- 7/4/2025
Get Exclusive NordVPN deal + 4 months extra here: https://nordvpn.com/trektrendy It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee
Today I’m taking the longest train journey of my life, from Miami 5,500 miles all the way to Alaska! It’s also my most ambitious trip yet, riding Amtrak in First Class, Via Rail The Canadian in Prestige Class and even the Alaska Marine Highway in the best cabin!
I’ll be comparing the varieties of First Class, Business Class and Coach throughout, and take you along each step of the way. From the beaches of Miami, to the city of Manhattan, to the Rocky Mountains of Canada to Alaska.. this is going to be quite the adventure.
Thank you to my friend Travis / @travis_ridgen
for the awesome Via Rail drone footage, go check out Travis's channel to see his recent experience on the Canadian.
0:00 - Intro
1:07 - Brightline
03:57 - Amtrak Silver Meteor
11:12 - Maple Leaf Train
16:27 - The Canadian
35:43 - Amtrak Cascades
38:09 - Alaska Marine Highway
45:57 - Cost
✈️ Book flights, hotels & more at www.pritaicetravel.com.
Let’s explore the world together!
Today I’m taking the longest train journey of my life, from Miami 5,500 miles all the way to Alaska! It’s also my most ambitious trip yet, riding Amtrak in First Class, Via Rail The Canadian in Prestige Class and even the Alaska Marine Highway in the best cabin!
I’ll be comparing the varieties of First Class, Business Class and Coach throughout, and take you along each step of the way. From the beaches of Miami, to the city of Manhattan, to the Rocky Mountains of Canada to Alaska.. this is going to be quite the adventure.
Thank you to my friend Travis / @travis_ridgen
for the awesome Via Rail drone footage, go check out Travis's channel to see his recent experience on the Canadian.
0:00 - Intro
1:07 - Brightline
03:57 - Amtrak Silver Meteor
11:12 - Maple Leaf Train
16:27 - The Canadian
35:43 - Amtrak Cascades
38:09 - Alaska Marine Highway
45:57 - Cost
✈️ Book flights, hotels & more at www.pritaicetravel.com.
Let’s explore the world together!
Category
🏖
TravelTranscript
00:00Today, I'm travelling by sleeper train for 150 hours from the beaches of Miami,
00:055,500 miles across America to Alaska.
00:08I'll show you exactly what it's like to live on board,
00:11from economy to first class, to how you shower,
00:14what food you get and what it's like to sleep on board.
00:17There's even separate viewing cars to enjoy one of the world's longest railway journeys,
00:22from mountains to cities to wilderness.
00:24Let's pick up my story at the beginning of this epic adventure in South Beach, Miami.
00:30Well, hello there and welcome back to the channel,
00:38where we begin our adventure all the way to Alaska.
00:41And look who I'm joined by.
00:42Hello there.
00:43Hello, fancy seeing you here.
00:44Yeah, just passing by.
00:46Just passing by.
00:46Well, shall we head over to the railway station?
00:48We ought to. We've got a long way to go.
00:49We do indeed.
00:50And that's no exaggeration.
00:52This is the longest train journey I've ever embarked upon.
00:55We first must travel the short distance over to Miami's downtown Brightline terminal.
01:00This is Florida's high-speed railway connecting Miami all the way up to Orlando,
01:08at speeds of up to 125 miles an hour.
01:11The terminal is very much the opposite of your usual railway station,
01:15and feels much more like an airport.
01:18Let's head right up to check-in.
01:19I say check-in, as this is all dealt with via a mobile app.
01:25So really, we just need to scan a QR code to gain entry to the platform.
01:29All that's left is a quick security screening.
01:34Right, should we go get on board?
01:36It certainly got pretty busy,
01:38but that's because the five-car train seats us shy over 300 passengers,
01:42all boarding at once.
01:43I've booked premium class for this first segment,
01:48which grants you access to the first-class carriage,
01:51seating 50 in a 2-1 configuration.
02:02Within moments, our train begins to glide out of Miami Station,
02:06marking the beginning of our epic adventure.
02:09So, what's the plan?
02:10Well, we'll travel some 70 miles over the next hour to West Palm Beach,
02:15where we'll be catching our first long-distance sleeper train,
02:18the historic Silver Meteor.
02:24It's not long before service springs into action.
02:27Premium class get complimentary food and snacks.
02:30It's possibly a little too early for a beer,
02:32so we'll enjoy a couple of soft drinks,
02:34and take a look around my seat.
02:36The seats are comfy adorned in leather,
02:39with an adjustable armrest,
02:40small pull-out table,
02:42and charging facilities.
02:43Ideal to plug in a laptop,
02:45and get some work done,
02:46on the inclusive Wi-Fi,
02:47which is moderately fast.
02:51If nature calls,
02:52there's one modern and spotless lavatory,
02:54for each carriage.
02:57I think it's fair to say,
02:58this is a stellar rail experience,
03:00albeit quite a short one.
03:10Welcome to West Palm Beach.
03:16Yes, welcome.
03:17Our first stop of the trip,
03:18although quite a short-lived one,
03:20as we've now got to walk about nine minutes,
03:22over to the Amtrak railway station.
03:24Unfortunately,
03:25as Brightline and Amtrak are competitors,
03:27the stations are by intention,
03:28far apart.
03:29That said,
03:30a stroll is quite nice,
03:31ahead of our upcoming sleeper train.
03:35So,
03:36West Palm Station,
03:37is actually a rather historic landmark,
03:39opened in January 1925,
03:41as a seaboard airline railway depot.
03:44In fact,
03:44the ferry train we're taking,
03:46has served this stop since 1939.
