VIA Rail Cabin for One

Published Jan 16, 2025
7 min read

If you're planning to take one of our trips that includes time on VIA Rail’s Ocean or Canadian Trains and prefer a balance of solitude and comfort, the Cabin for One in Sleeper Plus is an exceptional choice. Tailored for solo travellers or companions who do not want to share a room, this cabin offers a blend of convenience and comfort, perfect for taking in the views as one crosses Canada’s breathtaking landscapes.

VIA Rail Cabin for One in night set-up

Why Choose a VIA Rail Cabin for One?

  • Private and Comfortable: A self-contained space designed to maximize comfort and privacy. 
  • Panoramic Views: Large windows to immerse yourself in Canada’s stunning scenery.  
  • Inclusive Service: Meals, accommodations, and access to onboard lounges are all part of the package.  
  • Solo Traveller-Friendly: Ideal for travellers looking to unwind without sharing their space.  
  • No bunk beds: Couples in Sleeper Plus who do not want to navigate bunk beds should also consider booking two Cabins for One. They can be across the hall from each other to enable spending time with each other. 

[Explore: VIA Rail Canada Vacations]

Insider Tip #1: The Cabin for One is not just for solo travellers

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Couples who like a bit of personal space or don’t want to navigate bunk beds should consider booking two Cabins for One. Your Canadian Insider at Canadian Train Vacations can arrange for them to be across the hall from each other. Most of your waking time will be spend enjoying the lounge cars where you can sit together.

Blog Author - Athena McKenzie
Athena McKenzie
Content Manager

Montreal and Quebec City Getaway 

This short 5-night trip gives you the chance to explore two of French Canada’s largest cities. In addition to taking the Corridor train between Montreal and Quebec City, you’ll enjoy guided walking tours, food tours, or small group sightseeing tours in each destination.  

Canadian History and Culture by Train 

Discover the best of Ontario and Quebec on this 10-day train vacation! Ride the Corridor train from Toronto to Quebec City, stopping to explore Ottawa and Montreal along the way. This trip also includes a 2-night stay in the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, where you can enjoy a winery tour, see Niagara Falls, and more. 

Understanding the VIA Rail Cabin for One Experience

The comfortable chair in the Cabin for One in the day set-up.

VIA Rail’s Cabin for One is thoughtfully designed to provide both comfort and functionality. The space transforms seamlessly between a private seating area during the day and a cozy sleeper at night. This transition is done by your dedicated onboard attendant while you enjoy a meal in the dining car.

Layout and Features  

  • Convertible Bed: A fold-down bed prepared by your attendant ensures a comfortable sleep.  
  • Daytime Seating: A cushioned seat with ample legroom provides a relaxed spot to enjoy the journey.  
  • Storage Options: Compact shelves and hooks keep your belongings organized and accessible.
  • Private Window: A large window offers unparalleled views of Canada’s landscapes.  
  • In-Cabin Sink and Toilet: A discreetly integrated sink and private toilet offer convenience and privacy.  
  • Access to a shower: each Sleeper Plus car has a shower room, which is cleaned between uses.   

Amenities  

  • Personal Climate Controls: Adjust the temperature to suit your preferences.  
  • Reading Lights: Perfect for unwinding with a book or reviewing your travel plans.  
  • Fresh Linens and Towels: Provided for added comfort and convenience.  
  • Attendant Service: Your attendant converts the room from day to night and ensures your needs are met throughout the journey.  

Exclusive Access  

  • Lounge Cars: Relax in the Skyline car, designed for comfort and mingling with fellow travellers. The upstairs has domed windows and comfortable lounge chairs, while the downstairs has tables for socializing, playing games and enjoying the included snacks and hot beverages. There is also access to the Prestige Park Car, with its elegant lounge area and upstairs dome. Do note that the upper dome seats are reserved for Prestige-class passengers at certain times.   
  • Dining Cars: Enjoy chef-prepared meals, included in your ticket, served in elegant dining cars.
the upstairs viewing area on the Skyline Car

Insider Tip #2: There is easy access to facilities

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Along with the toilet in the room, the Cabins for One are close to the shared bathrooms. The bed does cover the cabin toilet at night, so the public washroom is a convenient option instead of raising the bed. There is also access to a shower room, ideal for the longer journeys.

