good comparison. The Canadian uses vintage rail cars from the 1950ies. It is the last remaining streamliner---it's really a rolling museum---for rail fans it's like the Holy Grail. Pricing on the Canadian? Via rail has sales all the time, you can ride the Canadian off season when it goes on sale for much less---just get on their mailing list. Car attendants. On Amtrak you have good car attendants and some really bad ones. I remember on the Lake Shore, the car attendant put down the bed, the locked himself in a room and was never seen again, other times on Amtrak, I've seen attendants work hard and endlessly, and they were tripped well for it. Food and presentation on the Canadian is hands down better than amtrak---and we won't mention the horrors of "flexible dining"--worse than TV dinners. Ride the vintage 1950ies streamliner, the Canadian while it is still around in its present form---those 50ies cars won't last forever--Amtrak has no dome cars--sightseer lounge cars are not the same.

I’ve been a huge VIA Canadian fan. Your videos led me back to giving Amtrak another shot coast to coast. Food is better on VIA in my estimation. And I really agree you can’t beat those Amtrak car attendants! Keep the great content coming. I appreciate it

I have taken both Californa Zephyr and The Canadian, end to end. Personally, I thought that the dining experience on VIA Rail was a better. I loved their food more than what I had on Amtrak.

Had a room with a bathroom on both the Zephyr and Canadian and hands down enjoyed the Via Rail Canadian over the Zephyr. Can’t wait to do the same trip in the opposite direction. Have also taken the one-night sleeper from Halifax down to Montreal.

This was a very helpful comparison. I would add that the price difference may be caused by the difference in number of days on each. Thanks for this.

I really appreciate and rely on your informed videos. I hope you realize how much influence you have on the rest of us less traveled out here in the real world.

I found this one to be very entertaining! And am happy that I was right - Via Rail edged out Amtrak. LOL. Upkeep, cleanliness, and food are important, for both, in spite of pricing. It lined up nicely with your video on where Amtrak can improve. Two 👍👍.

I totally agree with your evaluation of car attendants. My recent California Zephyr trip attendant was the best ever!

I just clicked on a thumbnail of y'all picture and realized I was watching the news. 😁

As a teen in 1981 my parents & I drove across Canada from Calgary to Vancover, camping in a tent... Taking VIA is high on my bucket list!

A trip on the ViaRail's Canadian is definitely on my bucket list. Amtrak's aging Superliner equipment needs overhauling as ViaRail were able to pull off with 60+ year equipment. My guess is they need to keep fares higher than Amtrak on account of the extensive man hours required to maintain vintage equipment. I think they know they have something by having the only equipment of this type in Northern America & people are flocking for the experience enjoyed by people who've traveled in these type trains of yesteryear. I'm hoping Amtrak will not discontinue long distance trains since ridership is sparse in some areas. Chopping up rail service with bus rides will be an injustice.

I think that to make a fair comparison regarding price, you have to compare segments of similar size. You would have to start The Canadian at an intermediate stop so you would compare a 3-day trip to a 3-day trip

We prefer complementary all inclusive information rather than looking for trouble where there isn't any. Both are nice. All the employees do their best. Peace love and cheers.

On my multi-train trip last September, the sameness of Amtrak's menu didn't really bother me, because there are multiple entrees available for lunch or dinner, and I was able to sample the whole menu. And the flatiron steak was so good that I really didn't mind ordering it again and again.

I completely agree with you about Amtrak’s food. Fifteen days of the same menu!

Such a great video! I hope Via Rail hears yr feedback and improves. So glad you visited us in 🇨🇦 again. Luv yr channel ❤

I really liked hearing your review of Amtrak and Via Rail. It was interesting and educational. Thank you!!