03:49The station does still have,
03:50some old world charm,
03:51with a quaint waiting room,
03:53and ticket counter,
03:54serving both Amtrak,
03:55and Tri-Rail services,
03:56multiple times a day.
04:08Our conductor,
04:09has a quick glance at our ticket,
04:10and beckons us on board.
04:12This is a Viewliner One car,
04:14dating from 1996.
04:16Whilst I've tried the roomettes before,
04:17I've not tried the bedrooms,
04:18on a Viewliner,
04:19so let's head to room B,
04:21and check it out.
04:25Within moments,
04:30we begin to roll out of the station,
04:31starting the clock,
04:32on this 20 hour segment.
04:34But,
04:35where are we heading?
04:36Unsurprisingly due north,
04:37and up through 10 states,
04:39arriving into New York City,
04:41tomorrow afternoon.
04:42Here we are then,
04:43welcome back to Amtrak.
04:44Yes, indeed.
04:45Welcome back on board,
04:46it's been a few months,
04:47I'm sure you get settled,
04:48and I'll show you all around.
04:49Won't take long.
04:50So,
04:51our bedroom,
04:51it's certainly on the compact side,
04:53at around 45 square foot,
04:55but does manage to pack in a sofa,
04:58foldable chair,
04:59and of course,
04:59double height windows.
05:01During the evening,
05:02our attendant will transform our space,
05:04into two bunks.
05:05There's a fold out table,
05:07for,
05:07er,
05:07checkers,
05:08and a small closet,
05:09with room for a shirt or two.
05:12We have the luxury of en suite facilities here,
05:14meaning there's a sink,
05:15and a separate washroom,
05:17complete with a shower,
05:18which we'll try out later on.
05:25It's time for our first fresh air break,
05:28and needing no invitation,
05:30let's hop off,
05:31and into the sunshine.
05:33Well,
05:33welcome to Orlando,
05:35we have a brief stop here,
05:37enough to stretch your legs,
05:38and get out,
05:39and have a little look around.
05:40Now,
05:40I know what you may be thinking,
05:42doesn't the bright line,
05:43go all the way up to Orlando?
05:44Yes,
05:45indeed it does,
05:45but the station is a good 23 miles away.
05:48Not exactly ideal,
05:49for our Amtrak connection.
05:50Back on the move again,
05:55I think we'll go in search of some refreshments.
05:58On the way,
05:59we step into the Viewliner 2 carriage,
06:01which features the other sleeper accommodation,
06:03the Roommette.
06:05Also sleeping too,
06:06but in a far more compact 22 square foot.
06:09It is however,
06:10the updated version,
06:11and therefore a more comfortable,
06:13modern experience,
06:14i.e. not featuring a toilet next to where you sleep,
06:16prevalent on its predecessor.
06:19Anyway,
06:19onwards to the cafe car.
06:22Here,
06:22you can purchase from a selection of hard and soft drinks,
06:25along with light snacks.
06:27Clearly,
06:27on the same page,
06:28Dad orders some beers,
06:29and Doritos,
06:30as we settle into the diner style seating.
06:42Thankfully,
06:43the Doritos are not our dinner.
06:44This will be taken in the dining car,
06:46which is included for sleeper passengers.
06:49I'm pleasantly surprised to see the return of traditional dining,
06:54rather than the microwave meals,
06:56which have become commonplace across Amtrak's network since COVID.
06:59naturally,
07:08I've opted for the steak,
07:10whilst Dad chooses the Atlantic salmon.
07:12And to finish off proceedings,
07:18we're served the white chocolate blueberry cheesecake.
07:23Feeling pretty full now,
07:24I think we'll call it a night,
07:26and head back to our sleeping quarters.
07:28Welcome back to our room.
07:38Our beds have been beautifully turned down,
07:40ready for sleep.
07:41Dad,
07:41how's your evening been?
07:42Yeah,
07:42it's been good,
07:43thank you.
07:43It's been really good,
07:44hasn't it?
07:44Now,
07:45the conundrum,
07:45there's a top and bottom bunk.
07:47I'll take the top.
07:47Do you want to go down below,
07:48Dad?
07:48Absolutely.
07:49Awesome.
07:50Let's call it a night.
08:08Good morning from the state of Virginia.
08:10We've made some great progress during the night,
08:12and it won't be all too long before we make it to DC.
08:15So,
08:16in the interim,
08:17shall we try out the shower?
08:18Good morning from Washington,
08:36DC.
08:37It's certainly a little bit colder here.
08:39I'm not appropriately addressed,
08:40but hey,
08:41we're only here for about 10,
08:4215 minutes.
08:43Got to swap the locomotive.
08:44I've been told it's going electric,
08:46which I didn't realize.
08:48Ah,
08:48yes,
08:48so we'll be connecting onto the Northeast Corridor,
08:50which is fully electrified,
08:52and requires us to swap out our locomotive,
08:54so it's bye-bye GE,
08:56and hello Siemens Loco.
08:58The whole process mercifully is pretty quick,
09:00and I'm back inside,
09:01warmer within a few minutes.
09:04Next on the agenda is breakfast,
09:07back in the dining car.
09:08To begin we both opt for the obligatory caffeine hit,
09:20followed by a near-identical order of scrambled eggs.
09:23And just like that,
09:35the familiar New York City skyline comes into view.
09:38Well dad,
09:50welcome to New York.
09:52Yeah,
09:52great to be here.
09:53Yeah,
09:53we finally made it,
09:54although our journey is far from over.
09:56However,
09:56we do have an overnight here,
09:58before coming back to this ferry station tomorrow morning.
