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Are you looking for a mode of transportation that is affordable, comfortable and sustainable? Train travel stands out as an ideal way to journey between Canada’s major cities, especially along the Québec City–Windsor corridor. With VIA Rail, the journey becomes much more than simply getting from point A to point B — it’s an experience in itself.
Between comfort, accessibility and peace of mind, here’s why more and more travellers are choosing the train.
Explore Québec and Ontario without ever looking for parking
From the fortifications of Québec City to the banks of the Thames in London, the Québec City–Windsor corridor opens the door to some of Canada's most culturally and historically rich cities.
Discover an inspiring itinerary and a 100% car-free adventure, presented by Ulysse travel guides.
A stress-free journey from the moment you board
Travelling by train means saying goodbye to many of the usual travel hassles. No traffic to manage, no GPS to follow and no fatigue from long hours behind the wheel. From the moment you arrive at the station, everything is designed to simplify your experience.
Boarding is also designed to accommodate everyone, including seniors and families travelling with children. This attention to detail allows passengers to begin their journey calmly and comfortably, without unnecessary stress or rushing. VIA staff at the stations are available to help if needed. Best of all, there are no long security lines to worry about — boarding is simple and seamless.
Practical tips for a smooth boarding experience
Imagine departing without any hassle or lineups, where the journey begins the moment you walk through the station doors. Here are a few easy tips to make that a reality:
- Download your boarding pass directly to your smartphone
- Track your train's status online and in real time
- Arrive at the station 30 minutes before departure
- And many more useful tips right here
Once onboard, all that’s left to do is sit back… and enjoy the ride
The train offers a level of comfort that is hard to match. Seats are spacious and ergonomic, aisles are wide, and you are free to stand up, walk around or stretch whenever you like. Unlike other forms of transportation, you are not confined to your seat. You can move around freely, with no need to buckle in, making longer journeys much more enjoyable. In addition, free Wi-Fi (onboard and in select stations), electrical outlets and cellular network access allow you to stay connected throughout your trip.
In a world where everything moves quickly, the train offers a rare opportunity to slow down and take time for yourself. Use the journey to read a book, listen to your favourite music, watch a movie or simply daydream while admiring the scenery. Unlike driving, where your full attention is required, your time onboard becomes both productive and relaxing.
Accessibility designed for everyone
Accessibility is a priority at VIA Rail, ensuring that all travellers can travel with confidence and dignity. Onboard, several features help improve the experience for passengers with reduced mobility, including accessible seating, wheelchair spaces and adapted washrooms. Braille and large-print menus are available in both official languages on all trains. You can request a copy from the Service Manager onboard. Staff are trained to provide personalized assistance from boarding through arrival, ensuring that every traveller’s specific needs are met.
At stations, ramps, automatic doors and accessible waiting areas are progressively being added or improved. Assistance services can also be reserved in advance, allowing for smooth and reassuring support throughout the journey. VIA Rail also provides clear accessibility information to help travellers better plan their trips.
The goal is simple: make train travel accessible to everyone, without compromise.
A journey on your terms, no matter your needs
Nothing should stand in the way of your desire to travel. That's why we offer services and facilities to help you board with confidence and full independence:
- Accessible seats and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users
- Staff trained to assist you from boarding to arrival
- Menus in Braille and large print available on request
- And many more accessibility services to make your journey go exactly as you'd like
An ideal option for families
Travelling with children can sometimes be challenging, but the train makes the experience much easier. Young passengers can move around, stand up and stretch their legs, making the journey more enjoyable for the entire family. No more stress from sitting still for hours like in a car.
Meals are also an important part of the travel experience, especially for families, and VIA Rail offers practical and family-friendly options.
- In Business class, it is possible to request a children’s meal in advance. These special meal requests must be made ahead of time.
- View the special options
- In Economy class, children between the ages of 2 and 12 can order a pre-selected children’s meal directly during the booking process, between 40 days and 72 hours before departure.
- View the onboard menu
Unforgettable memories to share as a family
Noses pressed against the window, the kids are already wide-eyed with wonder. The adventure has already begun, even before arriving… The Québec City–Windsor corridor opens the door to a wealth of destinations to discover as a family, in winter and summer alike. Québec City, for instance, overflows with winter activities for all tastes:
- The century-old slide at Terrasse Dufferin, for unforgettable runs
- The Aquarium du Québec, for an up-close look at seals and polar bears
- Old Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- And a host of other activities to discover Québec City with the family
An extra touch of comfort in Business class
For travellers looking to enhance their experience, Business class offers a higher level of service. Enjoy even more spacious seating, full meal service and complimentary beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. You also benefit from access to Business lounges in select stations, priority boarding and a generous baggage allowance. And let’s not forget the attentive and dedicated staff who help make your journey especially pleasant.
Business class is not just for business travellers. Treat yourself to a calm environment and all the comforts of this premium experience.
