Via Rail Business Class

 

Union Station Business Class Lounge

I'd never tried Via Rail's Business Class before, but I wanted to visit a friend on the route, so I booked a trip. The lounge opened shortly after I arrived. It was very basic, offering soft drinks, and little else, but it was a nice, quiet space to wait. They announced boarding, so you don't need to watch the clock or a screen.

Lounge offerings

The seating in business class is interesting. The front half of the carriage faces backwards, and the back half faces forward. In the middle there is a common table, so a party could sit face to face. The chairs are reasonably comfortable for a short haul, but somewhat skinny.

Via Rail Business Class seat

Tray

They have windaisle seats

I preordered the vegetarian breakfast, as I try to limit my meat intake. I have had some meals before that were obviously expressions of hostility towards vegetarians on the part of the caterers, but this took the cake (cake would have been nice). The vegetables in the eggs were overcooked to flavourless mush, and the potatoes were oddly textured and completely devoid of flavour. Nothing was even salted, and no salt was provided.

The vegetarian breakfast

On the way back, thankfully, they didn't have my vegetarian meal, but managed to scrounge a salmon. It was served cold, which I thought was an odd choice for cooked salmon, but any fish in a storm...

Salmon

The service was good, anyway. And considering the price, it's not a bad value. Just don't tell them you're vegetarian. 😉

Next: Part I of my RC Explorer of the Seas report