10:01So here's the plan,
10:03our connection onwards only goes once a day,
10:05so instead we'll head over to Lower Manhattan,
10:08to stay overnight at the iconic Beekman Hotel.
10:11The Beekman was originally the Temple Court building,
10:14and was one of Manhattan's original skyscrapers,
10:17used for many years as offices,
10:19being in the financial district,
10:20though fell into disrepair,
10:21and was eventually renovated,
10:23reopening as the current hotel in 2016.
10:28It's a lovely spot to rest up,
10:30ready for tomorrow's return to the rails.
10:36And well,
10:37to keep up appearances,
10:38of course once dusk falls,
10:40we'll head to the Beekman Steakhouse to indulge.
10:51Good morning,
10:52it's far too early to be up and about.
10:55Back as mentioned at the Moynihan train hall,
10:58ready to catch a train to another country.
11:01Okay,
11:02let me explain.
11:03So in order to progress further to Alaska,
11:05we need to take the Maple Leaf train,
11:07which leaves once a day at 7.15am,
11:09bound for Canada.
11:13It seems to be a particularly popular service today,
11:16apparently fully sold out,
11:17so let's hot foot it down to the platform.
11:20Interestingly,
11:21this is an Amtrak operated service,
11:23with the rolling stock going all the way into Canada.
11:28I was only able to reserve as coach class for this segment,
11:32though I'm positive we'll be more than comfortable
11:33for this 12-hour jaunt.
11:42As we begin to glide out of New York,
11:44what's the route?
11:45We'll journey northwest some 544 miles,
11:48arriving into Toronto later this evening.
11:55Right,
11:56let's take a closer look at our coach carriage,
11:58which seats 72 passengers in a 2-2 configuration.
12:05There's two power outlets,
12:07and the seat is adjustable by means of recline.
12:10There's even an airline-style fold-out table,
12:13along with a seatbelt pocket,
12:14which contains a safety pamphlet.
12:18With mid-morning fast approaching,
12:20we're yet to indulge in some caffeine,
12:22so in order to change this,
12:24we'll head to the cafe car,
12:25located towards the rear of the train.
12:28So,
12:28what can one purchase in the cafe?
12:30Well,
12:31it's a similar story to yesterday's train,
12:33with hot and cold light bites,
12:34and the all-important drip coffee at the ready.
12:50Progress is slow and steady,
12:51and it's not long before we reach our first fresh air break of the day.
12:54While I'm very happy to welcome you to Albany,
13:04we've got a short smoke stop here,
13:06for around 10 minutes when the engine changes.
13:10Much to my ill-informed impression,
13:12New York City is not the state capital of New York,
13:15rather Albany is.
13:16Not only this,
13:17it's also the oldest city of the state,
13:19dating back to 1609.
13:21Back to present day,
13:23our new locomotive has been attached.
13:25And the Maple Leaf train is ready for imminent departure.
13:38Right,
13:39I make it lunchtime.
13:40Dad has gone to investigate the cafe car,
13:42and has returned with quite the picnic.
13:45Naturally starting with a crisp DC,
13:47a selection of kettle chips,
13:48and a Caprese sandwich.
13:52Much of the afternoon slips away,
13:54with a mix of enjoying the views of upstate New York,
13:57and chatting with Dad.
14:01That is until we reach a significant milestone of the trip,
14:04Niagara Falls.
14:10This also marks the United States border with Canada,
14:13and within moments,
14:14we're heading over the bridge,
14:16separating the two nations.
14:17Next up,
14:30we need to formally enter Canada,
14:32which means disembarking the train,
14:34with all our luggage,
14:35and heading to the border post,
14:36to get our passport stamped.
14:38I guess it's officially welcome to Canada.
14:44Now it is time to re-board the train,
14:46as we head towards Toronto.
14:48Getting back on board,
14:49things have changed a little.
14:50We're now in the tiny,
14:51and only business class cabin,
14:53right to the rear of the train.
14:54Here,
14:55there's also no reserved seating,
14:56and we're free to select any spot available.
14:59I will say though,
15:01aside from the seats,
15:02offering a little more leg room,
15:04they're not hugely different,
15:05to our previous coach ones.
15:19Well,
15:20after a very long day,
15:21I'm happy to finally welcome you,
15:23to Toronto.
15:29Walking out of the station,
15:32we're met immediately,
15:33by the site,
15:33of tonight's accommodation.
15:36This is one of Canada's,
15:37great railway hotels,
15:39the Royal York,
15:40and it's quite the historical landmark.
15:43Opened in 1929,
15:44it was built to become,
15:45the largest hotel,
15:46in the British Commonwealth,
15:47with space for over 1,000 guest rooms,
15:50frequented by patrons,
15:51who would be travelling,
15:52across the country by train.
15:54Today,
15:55the hotel retains,
15:56its grandeur and elegance,
15:57with its Fairmont Gold Suites,
15:59on the upper floors.
16:07And with that,
16:08it's finally time,
16:09to get some rest,
16:10and I'll pick up with you all,
16:11in the morning.
16:20Good morning,
16:21and we're back,
16:21at the railway station,
16:22yet again.
16:23It was a long way to go though,
16:24wasn't it?
16:24It was a very long way.
16:26Anyway,
16:27the reason we're here,
16:28of course we're catching a train,
16:29but it's a particularly long one.
16:36We won't be heading,
16:37to the general ticket office.
16:39Instead,
16:39we've been told,
16:40to report to the business lounge,
16:41for check-in.
16:43Yes,
16:43indeed,
16:43that probably gives it away.
