I was reading a bit of a commentary in Jason Schron's Rapido Bulletin from last month or the month before about riding the train.  Its not something we often do, but I enjoy it when I get the chance.  As part of VIA Rail's summer "kids ride free" program, my wife and I decided to take our kids on the train.  We drive out to visit my family in Alberta and then one of us rides the train back with one of the kids while the other drives.  Last year, my wife and daughter went home on the train, but this year it was me and the boy's turn.  They boarded in Edmonton, but a little research and curiosity later, I decided we'd board in Evansburg, about 20 minutes from my parents.  Turns out, the Evansburg "station" is simply a sign marker at the side of the tracks on a back road.  

My sister drove us out there because she was curious about it, too, but she neglected to check if her vehicle was fueled before we were ready to go, so we had to fuel and then got behind a camper and we ended up being about 10 minutes late.  No problem, as the train was supposed to depart there at 9:38pm (we arrived about 9:15).  However, the train was sitting waiting for us when we got there.  If we would have been there when we were supposed to be (9:08), we could have boarded and moved on to the next siding, but they had to wait for a freight train after waiting for us.  But the crew were very nice and even tried calling us to let us know they were there.  Except they called our home, and we were obviously far away from there.  

Anyway, we enjoyed the trip, but it was an overnight trip and we had coach seats.  My boy was able to move across the aisle so we each had two seats, but it was not really great for getting a good sleep when the loco is blowing its horn for every little road crossing (and there are a LOT).  We were seated in the first coach, right behind the baggage car.  The observation car was three cars back and the dining car was four cars back, however we were not able to use the dining car as it was closed when we boarded and we arrived in Saskatoon a few minutes after it opened, so that was a little disappointing.

However, there is LOTS of legroom in the coaches, even if they aren't the most comfortable to try and sleep in.  We each managed maybe 3 hours of sleep on and off.  I just wanted to watch out the window at the passing lights and scenery, even though it was dark, but then a kid sitting in front of me pulled the shades down completely.  So, I watched across the aisle out the window but it wasn't as easy to see with extra glare from the lights in the car.  Still, we liked it, but would hopefully try a day trip next time or get a sleeper.  Pics to follow in comments to not make this first part too large.