Thanks for that.
I’ve only noticed it in the summertime. I assume it has something to do with the heat, on clear sunny days.
I’ve never noticed it in the winter. 
I’ll re-ask a question the OP slid right over a couple days ago:
Here’s a much more in-depth treatment. Which also talks about how temperature gradients in the bottom layers of the atmosphere are the driving cause of the effect. Hence the summer/winter dichotomy you mentioned.
Well, to give an answer, the train trip is just one of a few options for my annual vacation.There’s the usual “fly somewhere to a resort,” but I was in St. John’s, Newfoundland, a couple of years ago. That was a business trip, though the little I did get to see of the city made me want to go back and see more; and explore the area a little further.
Plus, one other train trip I was considering is the rail journey between Winnipeg and Churchill, on the shores of Hudson Bay, to see the polar bears. That’s another overnight train, and the YouTubes I’ve seen of that trip have piqued my interest.
So the cross-Canada trip is one of a few options. I’m leaning towards it, to fill in that Vancouver-Edmonton gap, but have yet to make a final decision.
And one more thing made me take a second look. This is not going to be the kind of trip that one can set up using Expedia or similar. Well, I guess I could, but it would take a helluva lot of time, and if I don’t get things done just right, I’m going to be spending a lot of money when I get stranded somewhere. Basically, I’d be trying to deal with air schedules, likely hotels at either end, and the real challenge: the train schedule. It only runs two or three times a week, and over such a distance, is likely to be running late (I know this from experience) so wiggle room has to be built into everything at either end.
So I spoke with a travel agent who has set complicated things up for me before. Turned out that she knew of an outfit that specializes in trips like this, so she contacted them. They came back with an itinerary and a quote, and the travel agent said she could work flights around all that.
Sounds great, right? Wrong. Remember, I lived in Toronto for decades, and I’ve been to Vancouver enough times to know the city quite well. The itinerary assumed I had been to neither, and would like to see them, so a few nights at either end were to be spent in cute, chic, boutique hotels. Like I said, I know both cities, and I know where both hotels are (without the help of a map; that’s how well I know the cities), and neither is anywhere near where I want to be.
And the quote! Damn, I nearly fell out of my chair. I know what the train would cost, but those hotels are expensive! The Toronto one was $637 a night! The Vancouver one was only slightly less expensive. And there were things like city bus tours, admission to various attractions, and so on. (I did smile at those, as the Toronto ones were all places we went to on school field trips when I was younger, so no need to see them.) And I knew that airfares would be extra. So I told my travel agent there was no way I’d be booking through this outfit, and that I was more a Comfort Inn kind of guy anyway. She understood, and said she would look at doing it herself. I’m still waiting to hear from her—I may give her a call tomorrow.
Hope this helps to answer your question. Of course, if you have any more questions, just ask.
All good. The obstacles are logistics and wonderful alternatives not uncertainty about the benefits. BTDT got the t-shirt.
Go someplace; you can’t go far wrong.
I’m actually taking that trip (sleeper cabin!) this summer. Flying into Winnipeg June 30, hopping the train July 1, arrive Churchill July 3 (it’s actually 2 nights), depart July 5, Winnipeg July 7, back to the US (to be terrorized by customs and border patrol) July 8.
Not to see the polar bears though, mostly just for the trip. Also, because I am so obsessed with cycling, I bought a foldable bike (used) that fits into checked baggage for both airline and Via rail dimensions.
Nice – I took Amtrak from La Crosse, WI to Everett, WA to go on a self supported bike tour (mostly on Whidbey island) – I could check my non-folding bike for $20 (The La Crosse depot is within biking distance from my house)
Brian
Let us know how that goes. I may consider it for next year.
Why? Because it looks like I’ll be going on the Toronto-Vancouver train this year.
I spoke with my travel agent this morning. Yes, she understands my reluctance to use the package involving boutique hotels and bus tours, and my wish to be near Union Station in Toronto, preferably somewhere within walking distance of Union, or at least near a subway station. I named a few places that I knew of that fit the bill. I mentioned that I’d probably need a night in Vancouver as well, given the unreliability of Via Rail’s schedules over long distances (here’s where the wiggle room comes into play), and mentioned a place I’ve stayed at before. She said that she could put it all together.
This will take place in November, which is Via’s off-peak season, and the train price is a lot better than during Via’s peak season. So, it’ll be about six months away, but it looks like I’ll be doing it.
Yay!
When the time comes, keep us updated!
Well, having done “The Canadian” in 2009, one suggestion if you’re doing the whole Vancouver to Toronto thing involves showering. Do not do it on the train. Wait until the stop in Winnipeg, and contact (beforehand) a decent hotel with a health club to enquire about the possibility of a day pass. Two days sans shower is not unbearable, and the alternative is trying to shower in a phone booth that is rolling on at least two gimbals.