16:45Of course,
16:45we're checking in,
16:46for one of the world's,
16:47longest train services,
16:48the twice-weekly Canadian.
16:50Feel the magic,
16:51take the train.
16:56Check-in formalities,
16:57are efficient,
16:58and with our tickets issued,
16:59we're granted entry,
17:00to the lounge.
17:02This space,
17:03is dedicated largely,
17:04to sleeper plus passengers,
17:05and of course,
17:06there's ample coffee,
17:07among other refreshments,
17:08on offer.
17:09Today,
17:11we're in prestige class,
17:12and there's a separate space,
17:13for us to the rear,
17:14of the lounge.
17:18We don't have long,
17:19to wait.
17:19A side door opens,
17:21and we're led out,
17:21to the platform,
17:22by one of the friendly,
17:23via rail attendants.
17:24Here we are then,
17:32the Canadian.
17:33What makes this train,
17:34so special,
17:35is it still utilises,
17:36the original,
17:37stainless steel,
17:37bud rolling stock,
17:39built in Philadelphia,
17:40back in the 1950s.
17:42They represent,
17:42the golden era,
17:43of rail travel,
17:44and unfortunately,
17:45are largely,
17:46no longer in operation.
17:47That is of course,
17:48unless you ride,
17:49the Canadian.
17:54Welcome to my new home.
18:03This will be,
18:05where I'll be living,
18:06for the next five days.
18:08Let's get settled in,
18:09and I'll show you all around.
18:15As we roll out of Toronto,
18:17shall we take a look,
18:18at our route.
18:19The Canadian will take us,
18:20some 2,700 miles,
18:22through most of Ontario,
18:23Manitoba,
18:26Saskatchewan,
18:28Alberta,
18:29and finally,
18:30British Columbia,
18:31and indeed Vancouver.
18:34Leaving the city limits,
18:36of Toronto behind,
18:37let's take a look,
18:38around our cabin.
18:39There are six,
18:40prestige rooms,
18:41per railway car,
18:42featuring a leather,
18:43adorned corner sofa,
18:45a television loaded,
18:46with on demand movies,
18:47and some welcome,
18:49amenities for our journey.
18:50There's a small,
18:53closet space,
18:54with room for perhaps,
18:55one coat,
18:56and of course,
18:56AC controls.
18:58There's also,
18:59an en suite bathroom,
19:00which we'll check out,
19:01a little later.
19:04Rightly so,
19:04you'll be wondering,
19:05where dad is.
19:06Well,
19:06let me show you.
19:07Oh hello dad,
19:12fancy seeing you here.
19:13Yeah,
19:13do come in.
19:14Oh hello,
19:14this is nice.
19:15Yeah,
19:15welcome to my room.
19:16This is very nice indeed.
19:18Are you,
19:18are you settling in okay?
19:19Yeah,
19:20yeah,
19:20it's very comfortable.
19:22I'm going to come join you actually.
19:23Let's watch the world go by.
19:25You've got a lovely view.
19:26It is lovely isn't it?
19:27A huge window.
19:28Yeah.
19:28We believe,
19:29that we're going to be on here,
19:30for five days.
19:31Five?
19:32Five days.
19:33Okay.
19:35With all this travel,
19:36in order to stay connected,
19:38I have to use a multitude,
19:39of unsecured public wifi.
19:41Be it on the rails,
19:42at hotels,
19:43and at sea.
19:44Thankfully,
19:44that's where today's video sponsor,
19:46NordVPN comes in.
19:47Which acts like a tunnel,
19:49between you,
19:49and the rest of the internet.
19:51Keeping both you,
19:52and your data secure.
19:53I've been using NordVPN,
19:54for years now,
19:55and it's a vital part,
19:56of my travel arsenal.
19:57It's great,
19:58for all my travel overseas,
19:59because it's a virtual private network,
20:01and allows me to mask my location,
20:03and present as if I'm back,
20:04in the United Kingdom.
20:05This means,
20:06I can keep up,
20:07with all of my shows,
20:08that I watch with Millie,
20:08back home.
20:09Even thousands of miles away.
20:11NordVPN,
20:12is a really valuable tool,
20:13and gives me peace of mind,
20:14when traveling.
20:15Head to,
20:16nordvpn.com,
20:17forward slash,
20:18trek trendy,
20:19and sign up for two years,
20:20and you'll get four months,
20:21for free.
20:22There's even a money back guarantee,
20:24for 30 days.
20:25That's,
20:25nordvpn.com,
20:27forward slash,
20:28trek trendy.
20:31With the afternoon,
20:32merging into evening,
20:34we're invited to take dinner,
20:35in the restaurant car,
20:36a few carriages along.
20:38Timings are pretty flexible,
20:39and we've chosen,
20:40the 7pm sitting.
20:42Tables are largely,
20:43set out for four,
20:44though there are a few,
20:45exceptions for prestige guests.
20:47Let's take a look,
20:55at the menu then.
20:56Two meat,
20:57a fish,
20:57and one vegetarian option,
20:59is good in my book.
21:02To start,
21:03we both opt,
21:03for the tomato,
21:04and vegetable soup,
21:05which is delicious.
21:06With our appetites wet,
21:10I'm served the beef tenderloin,
21:12and dad,
21:12the trout,
21:13for our main course.
21:15Both are hearty,
21:16and most enjoyable.
21:17To finish off proceedings,
21:19dad opts,
21:19for the caramel cheesecake,
21:21and I,
21:21the decadent chocolate truffle cake.
21:24Outstanding,
21:24but my word,
21:25I'm going to have to watch,
21:26having this every night.
21:31Join our absence,
21:32our rooms have been turned down,
21:33ready for sleep.
