Inside the train: Double bedroom

A big thank-you goes out to the person on the internet who recommended the F rooms because they have more space than the other double bedrooms. I believe each of the sleeper cars has a room F. In such tight quarters any extra room counts and in this case there is probably more than an extra foot. Normally people would check most of their luggage and take on board only what they needed for the train trip. We didn't check anything. In F rooms one suitcase can be stored in that extra space with room to spare and another between the two chairs. Smaller bags can be stored on the high ledge above the sink and bathroom door. It takes some agility to put items up there for not-so-tall people like us. How some of the seniors manage is a wonder.

We're in the Dunsmuir car, number 222, in front of the Park (dome) car at the back of the train. Is it best to be closer to the dome car or the dining car? It's hard to say. Another bonus of an F room is that the shower is just outside the door to the right. I can zip in and out of there in moments. (Bring your own shower cap if you're not washing your hair and flip flops are handy too.)

But don't expect a 4 or 5 star hotel experience here. These rooms are basic and small. In the two bed cabin we had on an Amtrak train in the USA we barely had room to stand when the beds were set up. Here on Via Rail the beds are not only wider, but armchairs could still fit into the remaining space. Two chairs are set up in daytime. By 10:00 pm all the beds are set up, although you can arrange for earlier - we usually had it done while we were at supper. The chairs are folded down and a bed put on top. A bunkbed is lowered from the ceiling. There is a ladder to reach it and netting on the open side so you don't fall out. We heard that new cars are being designed for double beds for the comfort of the ageing population. Beds can be left in place in the daytime if you want to nap.

Daytime setup

Nighttime setup (VIA Rail photo)

I have to use this internet picture (above) of the bed arrangement because I forgot to take my own photo.

See how close the wall across from the bed is in the above photo? Well, in Room F all that room to the right of the door (below) is extra space.

Turn right out this door and step to the shower

The toilet is in a tiny closet, like an airplane washroom. Push the flush button and you have time to escape and shut the door before a sound like a jet engine occurs. A small sink surrounded by mirrors is in the room and a full length mirror is on the back of the door. There is a slim clothes closet only a few inches wide, and a tiny compartment above it. Towels, plastic and paper cups, earplugs, shampoo, hair conditioner, lotion and mouthwash are supplied. Each night two bottles of water and two small chocolate bars were left on our beds.

The room locks from the inside but not the outside. We were told that nothing is ever stolen, but when we left our room we locked our luggage, stored the laptop out of sight and took the cameras with us.

The train stops fairly often to let other trains pass. Try to choose one of these moments to apply mascara or use sharp objects. There can be some surprising jolts on the train and Glenn has the bruises to prove it.

Other arrangements are available such as triple bedrooms and sleeping berths. I just read that you can request a table for your room.

Sink with flip-down counter

Extra storage above sink