towel! I packed a towel as I couldn’t find any information online about this. They will supply you with two towels for the trip, shampoo, conditioner, and soap. You should still bring some shower shoes.

Showering on the train actually not as hard as you’d think. The train doesn’t rock as much as you’d suspect and there is an area in the shower room that water doesn’t reach. There was also a hook on the main door to hang items.

There is one shower per sleeper car. Suggested times to shower are:

• During the start of breakfast, first lunch/dinner
• While the train is in a station
• In the middle of the night (I’m pretty…