21:35It's for sure,
21:36a real treat,
21:37having a double bed,
21:38on board a train.
21:42To conclude our stellar day,
21:44on the rails,
21:45let's get my NASA PJs on,
21:46for good measure.
21:54I think first things first,
22:06we'll check out,
22:07our en suite bathroom properly,
22:09and take a shower.
22:10It's a compact space,
22:12but both clean and modern,
22:13unlike Amtrak's viewliner bedroom.
22:17The shower itself,
22:19is also compact,
22:20but provides good pressure hot water,
22:22so nothing to complain about here.
22:24Well,
22:38good morning from Armstrong.
22:40This is our first proper stop,
22:41to get off and stretch our legs.
22:43We've almost been on the train,
22:44already 24 hours.
22:46But anyway,
22:46let's have a little walk around here,
22:47we've got about five minutes,
22:48before we've got to get back on board.
22:50I love the snapshots you get,
22:51of these small communities,
22:53that I may not have visited otherwise.
22:55The train still provides,
22:56a valuable rail connection,
22:57to this 200 person strong town.
23:03As we continue to glide,
23:04through the province of Ontario,
23:06we're notified lunch,
23:07is being served in the dining car.
23:16Priorities of course,
23:17are DC for us both,
23:19followed by a cream of tomato soup today.
23:21For Maine,
23:26I've chosen the beef burger,
23:28and dad,
23:28the tuna melt.
23:30As all the reviews say,
23:32you won't go hungry,
23:33on board the Canadian.
23:34I'm very happy to welcome you,
23:40to Sioux Lookout.
23:42Now where we've got off the train,
23:43unfortunately,
23:44is quite far from the station.
23:46So I'm hoping,
23:47that we can get down there.
23:48We've got about 10 minutes,
23:49should have enough time.
23:51Might have to get a little jog on,
23:52to get back to our carriage though.
23:54This really puts into perspective,
23:56the size of this train.
23:57I mean,
23:58we're not quite Snowpiercer,
23:59but we're 20 cars long,
24:00at the moment.
24:02So,
24:02Sioux Lookout,
24:03is known,
24:03as the hub of the north,
24:04because of its importance,
24:06to the 29 remote,
24:07First Nation communities,
24:08with 30,000 people,
24:10relying on the town,
24:10for essential services.
24:14Thanks to having,
24:14a good few minutes here,
24:16I really want to check out,
24:17our locomotives.
24:18Our train is pulled,
24:19by two of these F40 PHs,
24:21which provide,
24:22a combined 6,000 horsepower.
24:24As predicted,
24:27we need to run,
24:28back to our carriage.
24:36Right,
24:36I think it's time,
24:37we explore more,
24:37of our train,
24:38and no better place,
24:39to start,
24:40than the parked car.
24:41What makes this so special,
24:42is whilst modernised,
24:43this is similar,
24:44to what it would have been like,
24:45back in the 1950s.
24:51It's reserved exclusively,
24:53for prestige class guests,
24:54every day,
24:55until 4pm,
24:56which creates,
24:56a much quieter,
24:57special atmosphere,
24:59and why many,
24:59pay the top dollar,
25:00to go prestige.
25:05Moving onward,
25:06you get to the bullet lounge,
25:08offering phenomenal views,
25:09off the back of the train.
25:11The highlight of course,
25:12is upstairs,
25:13in the dome.
25:14Our favourite spot here,
25:24has got to be,
25:24the forward seating,
25:25offering us,
25:27uninterrupted,
25:28commanding views,
25:29out over the full length,
25:30of the train.
25:32One of our wonderful,
25:33prestige hosts,
25:34offers us some lobster rolls,
25:36which of course,
25:37we gladly accept.
25:38Naturally,
25:40this is complimented,
25:41by a couple of,
25:42ice cold Canadian beers.
25:51I fear,
25:51we may have somewhat,
25:52lost track of time,
25:53dinner is being served,
25:54back in the restaurant car,
25:56and I'm inquisitive,
25:57to find out,
25:57what's on offer tonight.
26:05To kick things off,
26:07we both go,
26:07for the salad of the day,
26:08featuring a zesty,
26:09vinaigrette dressing.
26:12For main,
26:13we again mirror each other,
26:14and go for the vegetable lasagna,
26:16it perfectly hits the spot.
26:19For dessert,
26:20we go for the key lime cheesecake,
26:21now all we need,
26:22is a baked Alaska.
26:26With that,
26:28I think it's time,
26:28to hit the hay.
26:30Saying this,
26:30before turning in,
26:31for the night,
26:32I peek out of the window,
26:33to see the bright lights,
26:34of Winnipeg,
26:35staring back at me.
26:46Good morning,
26:47another blissful night's sleep,
26:48on the rails.
26:49It's time to see,
26:50what breakfast is like,
26:51on board.
26:52We'll start of course,
26:53with a caffeine hit,
26:54as we mull over,
26:55the options.
27:02We both go,
27:03for the chef's omelette,
27:04served with shredded hash browns.
27:14Right,
27:14so yesterday,
27:15I spied an espresso machine,
27:16in the parked car,
27:17with our names on it.
27:18Shall we?
27:19I know I said,
27:22the dome is my favourite,
27:24but this is really,
27:25quite the civilised spot,
27:26to enjoy,
27:27a mid morning coffee.
27:28Well hello from Saskatoon,
27:45we've actually got,
27:47an extended stop here,
27:48I think it's about 30 minutes,
27:50so we're going to,
27:51try and get some steps,
27:52and work off,
27:53some of that incredible food.