Such an excellent comparison breakdown you gave. I appreciate you both so much. You’re great teachers and, I believe, experts already. 😊

It’s like comparing apples to oranges price wise really, different tax systems, different wage levels, lots of reasons why it’s more expensive outside of the US. As for attentive staff, it’s a cultural thing, we notice this when travelling on cruise ships as Aussies we don’t want nor need the constant attention of wait staff, we actually find it intrusive to be asked what feels like every 5 minutes if everything is satisfactory, it’s over the top 😂 let us eat in peace thank you 🙏

I noticed the food choice differences between VIA & Amtrak and I don't eat beef(personal choice) and the choices on VIA are far better in that regard. Just noticed you have reached 100k subs well done, you'll have to do a unboxing of your KZfaq award once you receive it. The cost may be more on VIA but you get the dome car, better food choices, and they plan the delays into their schedule so your on-time rate is far higher and you get 1-3hrs depending on timing per train at certain stops such as Jasper, Winnipeg as a couple examples. Prestige class in VIA has the double bed and full bathroom available but it is amazing and for the 10% I'd say. Certain times of the year VIA will have 3 dome cars particularly in summer. The Canadian has rooms for 1 & 2 people and they include toilet(separate area) and a communal sink you'll have to try it next time.

A great comparison. I find the Amtrak roomette is basically a VIA Cabin for One made for two people (minus the in-room toilet) so it might be better to compare those two. Amtrak doesn’t really have something like a true upper and lower berth since the heritage fleet was retired.

You helped us make our decision. We're doing that once in a lifetime vacation for our 50th wedding anniversary. We are definite on the California Zephyr Chicago to Emeryville, then Coast Starlight to Seattle but considered the Empire Builder back to Chicago (not our home so that's a wash, we will fly home either way). But now we're going with the Canadian from Vancouver to Toronto and will fly home from Toronto. Great video, thanks for your input, it was what I was hoping and cemented the itinerary. Thank you ❤🚂❤

Greetings from Banff. My husband and I are planning on a long trip in December 2026. Our schedule will include (unless changes are made) beginning in Shelby, MT. Empire Builder #07 to Seattle and then on the 516 Casdes to departing at 07:50 and arriving at 11:50 in Vancouver, BC. Staying overnight at the Embassy Suites in Seattle and then staying at the Vancouver Pinnacle Hotel Downtown. This will give us the afternoon and the next morning in Vancouver in the afternoon and morning. Then we will be taking the VIA Canadian #2 from Vancouver to Toronto. At today's rates, we will be in the "Cabin for 2 Discounted" for 4141$ CAD. Thought you might like this information. As we purchase our tickets, I will inform you on the prices.

Super helpful tips. Thank you!

Congratulations on 100k! I'm saving up to take the Zephyr for next year's summer trip.

Maybe you could run a comparison between the three US "trains through the West". The Southwest Chief, California Zephyr and the Empire Builder. Which did you consider to be the best in the ways that you have presented here between Via Rail's Canadian and Amtrak's California Zephyr.

This was awesome. Great points brought up for both trains. I've done the Canadian, would love to try Amtrak someday! :)

price comparison is a little unfair coz the length of the trips are different. if u take that into account, based on the prices u quoted for the 2 person bedrooms, the price per day is actually cheaper on the canadian (775) vs the zephyr (~833).

Regarding the Food (I haven't been on either train. Just going buy what I've seen on your videos) it seems as though the Food Presentation is nicer on the Canadian. Better plated and more elegant.

As a Canadian who loves our countrysides views but has never been on a train other than once in the Nederland and our LRT. I really want to take the Canadian one time. Thanks for your honest thoughts

Love this video Great idea to compare them.

Isn't fares based on distance? If so it would make sense that Amtrak would be cheaper since Chicago to Emeryville California (California Zephyr) is a shorter distance than Toronto to Vancouver (The Canadian)

It's not a train, but you guys have to do the Alaska Ferry, and then obviously Alaska Rail (PS-Gold Star!).

I can understand how you like the variety of food on the via rail train because they change up their menu like you were saying, and you were tired of the same old food on the Amtrak trains. Well, not everybody constantly rides the trains like you two do. So many people only ride the train maybe once or twice a year so they enjoy the food on Amtrak very much.

