Travelling with Kids on the Canadian

[jim-sK6dKysfGH7D0D/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

I am planning a vacation next summer aboard the Canadian with my family; myself, my wife, and 2 daughters aged 12 and 9. We plan to travel from Vancouver to Toronto for 4 days. Wondering if anyone has had experience travelling with children for that long aboard the Canadian. Are they going to get incredibly bored? My girls are very well behaved and can entertain themselves quite well, but they are children so wonder if this is a mistake. I am also concerned about the other passengers, we have gone on a cruise where some of the older travellers were not appreciative of our children (again, they are well behaved, but children are children).


Assuming I am not totally nuts for attempting this trip, what sleeping class would you recommend that I book? Any other advice you can offer on train travel with kids would be appreciated.




Jim G.

[Peter Payan backpackca-FFYn/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Hi Jim.

My wife and I took our two children, both boys, aged 11 and 13 out from Montreal to Vancouver
and back on the Canadian in March 1983 when it still left from Montreal. We had 2 connecting
Double Bedrooms in the sleeper ahead of the last car on the train. During the day, the wall between
them was open giving us 2 sinks and 2 toilets.

It was the March Break so the train was full of children. During the trip, my younger son, aged 9
made friends with other kids further up the train and arranged a date for my older son. I can't recall
but suspect that he was not amused.

The service crew aboard had lots of things for the children to do during the trip. There was a special
dome car for them (like there is today) with games, comics, puzzles, movies, etc.

To save money on snacks, we took a 40 lb box full of cereal, juice, and apples. when we arrived
in Vancouver, there was just 1 apple left.

They ate all their meals with us in the dining car.

Our children had fun aboard and got to see our great country.

If your girls like to read, bring some books along for them. Let them be part of the planning for the
trip. You might be surprised at the things they will choose to do.

Good Luck and have a Great Trip!!

All Aboard!!

Peter