27:54I've lost dad,
27:56I think he's somewhere up here,
27:57maybe he's trying,
27:58to have a look,
27:58at the front of the train,
27:59let's go and investigate.
28:01Saskatoon,
28:02is the largest city,
28:03in Saskatchewan,
28:04with a population,
28:05of around 300,000 residents.
28:07Notable landmarks,
28:08include the Bessborough,
28:09another iconic railway hotel,
28:11which opened in 1935.
28:13The station,
28:14is perhaps less glamorous,
28:15located four miles,
28:16out of the city centre,
28:18but that's likely,
28:19because it only ever sees,
28:20twice weekly traffic,
28:21from the Canadian.
28:23Look who I have found,
28:25out the back of the station.
28:27Hello hello.
28:29Do you want to,
28:29do you want to go and see,
28:30the front of the train?
28:32Well we may as well,
28:33because there is,
28:34not a lot here is there.
28:35Well the historic station,
28:36was actually located downtown,
28:38until 1964,
28:40but after being moved,
28:41the only action,
28:41you're going to find around here,
28:43is the active freight yard.
28:45Therefore I think,
28:46our attention is best spent,
28:47getting the steps in.
28:57As we roll out of Saskatoon,
28:59it dawns on me,
28:59we've not had the chance,
29:00to explore the other accommodation,
29:02offered on board.
29:04Introducing the Manacar.
29:05These feature a multitude,
29:07of sleeping arrangements.
29:08First up,
29:09the roomette.
29:11And yes,
29:11that is indeed a toilet.
29:13By night however,
29:14the room converts,
29:14to a cosy bed.
29:16Though this does cover,
29:16the toilet.
29:17Not to worry though,
29:18there's a far more substantial,
29:19washroom,
29:20just down the corridor.
29:22Next we have the upper,
29:24and lower berth.
29:25Which by day,
29:25offer comfy coach style seating,
29:27facing one another.
29:29But by night,
29:29convert to bunk beds,
29:31which are semi private,
29:32by means of a curtain.
29:33Both of the aforementioned,
29:35accommodations,
29:36have access to a shower room.
29:37Now given that,
29:44joined most of the day,
29:45these other sleeper passengers,
29:46don't have access,
29:47to the parked car.
29:48What facilities,
29:49do they have access to?
29:50Introducing,
29:51the Skyline Car.
29:53One half of the car,
29:54is dedicated to recreation.
29:57So anything from,
29:58board games and puzzles,
29:59to seated yoga classes,
30:00and even beer tasting.
30:03There's also a small,
30:04dedicated tea and coffee station,
30:06along with some,
30:06complimentary help yourself snacks.
30:11Mid carriage,
30:12there's a kitchen,
30:12where you can order light meals,
30:14at an additional cost.
30:16Next we get to the lounge,
30:17which currently features,
30:18some live entertainment,
30:19from a local musician.
30:21For comparison,
30:22here's the space,
30:23without any passengers.
30:24The real icing on the cake though,
30:29is the dome.
30:30Located up these stairs,
30:31you'll find a space,
30:32not too dissimilar,
30:33to the parked car.
30:38As much as I love the Skyline Car,
30:40we're drawn to canapes,
30:41and happy hour in the parked car.
30:43Specifically,
30:44the mural lounge,
30:45just below the scenic dome.
30:47To note,
30:48as prestige class passengers,
30:49we get all our drinks included,
30:51so thankfully,
30:52we can disregard these prices.
30:53in favour of indulging,
30:55in our desired tipple.
30:58Predictably of course,
30:59we both go for another one,
31:00of those delicious,
31:01ice cold Canadian beers,
31:03along with a charcuterie board.
31:12If you're wondering,
31:13dad won again.
31:21I make it time for dinner.
31:23Just looking at the menu,
31:26I'm positive you're going to guess my order.
31:29We'll start of course,
31:30with the salad of the day,
31:31this time with a Caesar dressing.
31:36The main dad goes for the marinated tofu,
31:38and you guessed correctly,
31:40I ordered the prime rib.
31:41Good morning.
31:53Today is the highlight,
31:55for many who take the Canadian,
31:56and that's because,
31:57we pass through,
31:58the rocky mountains.
32:00There's no better place,
32:01to view this passage,
32:02than the dome of the parked car.
32:05And thanks to our early rising,
32:07we've secured front row seats.
32:09The other benefit of course,
32:15is decent coffee on hand,
32:17served by the phenomenal staff,
32:19who I must emphasize,
32:20have been incredible throughout.
32:21As we continue deeper,
32:29into the Rockies,
32:30we enter Jasper National Park.
32:32Now ordinarily,
32:33the mood would be uplifting here.
32:35It's with sadness,
32:36I must mention,
32:37just a few weeks prior,
32:38a ferocious wildfire,
32:40devastated huge parts,
32:41of the landscape,
32:42including many residential,
32:44areas of Jasper.
32:46It's truly devastating to see,
32:47and my thoughts,
32:48are with all those affected.
33:11Well dad,
33:12welcome to Blue River.
33:13Yeah.
33:13We have an unexpected stop,
33:16I don't know if that's,
33:16because we're delayed.
33:18Well I think we need,
33:19to stretch our legs.
33:20We do definitely,
33:20we haven't been off in,
33:21it's actually over 24 hours,
33:23I think since we've been off the train.
33:24I've got my legs still.
33:26So after some research,
33:27this is what's known,
33:28as a stop on request.
33:31So Blue River itself,
33:33is a small community,
33:34with a population,
33:35of around 150.
33:37It gets its name of course,
33:38from the river,
33:39flowing through the town,
33:40which attracts many tourists,
33:41in the summer season.
