Edmonton - Edmonton, Alberta

Carolyn R.

Arrived at the airport at the start of my trip from Ontario and enjoyed my stay very much. I picked up a rental vehicle from Avis, and I was able to navigate around the city to get to where I needed to be quite easily. Stayed at the Fantasyland Hotel in WEM for 2 nights and took in all the things to do at the Mall. We had a fun time at Galaxyland, the Waterpark, and Ed's Bowling. Wish we had more time there!

John T.

I can see why Canadians don’t use trains and fly everywhere instead. This station has no access from the city - the only way to get here is getting an uber/taxi (or use your own car). If you do insist on taking public transport, expect a 20 minute walk along a road with no footpath.

The facility itself is lacking. Whilst there is basic amenities (toilets, water bottle refill) there is nowhere to store luggage, get food/coffee. Your options for food are a vending machine with crisps and chocolates, with the drinks machine currently out of order. Get uber eats. Wifi is unusable, just hotspot your phone if you need.

On the plus side, check in staff are friendly and helpful. That’s about the only positive. Expect delays.

Jake

Well, I been trying to book a dream train trip for a couple years now, but I never can due to all the sleepers and cabins alwaysing being unavailable, doesn't matter how much in advance they are just never availble..

The second reason I never get to do this trip is due to cost, hard to justify paying 1000s of dollars to travel in a chair for 20 days without even having a bed.

Bobstradomus

Took the train back home to Sudbury early in March.Had the sleeper class lower berth all to myself so I slept like a baby and the bed being super cozy for 6”1 man.I paid for meal service and I ate like a king.3 nutritious meals and unlimited snacks and coffee.The train had an upper section for lounging and enjoying the ride and views.Fresh toiletries every morning and they would convert your bed back to seats fairly quickly usually while I was taking my morning shower which was fun especially in Northwestern Ontario.All the staff were very nice and helpful and the chef was a very talented individual kudos to the cooking staff.The only complaint which is out of Via Rail’s hands was the constant delays caused by having to give the right of way to the numerous freight trains as that’s how it works folks.Also be prepared for cellular service lost in a section of Northwestern and Northeastern Ontario.My first ever train trip was an absolute delight deserving of five stars.I would eventually like to take the # 2 from Toronto to Vancouver one day and return.Thanks for the the lifetime memories Via Rail,cheers !

TAKAO Y.

トロントからやって来るVIAに乗るため駅舎開場前から並ぶ。
6時少し前、職員さんか私たちに気づいてくれ早めにドアを開けてくれ中へ。
A.M.7:50発車予定もすでに掲示板には二時間遅れの案内。
まぁ、大陸横断鉄道はこんなものらしい。
なんせ貨物列車が優先。
旅客列車はすれ違う貨物列車のために複線待機がルール。
しかも貨物列車にはダイヤもないという。
それでも、やきもきするとことなく列車がやって来るのを待つ。
カウンターでVIAキャップやマグカップを購入し、きっぷ売りのお兄さんはギターを弾き我々をもてなしてくれた。

Ilse A.

Lei unos comentarios muy malos y la verdad me empecé a decepcionar y poner nerviosa porque ya había comprado los boletos pero fue todo lo contrario!
Lo suuuper recomiendo el día que yo fui el tren salió a tiempo, es más el abordaje inició antes de lo previsto, todo el personal fue muy amable, mi esposo y yo teníamos planeado iniciar el viaje en Jasper pero debido al incendio nos movieron a Edmonton ( no cobraron nada adicional a esto aunque habíamos comprado el boleto más económico).
El patio de los asientos está muy bien como business en un avión, los paisajes son increíbles! Como no va rápido puedes verlos muy bien.
Si pueden hacer este viaje lo recomiendo, las 32 hrs se van volando entre ver el paisaje, escuchar música, leer, jugar cartas etc.
Eso si lleva una cobija hace frío en la noche.

NERO S.

May 7, 2024, Via Rail Train: Terrible. An 11-hour train delay!
The VIA RAIL Edmonton to Vancouver train trip was supposed to be a bucket list trip, however it did not happen. On arriving in Edmonton, the train was severely delayed (about 11 hours behind). No real reasons were given for the delay other than it could be due to freight trains running. We were not notified of the delay before arriving at the station. The website was the only way to follow where the train was and when it would come to Edmonton. Since this was a late departing train, using the website to track when the train arrived is ridiculous as you would have to periodically check the website for the train status (you wouldn’t get any sleep!).
To add insult to injury, we discovered that VIA RAIL employs an airport-style “security check” searching suitcases, bags, and coats, apparently looking for alcoholic beverages and pointy things! Is this how you treat guests on a luxury train? Very degrading, disappointing, and unnecessary. Never heard of any train hijackings.
Since we would have no idea of when the train would arrive and how delayed it would be, we decided to cancel our bucket list trip. It was not worth the wait and anxiety of not knowing when the train would arrive (and possibly missing it). Also, with the delay we might have missed the best part of being on the train and seeing the Rockies during the daytime. This was disappointing as we had been looking forward to this trip for a very long time. The only redeeming thing out of this ordeal was that VIA RAIL did provide a full refund of the cost of the trip (we were able to cancel it at the very last minute).
I would not recommend traveling VIA RAIL unless you have the time and patience to deal with their delays, and are willing to let them treat you like a criminal.

RickD W.

Caught the midnight ViaRail in Edmonton & travelling to Vancouver. In Jasper at 8:30 am watching the sun hit the Rockies. Will post more as the adventure continues. So far great& friendly helpful staff & service!👍