Free Wi-Fi
VIA Rail is proud to provide complimentary Wi-Fi service on board most of its trains, in its Business station lounges and in select stations in the Québec City – Windsor corridor.
Browsing the Internet, checking e-mail and visiting social networking web sites are all permitted. However, we ask you refrain from streaming videos and from downloading or uploading large files. VIA Rail restricts the use of Wi-Fi to anyone using excessive bandwidth: downloading speed will be reduced to 256 kbit/s after 75 MB.
How to connect
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1. Activate the Wi-Fi function on your laptop or mobile device.
2. Launch your web browser.
3. On board the train, first try to connect to “VIA_Connect_WiFi” if available, otherwise you can use “VIA_TRAIN”. In stations, select “VIA_Station” wireless network.
Note: VIA currently provides Wi-Fi mobile service only in the Québec City –Windsor corridor. “Good” to “very good” signal strength is offered within more than 98% of the coverage area determined by our mobile partners. Users may experience weaker signal strength in the Trenton-Cobourg, Chatham-Kent and Hyde Park (London) regions of Ontario. To ensure more reliable service and better performance for all users, VIA reserves the right to limit bandwidth use and deny access to certain web sites, including certain video streaming sites.
For assistance, please contact our service provider at 1 866 905-6784.
To comment on our Wi-Fi service, please e-mail customer_relations@viarail.ca.
In stations
Travellers in all classes of service may benefit from our complimentary Wi-Fi service in many of our Québec City-Windsor corridor stations and in our exclusive pre-boarding Business Lounges*:
- Dorval*
- Fallowfield
- Kingston*
- London*
- Montréal*
- Ottawa*
- Québec City*
- Sainte-Foy
- Toronto*
- Windsor
- Oakville
- Oshawa
Complimentary Wi-Fi access is also available in the following stations throughout our network:
- Edmonton
- Halifax
- Jasper
- Moncton
- Vancouver
- Winnipeg
On board
Our complimentary wireless Internet access is offered in both Economy class and Business class on virtually all trains in the Québec City-Windsor corridor. And don't forget - you can also access this service in pre-boarding Business Lounges at major stations such as those in Toronto, Montréal, Kingston, Ottawa and Québec City.
Service exceptions
Please note that wireless Internet is not available on the following trains:
- Trains 97 and 98 (Toronto-Niagara Falls-New York)\
- Trains 85 and 88
To check Wi-Fi availability on board your train, call 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245) or (TTY) 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired).
Log on
To connect, all you need is a wireless-enabled laptop with the Wi-Fi switch in the "on" position. Our systems use the 802.11b/g/n (backwards compatible) norm. This service also works with most Wi-Fi compatible handheld devices. If necessary, you can do a quick upgrade by PCMCIA card.
Now log on
First, locate an access zone (or hotspot) indicated by the logo (right), then:
1. Turn on your wireless-enabled laptop or handheld device. The Wi-Fi icon will appear at the bottom right-hand side of your screen.
2. Launch your preferred Internet navigator.
3. Set your SSID (Service Set Identifi er) to ‘‘Via_Station’’ or ‘‘VIA_Train.’’
It's always best to start your browsing through a non-secure or private web site, such as our own at viarail.ca.
To log out, click the “Log out” button appearing in the pop-up window displayed during the session (do not close this window while you are connected or your session will be interrupted).
Having trouble? Check the FAQ below.
Still have questions? Submit your questions online, call 1 866 905-6784 or send your e-mail to support@viawifi.ca.
FAQ
How do I know if my laptop or handheld device is Wi-Fi enabled?
Verify if you have an icon for a wireless card in the “Start” menu. Click on the icon to check if your wireless card is enabled. If the wireless card is not enabled, you must activate it.
How do I begin a session?
Turn on your laptop and launch your web browser. A portal box will automatically appear where you will be able to select your language of preference. Once your language selected, you will be able to set your SSID (service set identifier) to "Via_Train" or to "VIA_Station".
Can I connect to my VPN (virtual private network)?
The service does support a number, but not all, VPN's (Virtual Private Networks). If your VPN is not supported, then please let us know by emailing us at support@viawifi.ca.
What is the best way to use the VIA Rail wireless Internet service?
It's always best to start your browsing through a non-secure or private web site, such as our own at viarail.ca.
I launched my browser, but the portal did not launch. What happened?
If you do not see the portal, you may need to set your SSID to Via_Train" while on board, or "VIA_Station" when in the station. If it still does not respond, make sure that your computer or compatible handheld device is compliant with the standard 802.11b/g/n (backwards compatible) norm.
I started my session from Standby (or Sleep) and the portal did not launch. What do I do?
Simply re-boot your system and try again.
Why did my session end abruptly?
You might have closed the pop-under window that opened when you logged on (closing this window temporarily or permanently terminates the session). You might also have switched trains or disembarked. In this case, re-boot, then re-enter your user name and password.
For technical support or additional information, please call 1 866 905-6784, anytime.
*Free Wi-Fi is available on most trains of Québec City – Windsor corridor.