33:42It's also a welcome,
33:44to our final Canadian province,
33:46of British Columbia.
33:53Back on the move again,
33:54there's still one class of travel,
33:56we've not taken a look at.
33:58Coach,
33:59located towards,
34:00the very front of the train,
34:01with seating for 72 passengers,
34:03in a 2-2 configuration.
34:08The seats are spacious,
34:10and offer a decent level,
34:11of recline.
34:12I'd for sure,
34:13take this for a day trip,
34:14but I'm not sure,
34:15I'd fancy sleeping here,
34:16and some actually do,
34:17for the entire length,
34:18of the Canadian.
34:21As we glide through,
34:22Kamloops,
34:23our prestige room attendant,
34:24offers us some refreshments,
34:26and another charcuterie board,
34:27in our room.
34:41Welcome to Vancouver.
34:52That was quite a journey,
34:54but I have to say,
34:55I loved it.
34:56However,
34:56Dad,
34:57the journey's not over yet,
34:59because we've still got to get to Alaska.
35:00Oh,
35:00please.
35:01So the next leg,
35:01I've travelled parts first thing,
35:03in the morning,
35:03which gives us a free afternoon,
35:05in Vancouver.
35:06To make our stay,
35:07as comfortable as possible,
35:08I've booked us rooms,
35:09at the Rosewood,
35:10which certainly delivers.
35:11But for a sunny afternoon,
35:21in British Columbia,
35:22we of course rent bikes,
35:24and head for Stanley Park.
35:30Truly a special,
35:31father and son adventure,
35:32and one I'll treasure,
35:33for years to come.
35:34We're back of course,
35:42at Vancouver's Pacific Central Station.
35:47And this queue,
35:48can only mean one thing,
35:49border control.
35:51Welcome back,
35:52to the United States.
35:53Well,
35:53technically,
35:54as we're physically still in Canada,
35:55but because of our trains routing,
35:57we clear customs here.
35:58And yes,
35:59you do see correctly,
36:00Amtrak is here,
36:01to welcome us.
36:03Introducing the cross border,
36:04Amtrak Cascades.
36:06Named after,
36:06the Cascades mountain range,
36:08Amtrak has run this route,
36:09since 1972.
36:11The service runs,
36:12nearly 500 miles,
36:13down the northwest corridor,
36:14all the way,
36:15to Eugene, Oregon.
36:17Let's get on board,
36:18and I'll explain the reason,
36:19we're heading south,
36:20rather than north.
36:22So this is our business class,
36:24seating for this route,
36:25and I think we may have been,
36:26assigned the worst one.
36:28Let's offset this discomfort,
36:29with a visit to the adjoining cafe,
36:31for a caffeine hit.
36:34Well I have to say,
36:38this is a lot nicer,
36:39than our seat over,
36:40in business class,
36:41so we're going to sit back,
36:42relax,
36:43enjoy a nice coffee,
36:44as we depart,
36:45out of Vancouver station,
36:46bound for the US.
36:51Leaving Vancouver behind,
36:53where exactly are we going then?
36:54We'll be taking our train,
36:55only to the first stop,
36:57of Bellingham,
36:58just over the border,
36:59in Washington state.
37:00We've arrived in the US,
37:09but as you'll be likely wondering,
37:25this is still far,
37:26from Alaska.
37:29So,
37:30how are we going to get there?
37:31Well,
37:32there's an interesting way,
37:33and it's called,
37:34the Alaska Marine Highway.
37:36Let's go and work out,
37:37what we need to do.
37:38What I meant by Marine Highway,
37:45of course,
37:45we're going to be taking a ferry.
37:47What do you think to that dad?
37:48Yeah,
37:49I think it'll be great.
37:50It'll be interesting on it.
37:51It's not a cruise,
37:52is it?
37:52No dad,
37:53this is not a cruise ship.
37:54Priorities of course,
37:55are checking in,
37:56at the ticketing office,
37:57as we're issued,
37:58our boarding passes.
37:59It's at this point,
38:00we spy our ship,
38:01the MV Kennecott.
38:03Built back in 1998,
38:04in Mississippi,
38:05our vessel has capacity,
38:06for 500 passengers,
38:08and around 80 vehicles.
38:11Let's waste no more time,
38:12and go get on board.
38:28There are several ticketing options,
38:29for this passage,
38:30but I've booked as a cabin,
38:32so we'll firstly need to proceed,
38:33to the purser's office,
38:34to collect our room key.
38:36Around 20 minutes,
38:37of waiting in line later,
38:38we're given our room key,
38:39and are directed over,
38:40to our cabin.
38:46Welcome to our new home,
38:48dad.
38:49It's not a cruise,
38:50is it?
38:51No,
38:51it's a little basic,
38:53but it's gonna do the job.
38:55Yeah,
38:55it'll be fine.
38:56So I booked us,
38:57the best room on board,
38:58a four berth room.
38:59As mentioned,
39:00it's basic,
39:01but it has everything you need,
39:02for a short sailing.
39:04Our bunks are made up,
39:05with fresh linens,
39:06we have a sofa,
39:07and a window,
39:08to watch the world go by.
39:10There's a wash basin,
39:12with adjoining modular bathroom.
39:14It's all very clean,
39:15though clearly showing signs,
39:16of its age.
39:18So there are no safety,
39:19breathings per se,
39:20but a quick glance,
39:21of the safety instructions,
39:22and our personal stash,
39:23of life jackets,
39:24puts our minds at ease.