Blog Author - Hannah Poaros-Mcdermott
Hannah Poaros-McDermott
Travel Writer and Senior Content Coordinator

Cabin for One Pricing Structure and Inclusions

Understanding the pricing for VIA Rail’s Cabin for One in Sleeper Plus class helps you appreciate a rail vacation’s value. Below is a detailed breakdown of what’s included, factors influencing the cost, and the benefits that make it a worthwhile decision.

Fare breakdown: What’s Included

The fare for a Cabin for One is the price for one traveller and covers everything you need for a seamless and comfortable rail journey.   

While the upfront cost may appear higher than traditional travel options, the all-in-one pricing provides exceptional value-added benefits:

  • Sleeping Accommodations: A private cabin with a convertible bed and access to personal amenities.  
  • Gourmet Meals: Included meals are breakfast, lunch and a multi-course dinner, each chef-prepared and served in the inviting traditional dining car.  
The dining car on The Canadian, one of Canada’s sleeper trains
  • Lounge Car Access: Exclusive entry to lounge cars with refreshments and a relaxed atmosphere. Free activities such as beer tastings are included with most trips.  
  • Onboard Services: Attentive service from your cabin attendant, who takes care of your comfort and transitions your cabin from day to night.  
  • Panoramic Views: Large windows in both your cabin and shared spaces to enjoy Canada’s stunning scenery.

Factors That Affect Pricing  

The base fare includes train accommodations, meals, and amenities mentioned above. Several things influence this base fare, including booking seasonality and timing:   

Travel Season  

  • Peak Season (Summer): Higher prices due to increased demand and popular travel dates.  
  • Off-Peak Season (Fall, Winter, Spring): Lower fares with the added charm of seasonal scenery, such as autumn foliage or snow-covered landscapes.  

Booking Window  

  • Early bookings often secure the best rates, with discounts occasionally available for advance purchases.  
  • Last-minute bookings may be more expensive but can sometimes offer promotional rates.  

Route-Specific Pricing  

Booking Tips and Strategies to Get the Best Price

Whether you’re planning a cross-country adventure or a shorter trip, these strategies can help you save while ensuring a seamless travel experience.

  1. Book Early: Travel often rewards early planners with the best rates. Aim to book at least three to six months in advance, especially for popular routes like The Canadian.  
  2. Travel Off-Peak: Consider travelling during shoulder seasons (fall or spring) when fares are typically lower, and the scenery is equally stunning.  
  3. Choose Mid-Week Departures: Avoid weekend travel to take advantage of mid-week discounts and quieter train cars.  
  4. Use Bundled Packages: Visit Canadian Train Vacations for customized rail packages that combine accommodations, excursions, and train travel for better value.  
  5. Watch for Promotions: Check our website or sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about special deals or last-minute offers.   
  6. Be Flexible with Dates: Slight changes in travel dates can significantly affect pricing. Use flexible date search tools to identify the most affordable options.  
  7. Leverage Travel Experts: Partner with Canadian Train Vacations to create a personalized itinerary tailored to your budget and interests, complete with insider tips and recommendations.

[Explore more about: Train across Canada]

Onboard Dining and Culinary Experiences

Travelling in VIA Rail's Sleeper Plus class offers an exceptional dining experience, with all meals included in your fare. The dining car provides a refined atmosphere, complete with white linens and panoramic windows, allowing you to enjoy your meals against the backdrop of Canada's stunning landscapes. The attentive staff ensures friendly and professional service throughout your journey.

Meals on VIA Rail sleeper trains are prepared by an on-board chef

Culinary Highlights:

Gourmet Meals: Lunch and dinner are multi-course affairs, freshly prepared by onboard chefs using locally sourced Canadian ingredients. The menu often features regional specialties, providing a taste of Canada's diverse culinary heritage.   