I like how Via Rail changes its menu because you're right, it's cool to wonder about what new food will be served. The one downside I have about that and one reason I like Amtrak keeping the menu the same is that the flat iron steak was so good and I'd be sad I was looking forward to the steak again and I looked at the menu for dinner the next day and it wasn't there. Again, there could be things I end up being just as good if not better. Still, with Amtrak serving the same menu, you know you're going to have food you know you're going to love. I can't say for sure because i've never tried Via Rail food but I think both do just as good.

I’ve watched dozens of your train travel videos and enjoyed them all. This video was tops for information! I plan to take an east to west coast train trip in the next few years, which would require me to decide between the California Zephyr and the Canadian. Thanks to you, I’ve made my choice. It will be the Canadian! 💐

Thanks for this thoughtful video from your experienced perspective. An observation: The mission of "The Canadian" is to provide the experience of a cruise ship, as shown by the pricing, the lack of tight timekeeping, the long layovers where passengers are encouraged to get off and explore, the on-board amenities, and the fact that "The Canadian" only operates twice a week. In contrast, according to the mission given by Congress to all of Amtrak, "The California Zephyr" is first and foremost to provide common-carrier transportation, as shown by the lower pricing, the multiple stops in small towns far from airports, the scheduling struggle to minimize the time between point A and point B, and the fact that "The California Zephyr" operates every day. I don't disagree with your assessments or observations at all--they're very fair. Just wanted to point out the difference in missions between the two trains. Finally, as an aside, you are so right: Amtrak sleeping-car attendants (and Amtrak conductors, for that matter) rock!

Great info!!! Thanks very much!!

Great comparison but I would ask if VIA is more of a tourist train/trip Vs the CZ that is still at heart a passenger route.

Great video. Thank you.

The one thing I think Via Rail has over Amtrak is the activities offered on board. Because I have yet to ride Via, I'm not sure if I would take advantage on them enough. When I rode the sunset limited, it already was a more than good enough experience for me.

Disagree completely on the price issue. Toronto to Vancouver on the Canadian is ~$1500 USD for a single cabin. New York to Seattle on Amtrak in a single cabin is $1900 USD. And the Amtrak route is one fewer day!

$3100 for a 😮bedroom on Via is CAD. 2600 USD. It is comparable to bedroom on Amtrak. And the trip is twice as long

I just booked a return trip in a 'cabin for 1' on the Canadian (Edmonton-Toronto) for $980 each way.

Good comparison

Are you quoting fares on VIA in Canadian Dollars or US Dollars? Also, if you are 60 years or older on VIA rail, you qualify for the Senior Discount Fare. On VIA Rail, if you have alcoholic beverages in the dining car, you have pay for these beverages. On Amtrak, you get one alcoholic beverage with dinner without charge.

Hello guys. I just want to add, at one time Amtrak did have movies in the dome lounge car (observation car) back in the mid 90s. When it comes to MAJOR DELAYS, Amtrak do provide free snack packs. Cheese, crackers, peanut butter dip, etc.

Great video, thinking of taking via rail from Winnipeg to Vancouver, would you say that this is the most scenic part of the journey for that train?

Here's the strange part of this. The Canadian, originally built for CP Rail was modelled after the original CB&Q D&RGW WP California Zephyr. The VIA Canadian is a national showcase. AMTRAK overall is a victim of political cultural whim.

