Economy Class
the basic class, available on all routes
Business Class
mainly on Corridor routes (e.g., Quebec City ↔ Windsor)
Sleeper Plus Class
for long-distance travel.
Includes berths/private or semi-private cabins, meals, shower or restroom access, and other services.
Prestige Class
luxury class with private cabins, premium amenities, beds, personalized service, gourmet meals, etc. Only available on certain routes (e.g., Toronto ↔ Vancouver).
Pros
- Spectacular scenery: prairies, forests, and the Rockies.
- Several classes: economy, sleeper, prestige — for different budgets and experiences.
- Social experience: dining car, panoramic car and overnight with other passengers.
- Lower carbon footprint compared to flying.
- Relaxed trip: it’s not just moving, it’s enjoying the landscape as part of the trip.
Cons
- Very long duration: it’s a trip of several days, not a quick way to move.
- Delays: by sharing tracks with freight trains, delays can occur. > “Be prepared for delays … freight trains get priority” Reddit+2Reddit+2
- Limited connectivity: bad or interrupted Wi-Fi in a good part of the route. Eh Canada Travel
- High price for luxury cars (“Prestige”) or private cabins.
- Limited space for outlets, depending on the class.
Notes
- Bring a multi-charger: in many classes there are few outlets or they are shared.
- Expect digital disconnect: connectivity is limited, so it can be a good time to disconnect.
- Prepare for delays: the train doesn’t always run on time; it is recommended not to plan commitments right after arriving.
- In economy class, bring snacks and something to entertain yourself (books, downloaded movies, etc.). > users comment that “bring books or pre-download movies … cell service … can be spotty”
- Earplugs help: the train is quiet, but the sound of the tracks can bother you for sleeping.
- In dining car: meals are usually of good quality, and in sleeper cabins they are included.
- Timing tip: for spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, check the schedules to cross them during daylight.
- When tipping: users report giving tips at each meal (for example, $5-$10). Reddit
- Choose the season wisely: autumn (fall) is popular for the colors of the landscape.