Travel with your four-legged companion
Good news for animal lovers: VIA Rail allows you to bring your dog or cat onboard under certain conditions. This means you can avoid arranging pet care and travel peacefully with your loyal companion.
Your pet deserves a vacation too
Travelling is always better when you can bring your furry friend along. Just ask Valérie and her daughter Aimée, who enjoyed an Ontario getaway with Piña, their beloved little dog:
- A visit to Attic Books (with a big jar of treats for Piña at the checkout)
- A stroll through Springbank Park, with its 30 km of trails
- A concert at London Brewing, where Piña made fast friends with one of the singers
Read their story and find out how everyone got to enjoy the adventure — on two legs and four!
A more environmentally friendly choice
Train travel is one of the most environmentally friendly transportation options available. VIA Rail trains generate significantly fewer emissions than planes or cars, helping reduce your environmental footprint. By choosing the train, you are making a concrete choice for the environment.
In addition, throughout the Québec City–Windsor corridor, innovative recycling programs are being implemented to reduce onboard waste, further reinforcing VIA Rail’s commitment to sustainable development.
Reduce your carbon footprint… but not the joy of travelling
Choosing the train means choosing…
- 85% less CO₂ than flying
- 87% less CO₂ than driving
- A mode of transport emitting just 19 g of CO₂ per passenger-kilometre, compared to 123 g for flying and 148 g for driving
In short, choosing the train is an individual act that, multiplied by the choices of millions of travellers, truly makes a difference! Compare the carbon footprint of the train, the plane and the car to see the proof.
Local and authentic products
Onboard, VIA Rail prioritizes Canadian products by sourcing local and fresh ingredients whenever possible. Meal and snack selections are fresh, flavourful and authentic, while showcasing local expertise and products from across Canada. This approach not only improves quality, but also supports local producers. Whether in Business class, Economy class or on our long-distance trains, these efforts are reflected throughout the network.
The menu offers a variety of options, including sandwiches, snacks and other convenient choices for a quick meal, providing flexibility and peace of mind throughout the journey.
View the gourmet options on board
Chef Joseph Shawana invites you to taste Canada
Business class on the corridor features a flavourful Indigenous-inspired menu, where every bite tells a story:
- Three Sisters salad
- Beet-cured salmon
- Chicken and leeks
- And more delicious options by Chef Shawana
Arrive directly in the heart of the city
One of the train’s greatest advantages is its strategic location. Stations are often located downtown, allowing you to arrive directly at your destination without having to arrange additional transportation.
1001 things to do within 10 minutes of the station
Take advantage of several strategically located train stations, like Toronto's, which drops you right in the heart of the action:
- The CN Tower, a 10-minute walk away
- St. Lawrence Market, a must for food lovers
- The legendary Drake Hotel, just a few streetcar stops away
- And more must-see attractions just steps from Union Station
VIA Préférence – A rewarding loyalty program
Whether you travel every week or only a few times a year, every trip you take with VIA Rail can earn you rewards. With the VIA Préférence program, you collect points for every dollar spent on eligible tickets and products, which can later be redeemed for rewards. And since membership is free, there’s no reason not to join!
What if your next weekend in Montréal cost you nothing?
With VIA Preference, every trip brings you one step closer to a free journey! And it's so easy to take advantage of:
- Earn points for every dollar spent on your VIA tickets
- Redeem them for free tickets, like a summer getaway to Montréal
- Signing up is free (no reason to miss out)!
Even the reservation system has been simplified
VIA Rail's new reservation system was designed to provide a simpler, faster and more intuitive experience. Travellers can now book tickets more easily, select their seats on certain routes and manage changes online independently.
This modernization also improves accessibility and simplifies trip planning on both desktop and mobile devices. Thanks to a new mobile app, passengers can check schedules, access boarding passes and track their train status in real time. It’s an evolution designed to make every stage of the journey even smoother and more enjoyable.
View the new reservation system
Manage your trip from A to Z, from home to the station
From the couch to the platform, the VIA Rail app is with you every step of the way so your only concern is enjoying the journey:
- Access your boarding pass directly from your phone
- Track your train status in real time
- Manage your bookings and changes in just a few taps
- Download the mobile app
A way of travelling worth rediscovering
The train is much more than just a means of transportation. It combines comfort, peace of mind, accessibility and sustainability to create a unique travel experience. With VIA Rail, your journey becomes a meaningful part of the adventure itself.
If you are looking to avoid stress, enjoy the scenery and travel more responsibly, the train is undoubtedly an option worth considering.
No matter the destination, the journey begins the moment you step onboard. Let the rhythm of the rails carry you, rediscover the pleasure of slowing down and give yourself the luxury of savouring every moment. After all, the best memories are not only found at the destination — they also come to life along the way… on the rails.
For more information or to book your next trip, visit VIA Rail Canada website.
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