Hello Both. Love your videos and this one combines both the US & Canada. I’ve been on both and my preference is Via Rail Canada. We had better proper meals on the Canadian, whereas with Amtrak (I went NY, to Washington, Washington to Chicago, Chicago to Denver, Flagstaff to LA, and LA to San Francisco) and all the dinners were “fast food” meals and the quality was average. When are you going to manage to get to Australia? I’ve been for great rail trips to Oz. My trip was from Perth to Adelaide on the Indian Pacific and then the Ghan from Adelaide to Ayers Rock and what is now known as the Spirit of Queensland from Cairns to Brisbane. The quality of the Indian Pacific and Ghan are much better than Amtrak but close to Via Rail. The food is incredible and the facilities and optional trips mid journey are incredible and there are stops for an outdoor bush breakfast are really good. I would recommend that you find the time and money to get the best quality seating. Maybe combine Australia with a trip to NZ. There are no sleepers but the Kiwi Rail trips from Christchurch to Greymouth on the Tranz Alpine. The Coastal Pacific from Picton to Christchurch these are all in the South Island. On the North Island there is the Northern Explorer from Wellington to Auckland. There are also some great heritage lines in NZ. I’ve been on all these and recommend them to all grain riding enthusiasts.

On the Canadian, I could get a Cabin for 1, an option that Amtrak doesn't have. How does the cost of VIA's Cabin for 1 compare with Amtrak's roomette?

In terms of via rail changing its menu every day, i have mixed feelings on that. I like how you can get new food options if you get board of the old, but at the same time, there may be some old options you're looking forward to that you end up not having. Like, if I had Amtrak's flat iron steak once and I loved it, I'd be a bit disappointed if I was looking forward to having it again and then it wasn't there.

Appreciate the helpful comparison! A quick request, please: it's really helpful not to talk over each other, even if it's just an "mmm-hmm," "yeah," or "right," because it makes it hard to hear the full "train" of thought, requiring closed-captioning to keep "track".

As a Canadian I apologize for Amtrak.🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

suppose I wanted to do round trip from florida to say Chicago. to build up points. what would you recommend. ie first class would it have an observation car. id love to build up a bank of points . I am solo traveling

Keep in mind the Canadian is I believe 4 days vs Amtrak Zephyr is 3 days?

A+

HOW OFTEN DO YOU WIN A BID FOR AND UPGRADE TO A ROOMETTE?

I'm not as big a fan of the mountains and have a bit more a preference for the desert landscapes. I much prefer the views of the Colorado hight plains, Raton Pass, Glorietta pass and desert view on the Southwest Chief than the mountains view on the Canadian or the California Zephyr, not that these train aren't scenic, they're still spectacular, but I prefer the Chief.

Why is it that Amtrak doesn’t keep their trains clean?

When you eat in your room do you tip at that time or do you just figure that the tip at the end of the ride covers that?

I wish the steps to the toop level was a little wider on Amtrak

While you like Via Rail building delays into schedule, I don't like trains just accepting delays. While Amtrak still faces delays, at least it's trying to make up time. I think Amtrak does a little bit better with speed because comparing Amtrak's Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles takes 43 hours cover 2265 miles, that is if its on time. The Canadian on the other hand, is only covers about a quarter longer than the chief and it take over twice as long if it's on time. While yes Via rail's sleeping car maybe better maintained, I don't mind the age as much as the space on offered as Amtrak sleeping compartment from what I've seem look much more comfortable than Via Rail, with the exception of the prestige class on the Canadian, but that's not very affordable and Amtrak, as you said is way cheaper.

I know meals on "The Canadian" are freshly cooked to order onboard the train. Can the same be said about Amtrak ? Amtrak's web site says meals are "chef prepared;" but what does that mean ? Prepared on board; or in some industrial kitchen, frozen, then microwaved onboard ? And really, can you compare a cheeseburger with what Via Rail offers "(i)n the Dining car, from breakfast to dinner, you can explore our gourmet three-course menus. [...] We offer three choices of specialities cooked by our chefs on board for every meal. Our products are carefully selected from Canadian artisans." (from the Via Rail website) ? One of the reasons for the longer stop in Winnipeg is they restock the onboard kitchens. You complained about the lack of freebies, then talked about the drinks, snacks, entertainment and activities available on Via. Are we forgetting something ? Sure, you might not get free bottles of shower gel and shampoo; but that is piddling compared to the other things that are included on Via.

Wow, another completely wrong item: You absolutely can eat in your room on Via Rail. Just ask your attendant.