Thanks for the tip, but I have tried the shower on the train, back when I went from Toronto to Edmonton, maybe 20 or so years ago. It was a little weird, but otherwise fine. I would kind of like to try it again.
But I’ll keep your idea in mind. Thanks again!
I’m glad to hear that you’re doing it. From my recollections of rail travel and all the comments here, I wish I was going with you!
But as to the timing, as I’m sure you know Toronto in November is not ideal. There’s unlikely to be snow, but it will be chilly! Certainly not Alberta chilly, but you’ll need an overcoat!
And if you want to be very silly, consider a ticket to a Leafs game from a reseller like Stubhub. Attending a home Leafs game is really quite a magical experience!
I lived in Toronto for at least forty years, and I well remember Toronto Novembers. They’re either cold and rainy, or cold and clear, but in all circumstances, they’re cold. I’ve actually been thinking about that, and have been rummaging through my closets for a lightweight, yet warm, coat. I think I found one, and it worked through the latter part of last winter, but maybe Toronto (and Winnipeg, and Jasper, etc.) will put it to the test.
I’m hoping to find a reasonably-priced place in the deep downtown near Union. That will allow me to use the PATH system (for our friends who are unfamiliar with Toronto, that’s an underground system of heated corridors lined with retail that goes all over downtown), so my outside time will be minimized. And something near the subway will allow me to get to places where I can meet up with old friends.
And if they’re not available—well, you’ve given me an idea with a Maple Leafs game. I saw many in Maple Leaf Gardens, but I’ve never seen one in Scotiabank Arena. Great idea, thank you!
But the real attraction is the train trip. How many times have I stood in the Great Hall of Union, and looked at the names of the cities and towns across Canada that are carved in the walls, and that the station served by rail? And asked myself, “How many have I been to? That one, that one, that one …” This place, this station, Union Station, with all its destinations, is where adventures start. And then I realize that I’m taking boring, everyday commuter rail to a bedroom community in the GTA.
But not this time.
Should you go on a cross-Canada train trip?
Might As Well.
(Can’t believe no one said that yet.)
Resurrecting the thread just to note that I am at the station and waiting to board. This is happening. First thing to note, that would have been good to know beforehand (it would have given me some relief) is that they are going to allow me to carry what should be a “checked” bag (due to the size) to my sleeper cabin. This is critical to my trip as my suitcase is primarily acting as the container for my Dahon folding bike. I want to be able to ride it when the train stops for a few hours in Thompson tomorrow.
I mean, what am I going to do, walk around like some peasant?
Anyway, the smart thing to do would be to call ahead about something like that. It might be that they are only letting me do it because I have a sleeper for two all to myself (the sleepers for one were sold out when I booked, and it’s not like I’m going to ride coach for 42 hours if I can avoid it).
Hope you have a lovely trip! (And an easy time with all border crossings)
Hey, I’m safely in Canada. As a US citizen, the worst they can do to me when I return to the US is search all my bags extra thoroughly and demand that I unlock my cellphone so they can download everything on it. For that reason, I left my normal cell behind and am writing to you from a used/refurbished iPhone SE 3rd gen I picked up for $150 on eBay. Just transferred my eSIM from one phone to the other because my plan already has free roaming to Canada and Mexico.
But just be warned, this conversation could end up in a CBP database…
My wife and I have been thinking about this very trip, and watching some of the (many) YouTube videos on the topic. One thing that’s not clear to me - how easy is it to watch the scenery? We’re considering a sleeper car, but either way, if you’re sitting two across, are you sitting there craning your neck if you’re on the inside seat?
Some of the trains do have observation cars (some forward-seated, some side-facing), but we’re no clear yet which ones have those.
Great! Let us know how it goes. When you can get a cell signal, of course; I’m sure that there will be dead spots along the journey.
Nice to hear about your luggage. I’m wondering about that—I think my usual bag should fit without being checked, but I’m going on memory, so I’m unsure. Good idea to check with the railway. Thanks!
And have a great trip!
We’re just out of Winnipeg, so I still have signal. Here’s (1) my cabin, (2) the view from the inside seat, (3) the dining car, and (4) the observation car (they do appear to have it on the Winnipeg-Churchill route). I’d have gotten more of the observation lounge, but it was already mostly occupied by a large group of Amish, Mennonite, or similar and I didn’t want to annoy them (not that I think they are averse to having their picture taken, except to the extent families with children in general might be so averse). Also, note that the chairs are not fixed: they can be moved to face more or less one way and closer together as well.
