We recommend that our visually impaired clients find out about the services available to them by contacting one of our sales agents, by telephone or at one of our ticket counters.
If you are hearing or speech-impaired, contact us via a teletypewriter (TTY) at 1 800 268-9503 (toll-free). From Toronto, you can call (416) 368-6406. You may also get in touch with an agent at one of our ticket offices.
So that we can make all the necessary arrangements to provide you with the services to which you are entitled, please inform us of your needs at least 48 hours before your departure and give us all the relevant information.
Visually impaired passengers and guide dogs
We want your experience with VIA to be enjoyable. In most locations where we have personnel, our staff can escort you to the platform, assist you in boarding and disembarking from the train, and help with loading and unloading your baggage. You can benefit from priority boarding five minutes before regular boarding commences.
Once you are on board, we will be pleased to give you information on our menus and services. If you like, we can notify you of any schedule changes as well as your arrival at the destination. To benefit from these services, we suggest that you identify yourself to VIA personnel once you arrive at the station and as soon as you get on board.
Are you planning on travelling with a service animal (guide dog)? * Your guide dog always travels free. And to make sure both you and your animal are comfortable, we will provide you with a second seat free of charge in Comfort (economy) and VIA 1 class. On certain departures you may also occupy a double bedroom at a reduced fare. Your guide dog must wear a special harness with a "U" shaped handle at all times.
Please note that this policy only applies to service animals such as guide dogs and not to pets who must travel in a baggage car. We also ask that you tell us in advance if you wish to travel with a service animal.
* Service animals, such as guide dogs, are certified working animals that were trained in order to help you.
Service animal (guide dog) trainers
If you are a service animal trainer, we ask that you provide us with proof of your occupation. Once this condition has been satisfied, you may bring free of charge one service animal on board your train with you. In both Comfort class (economy) and VIA 1 class, you will get a second seat free of charge so that both you and your animal are assured of maximum comfort. On certain departures you may also occupy a double bedroom at a reduced fare.
Hearing - or speech-impaired passengers
Hearing - or speech-impaired passengers can connect a personal teleprinter or Bell's Visual Ear to VIA's computerized system in order to exchange messages with our reservation or information service.
We suggest that you identify yourself to VIA personnel once you arrive at the station and as soon as you get on board. If you are speech-impaired, please bring written instructions to inform station and on-board personnel of your itineraries, connections and needs. Our employees may then keep you informed of any schedule changes as well as notify you when you arrive at your destination.
Our sleeping cars
A haven of peace and comfort on the train. To cover hundreds of kilometres while you sleep in a cosy, comfortable bed, travel in Sleeper class.
Comfort class (Economy) or first?
You may be hesitating between Comfort class and first class, which includes a number of very attractive services. Find out about :
VIA 1 class, available in southern Québec and southern Ontario. Designed for demanding travellers seeking space, comfort and style. Your meal is included in the price of your ticket.
Silver & Blue class, available between Toronto, Jasper and Vancouver. A trip in Silver & Blue class is like a luxury cruise on rails, with a comfortable bed, all meals included and five-star service!
Easterly class, a Maritime Learning Experience! Discover the wonders of the Maritimes aboard the Ocean in Easterly class.