Dietary Accommodations: VIA Rail caters to various dietary needs, including vegetarian options available with every meal. Passengers with specific dietary requirements can request special meals through their travel advisor with Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada.

Sample Daily Menu: (selections shown here may not be the same as on your trip, but there is always a vegetarian option.)  

Breakfast: 

  • Freshly baked pastries 
  • Choice of hot entrée: 
  • Scrambled eggs with Canadian bacon 
  • Buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup 
  • Vegetarian omelette with cheddar cheese 
  • Assorted juices, coffee, and tea

Lunch: 

  • Choice of soup or salad 
  • Choice of main course: 
  • Grilled Atlantic salmon with quinoa 
  • Roast beef sandwich on artisanal bread 
  • Vegetarian pasta primavera 
  • Dessert: Chocolate mousse 
  • Selection of beverages, including local wines and beers

Dinner: 

  • Choice of soup or salad 
  • Choice of entrée: 
  • Pan-seared duck breast with rosemary, maple, and soy glaze  
  • Canadian lake trout seared on the grill, garnished with pickled onions  
  • Stuffed portobello caps 
  • Dessert: Cheesecake with berry compote 
  • Coffee, tea, and after-dinner drinks

Comparing Cabin for One vs. Other VIA Rail Accommodations

Summary of Accommodation Options 

  • Cabin for One (Sleeper Plus): Perfect for solo travellers who value privacy, featuring a private cabin with no shared sleeping space. 
  • Cabin for Two (Sleeper Plus): Designed for couples or friends, offering a private cabin with a double bed or two separate beds, without the need for bunk arrangements. 
  • Berths (Sleeper Plus): Economical semi-private sleeping spaces with curtains, suitable for those comfortable with shared spaces. 
  • Prestige Class: VIA Rail’s luxury offering, featuring larger cabins, a full-size bed, private bathrooms with showers, and enhanced services. 
  • Economy Class: Basic seating only, with no sleeping accommodations. Note: Canadian Train Vacations does not offer trips using Economy class. 

Quick Reference Chart

By understanding the differences, you can select the accommodation that best suits your travel needs and enjoy the journey in comfort and style.

Feature/Service 

Cabin for One 

Cabin for Two 

Berths 

Prestige Class 

Economy Class 

Privacy 

Full privacy 

Full privacy 

Semi-private (curtained) 

Full privacy 

None 

Bed Configuration 

Single bed, no bunk 

Double bed or twin beds 

Upper and lower bunks 

Full-size bed 

None 

Private Amenities 

Toilet and sink 

Toilet and sink 

None (shared facilities) 

Ensuite bathroom 

None (shared facilities) 

Meals Included 

Yes 

Yes 

Yes 

Yes (plus exclusive appetizers and snacks)  

No 

Lounge Access 

Yes 

Yes 

Yes 

Reserved Prestige lounge seating 

No 

Scenic Views 

Large cabin window 

Large cabin window 

Large shared window 

Panoramic windows 

Limited 

Service Level 

Attendant service 

Attendant service 

Attendant service 

 

Personal conceirge service 

Basic 

Target Traveller 

Solo travellers 

Couples or friends 

Budget-conscious travellers 

Luxury seekers 

Budget-conscious 

Conclusion

The VIA Rail Cabin for One is an outstanding option for solo travellers seeking privacy, comfort, and convenience while exploring Canada’s breathtaking landscapes. With inclusive amenities like gourmet meals, attentive service, and access to exclusive lounges, this cabin transforms a simple journey into a memorable experience. Compared to other accommodations, its focus on personal space and practical features makes it an excellent value for those travelling alone, those travelling with others that prefer more privacy, or those who do not want to navigate bunk beds. 

About the author: Athena McKenzie is the Content Manager at Fresh Tracks Canada. An experienced lifestyle journalist, she has written about travel, design, arts and entertainment. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Zoomer Magazine, Elle Canada and... Read more

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