Easterly Class Travel Onboeard VIA Rail
From May through October, the Easterly class on the Ocean provides an enriching onboard introduction to Atlantic Canada culture. While relaxing in the cosy sleepers, savouring the flavours of the region in the dining car, and enjoying panoramic views in the Park car's observation dome, you'll also enjoy a unique Maritime Learning Experience.
Through on-board experiences and activities guided by knowledgeable Learning Coordinators, you'll feel at home in Canada's Maritimes.
A COMBINATION OF TOURISM & LEARNING
Make your next train trip to the Atlantic Canada tourist experience in itself. By combining the many comforts of train travel and the thrill of discovery, the Easterly class offers more than a ticket to the Maritimes - through the guidance and companionship of a Learning Coordinator, it will show you the way to the region's past and traditions.
In a setting reminiscent of the legendary transcontinental trains, the Learning Coordinator will provide the cultural backdrop to the rolling Maritimes' seascapes through informative and entertaining presentations carefully intertwined with the passing scenery, while setting the course to create an interactive environment open and inviting to everyone.
- On-board Learning Coordinator, providing information and orientation*
- Cultural activities, informative vignettes, on-board movies, and wine tastings
- Standard and deluxe comfortable bedrooms, with all the amenities, including shower toiletries (deluxe bedrooms feature a private shower)
- Welcome kit, including a keepsake travel guide
- Inclusive breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring regionally-inspired cuisine
- Available bar service, featuring regional favourites
- "Bon voyage" sparkling wine toast*
- Exclusive use of lounges and observation dome in Park car
*These services are only available during the summer on the Ocean.
TAKING IN A MARITIME LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Feel free to take part in these activities. The Easterly class was designed to propose a seamless and relaxed learning experience in harmony with the laid back warmth of the Maritimes.
When you travel in Easterly class, you are given access to the very best we have to offer: cosy accommodations, breakfast, lunch and a delicious three-course dinner. Refreshments remain available to you at any time, and you have exclusive access to our amazing touring cars, complete with panoramic dome and comfortable seating. The Easterly class service is offered on the Ocean from early May until the end of October. Comfort class (economy) and Comfort Sleeper class, are available year round.
The Experience
At your window, beautiful ocean hues, emerald green rolling hills, scintillating sea sprays and shining sails under the midday sun will add the finishing touches to your maritime adventure.
SUPERIOR SERVICE
The Learning Coordinator's duties far exceed those of a tourist guide: his foremost responsibility is to see that you, the passenger, enjoy the best quality of service throughout the journey. A dedicated team will help him in his efforts.
The Learning Coordinator will also guide you through the history and culture of the Maritimes through planned vignettes, short movie viewings, workshops and impromptu presentations. Come celebrate this journey of discovery!
SLEEPING CARS: A COZY COMFORT
The Easterly Class will give you access to VAI Rail sleeping cars. Most departures (aboard Renaissance cars) offer double and double deluxe bedrooms. The latter is even being equipped with a private shower. On some departures (when stainless steel cars are in use), you can also choose between a berth or a single, double, or triple bedroom. You'll find a shower room just a few steps away.
Whatever the room, you're sure to find the best of both worlds. By day, relax and travel in perfectly appointed, comfortable seats. Large windows let you admire the region's hills, forests and villages. By night, sleep in a cozy bed with a down duvet comforter, gently rocked by the train's motion. All of our bedrooms come with a private bathroom.
Accomodations on all VIA Rail Trains
DINING CAR
Think of the dining car as a friendly restaurant, where you can choose from a selection of delicious regional specialties. The dining car will charm you with its down-home maritime ambience, its elegant table setting and refined service. There, you'll enjoy breakfast, lunch and a three-course dinner (included in the price of your tickets). Please note that the dining car is not accessible outside of meal service hours (early in the morning, at noon and in the early evening). Outside of opening hours, you can still purchase a tasty snack at the Skyline car's takeout counter.
Menus on all VIA Rail Trains
THE PARK CAR: YOUR LOUNGE & OBSERVATION DECK
In the last car of the train you will find the most in elegance, comfort, and hospitality. Access to the Park car is offered exclusively to travelers in Easterly class.
Its sumptuous Bullet lounge will act as a theatre and projecting room for the Learning Coordinator. It is also an exceptional meeting place for Easterly class passengers. You can spend hours just socializing or relaxing over a cool drink or a hot cup of coffee.
Perhaps the most exceptional part of the Park car is its panoramic section. This observation deck, surrounded by windows in every direction, lends some of the most amazing landscape scenes.
Entertainment on all VIA Rail Trains
SPECIAL TOUCHES
As a passenger in Easterly class, you are entitled to some special touches, such as a shower kit (towel, shampoo, conditioner and soap), checked baggage and at Montréal and Halifax, as well as access to the Panorama lounge in Montréal. The service guide tells you what services and entertainment (newspapers, films, board games, etc.) are available on board, while a road map will help you spot interesting sights throughout the journey. Our cordial, courteous personnel are always at your service.
Fresh fruit and coffee will be served free of charge. Bottled water, ear plugs, a VIA Destinations magazine, a travel guide, shower towels and body care articles will also be included (plus, a piece of chocolate will be placed on your pillow!)
Amenities on all VIA Rail Trains
OTHER AVAILABLE CLASSES
(economy) lets you travel far for less in absolute comfort.
Comfortable travel to the Maritimes with the added benefit of private or semi-private accommodations.
BAGGAGE
Make use of the baggage car and check any articles you won't need during the journey. We recommend that, you bring only one article of baggage into the car with you, however you may check up to seven articles, four free of charge. Certain restrictions apply as regards weight and size of baggage.
On certain trains, VIA Rail can even carry oversized articles such as bikes or kayaks. When making your reservations, check your train's policies.
Please note that due to the lack of ventilation in the baggage cars during the summer season, it is impossible to check your pets or take them with you from May 1 to September 30.
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS SERVICE
Alcohol service is governed by provincial laws. As such, the times at which alcohol is served depends on the province in which the train is traveling. Under these laws, you cannot consume alcohol that has not been purchased on board except in your bedroom.
SMOKING POLICY
In response to the many requests from our passengers, the Ocean offers a smoke-free environment. This includes the vestibules, washrooms, lounges and private spaces. However, those who wish to smoke will be able to do so when the train stops in Charny, Campbellton and Moncton.
VACATION PACKAGES