VIA’s Canadian gets refurbished sleepers

Fifty-three newly refurbished stainless-steel streamlined sleeping and dining cars are being placed into service on VIA Rail’s flagship long-distance train, the luxurious Toronto-Vancouver Canadian. 

The refurbished cars—40 Manor sleepers and 13 diners—fall under VIA’s Canadian-government-funded $894 million fleet renewal program, the largest-ever investment by Canada in passenger rail equipment. They’re part of a $19 million equipment overhaul “designed to provide a new level of comfort and service to travelers looking to explore western Canada by rail,” VIA says.

The Manor sleeping cars now feature new upholstery, carpets and wall coverings in rich, contemporary styling in a mix of greens, grays, creams and light browns, giving the rooms a classy and restful feel,” VIA says. “Heating and ventilating systems were upgraded for better temperature control, especially during Canada’s hard winters, as were bathrooms, electrical, water, and brake systems.” The sleepers are now in service. The 13 dining cars are currently being rebuilt. Among their new features are energy conserving light assemblies, renovated kitchens, new resilient carpet flooring, and improved ventilation systems. New wall coverings, dining room chairs, and bench seats covered with leather are also being installed.

The Canadian, one of the world’s premier luxury passenger trains, provides a scenic four-day journey across more than two-thirds of Canada. Two classes of service are available: Economy Class, featuring comfortable reclining seats and a choice of meals in the Skyline car, and drinks and snacks for purchase, and Sleeper Touring Class, which includes full-course meals with priority seating in the dining car, accommodationsin a berth, cabin (for one to four passengers), or suite, shower facilities, and priority boarding. Highlighted destinations along the trip include Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Jasper, and Toronto.