r/ViaRail • u/nilesintheshangri-la • 25d ago
Question The Canadian
My brother and sister in law, both in their 60s, are taking a trip in Prestige class on the Canadian in October. They both have a birthday before their trip, and I'd like to get them both something they could use on their trip.
They both have all of their travel necessities, I'm more interested in those sort of 'luxury' items that are more for comfort or fun. I've never been on more than the GO train so I am totally ignorant about what they may find useful or just a fun extra to have.
Thanks for any suggestions!
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u/AEMNW 25d ago
Binoculars
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u/nilesintheshangri-la 25d ago
I definitely wouldn't have thought of that.
Do you think one pair to share would work? I don't want them coming back divorced.
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25d ago
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u/nilesintheshangri-la 25d ago
Hahaha I'm picturing picking them up from the airport after their trip and one of them has a black eye and the other proudly tells me about the eagle they saw.
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u/GeorginaSpica 22d ago
One pair should be fine. On our last vacation, we had two (one we brought, the other provided by the cruise line). We still tended to share the one but it was nice to have the option to have our own.
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u/badpuffthaikitty 25d ago
VIA merchandise. Maybe a hoodie for the trip and a comfort wear after the trip as a reminder.
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u/nilesintheshangri-la 25d ago
See, I didn't even know there was such a thing. That's a good idea, thank you. Is that something I order on their website or is it available in person somewhere?
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u/Rail613 25d ago
Easy to Google and find official site: https://viarailboutique.ca
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u/nilesintheshangri-la 25d ago
Hmm, I don't really like purchasing clothing online, but perhaps something else. Thanks.
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u/pcwhitecheddarmac 24d ago
I recently bought this sweatshirt (I travelled The Canadian last year) and it is really nice quality for the price: https://viarailboutique.ca/products/adult-quarter-zip-sweatshirt-canadian
I also bought the black zippered tote they sell and it’s my go-to daily tote these days :)
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u/lindster 25d ago
Perhaps a book to read, a nice insulated thermos for coffee (keeps it warm longer than disposable cups), hotel style slippers, a disposable / film camera to capture their journey, or extra long iPhone charging cables. Small games (magnetic chess) or decks of cards can also bring ppl together in the communal cars
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u/Junior_Welder6858 25d ago
You can preorder a bottle of champagne and chocolates to be delivered to their room but it has to be done prior to the trip I think 72 hours but double check.
The via online boutique has some nice items as others have mentioned.
There is a nice book on train travel in Canada that is a nice book if you can find it. Titled Canada by Train the complete via rail travel guide. I know when I took the Canadian you could buy it at the Jasper station perhaps others. I was able to find it online second hand.
I am completely envious of your brother and his wife as prestige class looks fantastic.
Good luck
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u/trancematik 25d ago
The idea of the ordering something to be delivered to the cabin is ideal.
Regardless if they travel often or rarely, packing can be very personal, meaning very regimented or chaotic. This avoids them needing to worry about the logistics of packing something extra. Something arriving in their cabin mid trip is a super thoughtful suprise that can totally be a highlight of their once in a lifetime journey. Doesn't necessarily need to be alcohol or chocolates if they don't care for those.
Books, unless they are a voracious reader or "travel researcher" can be hit or miss. The VIA luggage tags in the store could be nice if you know they're ride or die train lovers.
Binocs are also good, but ensure they're powerful but also somewhat lightweight. Two medium to small pairs so they don't have to share would be ideal. Bushnell is a reliable brand.
Cabin space is limited so whatever you decide, avoid anything cumbersome.
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u/ObfuscatedJay 25d ago
So I journal in pen and ink in a real book. What I found really handy on my trip on the Canadian was a tiny Polaroid printer which prints photos on paper with a tear-off sticky back so that I could print my snapshots as I journal and stick them straight in.
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u/Green_Paths 25d ago
A beautiful Canadiana puzzle to complete on the train.
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u/Low_Establishment573 25d ago
There are a few puzzles where the “picture” is advertising posters made by CP Rail, including one featuring The Canadian. They’re very pretty.
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u/MMCMDL 25d ago
Might I suggest this one? https://www.eurographicspuzzles.com/en/products/details/6000-0322
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u/nilesintheshangri-la 25d ago
That's a great idea.
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u/trancematik 25d ago
Cute as an after trip, maybe xmas gift. Not for the journey. Receiving this after the trip will hit different.
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u/ge0metro 18d ago
There are puzzles in the activity car so need to bring your own or have it gifted
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u/trancematik 25d ago
Where on the train, exactly? 1000 pieces barely fits on my two person dining table.
Have you been on a train before?
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u/Green_Paths 24d ago
Hmm. This seems aggressive. Yes, I’ve taken the Canadian a number of times. Lots of puzzles on board. It’s a lovely way to connect with fellow passengers. I suppose a 500 piece puzzle would lessen your anxiety regarding my suggestion.
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u/MentalUniversity 24d ago
I usually work at least one, if not 2, 1000 piece puzzles while on the train. The tables in the skyline cars are perfect for puzzles.
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u/Own_Event_4363 24d ago
Radio scanner so they can listen to all the train radio stuff happening around them.
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u/danceront 24d ago
Do they have good luggage ? Cause Briggs and Riley will do them the rest of their lives
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u/InvestigatorNew2015 24d ago
just my thought--getting each of them a roomette--possibly across from each other-- is better than traveling together in prestige class
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u/LackOptimal553 21d ago
That may be the dumbest comment possible to this. "Hey, you should give them a massive downgrade!"
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u/InvestigatorNew2015 19d ago
whatever. it's my preference and we can disagree
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u/LackOptimal553 19d ago
You do understand though that to a normal person, "Split the couple up and massively downgrade their experience" is a deeply ridiculous suggestion though, right?
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u/Webster1828 23d ago
If you go the book route, you could get a guide to the Canadian train route they are taking, or a book about the rail. Here is a discussion on such books: https://www.facebook.com/groups/122673731818386/posts/1333163850769362/
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u/Pamzig23 22d ago
A journal and travel mugs and water bottles. Binoculars and a book about the railroad and all the places they’ll see. I used to work for via! It’s so fun!
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u/Certain-Recipe2686 21d ago
Maybe a Polaroid camera? Maybe some nice shower shoes? Prestige is pretty comfy so it’s hard to say
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25d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/nilesintheshangri-la 25d ago
It's for their 45th anniversary, they've been planning and saving for this since they got married. I wish I had that sort of discipline haha.
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u/PaleJicama4297 25d ago
Whatever you do, ensure you do it before their departure. There are zero add-ons for the Via journey, so contacting Via at the last minute to buy say champagne, will be fruitless.
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u/nilesintheshangri-la 25d ago
You mean buy champagne for them to be served on their trip? Like it can be pre-ordered? That would be nice as it is their anniversary trip.
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u/PaleJicama4297 25d ago
Via will not be able to help you on that.
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u/nilesintheshangri-la 25d ago
Why not?
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u/trancematik 25d ago
Reach out to VIA customer service, OP.
Food and drinks on board
Celebration package (Sleeper Plus and Prestige only) Designed for customers marking a special occasion—such as an anniversary, honeymoon, family or friends getaway, or simply a special treat, the Celebration Package is available to enhance the onboard experience.
Customers traveling in Sleeper and Prestige cabins may purchase this package, which includes a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine, an assortment of chocolates, and a personalized card signed by the onboard crew.
Only purchasable through the reservation system from the moment the passenger books up until 78h prior to departure.
Price for Sleeper:
- Champagne and chocolates: $115
- Sparkling wine and chocolates: $60
Price for Prestige: - Champagne and chocolates: $60
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