The Ocean

Pass details

Why buy this

The Ocean, one of Canada�s most historic trains, runs six times a week in each direction between Halifax and Montreal. The Ocean has been serving the same 841 miles of track for over 100 years making it the longest-running regularly scheduled and named passenger train in Canadian history. You will be following in the footsteps of history as until the advent of mass air transportation Halifax was the gateway to Canada and almost everyone that arrived in Halifax caught the Ocean onwards towards their final destination.

History aside this is a very comfortable train that after leaving Halifax and the Atlantic Ocean, follows the Northumberland Strait and crosses French speaking New Brunswick before reaching Quebec and turning west to follow the St Lawrence seaway to Montreal. Whilst not remote in the true sense of the word it is an area that is not much visited by overseas visitors and if you choose to get off en-route you are sure of a genuinely warm welcome.

What you get

There are three levels of service on the Ocean:

Comfort (Economy) Class, for any Canada train trip, with its roomy seats, is synonymous with comfort and enjoyment.

• Comfortable reclining seat in the coach car
• Footrest
• Headrest
• Reading Light
• Large picture windows
• Pillow and blanket on overnight services
• Access to the Dining Car in off peak season
• Access to the Caf� where you can purchase snacks

Comfort Sleeper Class, combines all the amenities with some of the savings of comfort class with the additional comfort of a bed rather than a seat.

• Comfortable sleeping quarters supplied with pillows and blankets
• Some services, in the off-season, offer a choice of a berth, single, double or triple bedrooms
• Most services offer double and double deluxe bedrooms � the latter with its own shower
• Access to the exclusive Dining Car (in peak season priority will be given to Easterly Class passengers)
• Access to the Caf� where you can purchase meals and snacks to eat in or take away
• Access to the Comfort Lounge

Easterly Class, like the soft wind from the sea it was named after, refreshes and inspires sweet dreams.

• Double bedroom (double bedrooms available for sole use at a modest supplement)
• Some services offer double and double deluxe bedrooms - the latter with its own shower
• All meals are included in your fare in the exclusive Dining Car
• Access to the Park Car with its intimate Mural lounge, Bullet lounge with wraparound windows and on the upper level a 360 degree scenic dome
• Activities, such as wine tasting, arranged by the onboard coordinator
• Priority baggage handling
• 24 hour complimentary tea and coffee service
• Only available mid-June to mid-October

What you don't get

Almost every need is catered for on the Ocean - the only things you may need to buy are:

• Food and drinks are charged extra in Comfort and Comfort Sleeper Class
• Alcoholic Drinks
• Souvenirs

How it works

You will be issued with a voucher, which must be exchanged at the departure station for your actual ticket. Before boarding the train you must take your voucher and passport to the VIA Rail ticket office where they will issue you the ticket for your journey. Please arrive at the station at least 1 hour prior to the departure of the train. VIA Rail only sell the same number of tickets as there are seats on board. If you do not have a reservation you will not be allowed to board unless there is space available - standing is not an option.

Cancellations and refunds

Vouchers which are lost, stolen or validated/exchanged cannot be refunded. Refunds are only accepted on vouchers returned to International Rail before the start of their validity. Vouchers returned for cancellation or alterations have a standard 15% cancellation/exchange fee in addition to an administrative charge per ticket. Cancellation/alteration fees will be charged on each voucher returned. Duplicate or replacement vouchers cannot be issued under any circumstances.