39:26Meanwhile,
39:27the last of the vehicle,
39:28is being loaded,
39:28into our vessel,
39:29and it's not all too long,
39:31before we're fully laden,
39:32and ready for departure.
39:47So,
39:48where exactly are we going?
39:49We'll be sailing,
39:49for the next 800 miles,
39:51back through Canadian waters,
39:53and indeed,
39:53the famous inside passage,
39:55all the way,
39:55to Ketchikan,
39:56Alaska.
40:04Now,
40:05dinner on board,
40:06isn't quite like,
40:07a cruise ship,
40:08and I should stop,
40:08comparing it to a cruise ship,
40:10because it's nothing like that.
40:11However,
40:11there is a restaurant,
40:12and a cafe on board,
40:14which is just about to open.
40:16So I think,
40:16let's grab my jacket,
40:18because it is getting a bit colder,
40:19head out,
40:20and go and see,
40:21what dinner looks like.
40:24The ship's dining room,
40:25is located up on deck seven,
40:27just one deck up,
40:28from our cabin,
40:29but alas,
40:29we get distracted,
40:31by the pub.
40:34It's also pretty reasonably priced,
40:36and it's not as if,
40:37there's a drinks package,
40:38on board this ferry.
40:44Dad has come in clutch,
40:45with the Icy Bay IPAs,
40:47which at 6.2%,
40:49certainly pack a punch.
40:54Right,
40:55we're hungry now,
40:56let's go check out,
40:57the restaurant.
40:57It's kind of a mix,
41:06between a buffet,
41:07and made to order items,
41:09which can be ordered,
41:09at the kitchen counter.
41:15Seating wise,
41:16we have quite the choice,
41:17and opt for one of the booths.
41:20Food wise,
41:21dad has gone for the salmon burger,
41:22and I,
41:23the Philly cheese steak.
41:27Back in our room,
41:31I make it time for bed.
41:32It's been a long day of travel.
41:35Let's get those curtains closed,
41:38and NASA PJs on.
41:57Good morning.
41:59Well I slept really well,
42:00with a little rockiness,
42:01during the night.
42:03First up,
42:04I think I'll hop in the shower.
42:16Now for breakfast.
42:23What have we gone for?
42:25It appears the pancakes,
42:27are a popular choice today.
42:36So with breakfast out of the way,
42:38what do you fancy doing now dad?
42:39Well,
42:40we could have a look around the ship.
42:41I certainly don't want any more breakfast.
42:42No.
42:44I think we'll start by taking a look,
42:46at the outer decks.
42:47There's a kind of promenade,
42:48that wraps around the vessel.
42:50It also gives us a chance,
42:51to bask in some sunshine,
42:53despite it getting colder,
42:54the further north we travel.
43:01So there's actually,
43:02a pretty unique accommodation option,
43:04on board this ship.
43:05One I've read about online,
43:06but want to investigate.
43:11Believe it or not,
43:12you can pitch your tent,
43:13on this deck.
43:14Really only something,
43:15you'd want to do in the summer months,
43:16but the staff encourage it,
43:18should you wish,
43:18to brave the elements.
43:19Should you not want to camp on deck,
43:22but still save the cost,
43:23of a cabin,
43:24there's inside space for you.
43:28Facilities wise,
43:29you have access,
43:30to a water fountain,
43:31and some utilitarian,
43:32yet clean,
43:33washrooms.
43:34Let's check out,
43:42lunch on board then.
43:43It's great to see,
43:44this is a DC ship,
43:45and not the Pepsi kind.
43:50We've both opted for sandwiches,
43:52with dad choosing,
43:53the tuna mayo,
43:54and I,
43:56the ham and cheese.
44:00So what's on the agenda,
44:01this afternoon?
44:02Well first up,
44:03we'll remain in the restaurant,
44:04and get some monopoly deal,
44:06on the go.
44:07I'm still trying to beat dad.
44:09Failing at this task,
44:10it results in an afternoon nap,
44:12for us both.
44:13It must be the sea air.
44:18Post nap,
44:19there's one area,
44:19we've not checked out,
44:21and this is the ship's main lounge.
44:24There's even a small movie theater,
44:38running videos,
44:39about the destination,
44:40which this ship calls on,
44:41including Ketchikan.
44:47With our appetites wet,
44:49in anticipation,
44:50for our arrival,
44:50into Alaska tomorrow,
44:52let's head back to the pub,
44:53for another one of those,
44:54brilliant IPAs.
45:04And you know the drill,
45:05by now,
45:06back in the restaurant,
45:07for dinner service.
45:15Dad has the battered cod,
45:17with a baked potato,
45:18and I,
45:19the baked potato,
45:20and salad,
45:20a fresh,
45:21and somewhat healthy dinner.
45:32Would you believe it,
45:33we've arrived into,
45:34Ketchikan, Alaska,
45:35after 5,500 miles of travel.
45:38Let's get off the ship,
45:39and step foot,
45:40on dry Alaskan land,
45:41and make it official.
45:54Before we celebrate,
45:55how much did this endeavor cost me?
45:58Unsurprisingly,
45:59the bulk of the cost,
46:00was the Canadian,
46:00given we had two rooms,
46:02in prestige class,
46:03along with some rather,
46:04punchy hotels.
46:05But,
46:05the all-important grand total,
46:07is $29,000.
46:09Crazy money,
46:10yes,
46:11but was it worth it?
46:12Absolutely.
46:16Welcome to Alaska.
46:17Welcome,
46:17we've finally arrived,
46:19after our epic journey,
46:20all the way from Miami.
46:22Thank you so much for watching,
46:23and we'll catch you all again,
46:25next time.
Recommended
1:15
2:03
1:49