by Robert Paniagua
I'd do business class on the Maple Leaf. It's better for that long ride, I did it last time I went in 2004. Its not bad at all and more legroom.
Railroad Forums
Official "Maple Leaf" Thread
- Discussion related to Amtrak also known as the National Railroad Passenger Corp.
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by jp1822
Not sure how the best way is to answer this - Hopefully you'll get the same Maple Leaf Business car I had with leather seating, foot rest, and all the other nice trimings Amtrak's done to these 1/2 cafe and 1/2 business class cars. Seating is unassigned in business class - so first come first serve. I didn't really have a preferrable side to sit on. Perhaps the right side of the train (in direction of travel) would be the best. I'll defer to other members. The Maple Leaf that I was on had maybe two Amfleet II's and the rest were Amfleet I's. I've heard conductors seating the long distance passengers in the Amfleet I cars, rather than the Amfleet II cars. So I guess you could say coach could be a little dicey when it comes to what types of cars you'll get. Have a great trip on the Canadian (my favorite train!).
by amtklover
Thanks jp1822, you've been very helpful. I guess it's hit or miss as it often is. At least they have some Amfleet II's on the Maple Leaf now--I've made a few rather stiff trips when there were only the I's. I've always preferred the side of the train that is on the Hudson River side (so the right southbound, left northbound), but if I decide to take business class I'll take whatever side the solo seats are on, if I can snag one.
And I am indeed looking forward to the Canadian--it's my favorite train too that's currently running (the Broadway Limited holds a special place in my mind)--dome cars, need I say more, and I've never had the opportunity to take it clear across Canada. This will be the final leg of my train odyssey that starts on the Cardinal to Chi; Empire Builder Chi-Shelby, MT; Rocky Mountaineer Banff-Vancouver; at least part of the Malahat route on Vancouver Island (since I'm so close and I've never had the chance to ride an RDC); and of course the Canadian. I finally decided to take the plunge and take my dream trip (while it's all still around).
And I am indeed looking forward to the Canadian--it's my favorite train too that's currently running (the Broadway Limited holds a special place in my mind)--dome cars, need I say more, and I've never had the opportunity to take it clear across Canada. This will be the final leg of my train odyssey that starts on the Cardinal to Chi; Empire Builder Chi-Shelby, MT; Rocky Mountaineer Banff-Vancouver; at least part of the Malahat route on Vancouver Island (since I'm so close and I've never had the chance to ride an RDC); and of course the Canadian. I finally decided to take the plunge and take my dream trip (while it's all still around).
by AmtrakRider
amtklover wrote:This will be the final leg of my train odyssey that starts on the Cardinal to Chi; Empire Builder Chi-Shelby, MT; Rocky Mountaineer Banff-Vancouver; at least part of the Malahat route on Vancouver Island (since I'm so close and I've never had the chance to ride an RDC); and of course the Canadian. I finally decided to take the plunge and take my dream trip (while it's all still around).This sounds like a real dream of a trip, and I hope you will be able to share some pictures with us during or after the trip. I'd love to make that trip over the Canadian Rockies, but it will be a few years before I can make that particular dream become a reality.
by jp1822
I wish they would work on the Adirondack's consist - with Amfleet II's or at least the former Amfleet Metroliner cars that used to be on this route. Why I continue to take this train is beyond me. I flew to Montreal to avoid taking it northbound, but I did take it southbound, crammed into an Amfleet I (like all the rest of the cars in the consist). Border patrol is archaic as usual (same for the Maple Leaf). The did no check of proper identity in ahead of time at Montreal in preparation to cross the border, so this ended up backfiring big time at the border for my trip. So many little things that Amtrak could do to avoid situations or make the trip more comfortable, but they chose not too. And the Adirondack was PACKED as usual. Food service on this train and the Maple Leaf (or any long distance day train that Amtrak operates) is also horrible. Selection is poor, yet they run out of this awful food any way!
You have a fantastic trip planned out. The Canadian is at least an annual ritual for me (Toronto to Vancouver). I either spend vacation time in Jasper or the end point of Vancouver. Rocky Mountaineer on the CPR route to Banff/Calgary is great. If you can afford to do - Gold Lead Dome Service is certainly worth it (better meals, better scenic views, observation deck out the back of the car etc.). Course I know you have to draw the line at some point with spending money on a vacation!
You have a fantastic trip planned out. The Canadian is at least an annual ritual for me (Toronto to Vancouver). I either spend vacation time in Jasper or the end point of Vancouver. Rocky Mountaineer on the CPR route to Banff/Calgary is great. If you can afford to do - Gold Lead Dome Service is certainly worth it (better meals, better scenic views, observation deck out the back of the car etc.). Course I know you have to draw the line at some point with spending money on a vacation!
by ladder2
Tip: When leaving Toronto DO NOT drink a lot of juice or coffee! I did this very thing and had a nice chat with the VIA people on the Canadian portion of the trip. Lo and behold we crossed the border into the USA and then it happened I got the urge just when we stopped for Customs. After almost exploding the Customs agent escorted me to the Rest room. No one had told me they rest rooms are SEALED at the border! Be aware.
by dumpster.penguin
In coach, it is usually not too hard to find a seat where it isn't unbearably hot, with no child kicking the back of the seat, and no one right nearby playing a nerve-shattering DVD aloud. But in "business class", which occupies only one-third of one car, fleeing such problems is awkward or impossible.
I blame the refurbished seats. Once upon a time, "business class" on this route had scant material benefits. Folks paid the price, essentially, for peace and quiet, and generally got it. Now that "business class" is potentially more comfortable (except as noted above), coach-quality passengers eagerly pay the price. It takes just one of them to ruin the trip for one of the staid old travelers of yore.
There are two clear solutions to the problem. First, as a stopgap, passengers in "business class" should be able to vote problem passengers off the island. Second, to solve the problem for the long term, all the seats on the train should be upgraded, thereby narrowing once more the material benefits of "business class".
I blame the refurbished seats. Once upon a time, "business class" on this route had scant material benefits. Folks paid the price, essentially, for peace and quiet, and generally got it. Now that "business class" is potentially more comfortable (except as noted above), coach-quality passengers eagerly pay the price. It takes just one of them to ruin the trip for one of the staid old travelers of yore.
There are two clear solutions to the problem. First, as a stopgap, passengers in "business class" should be able to vote problem passengers off the island. Second, to solve the problem for the long term, all the seats on the train should be upgraded, thereby narrowing once more the material benefits of "business class".
by amtklover
laddar2--I do recall that part, but a reminder is always a good idea. It's also wise to have a good book out and ready to read--because you're going to be sitting put for a while...
I don't really agree with what dumpster.penguin has to say. In my opinion the solution of Quiet Cars is about the best you are going to be able to get. And I've had to sit in coach (even on the Maple Leaf) with some trying other passengers (usually young kids or babies), so coach is no guarantee of peace and quiet. As to business class, along with coach, I feel it should be the sole discretion of the conductor to determine if a passenger is disruptive/disturbing enough to warrant removal. And I think that if you pay more, you should get more, so it's a bit strange to equalize the premium of business class, not to mention financially unsound. And actually, I would never have taken Business class on the Maple Leaf before the better seats because it is in the cafe car and I've always thought that I'd become very annoyed by the constant beeping of the microwaves, etc. If only Amtrak had a larger car fleet...
I should conclude by saying that I have booked business class. Now, my memory is a little fuzzy about boarding in Toronto--do business class passengers board first or does the whole line just proceed (I remember a few years ago waiting in a very long line by the gate. Guess I'd better get there early so as to get a single seat.
I don't really agree with what dumpster.penguin has to say. In my opinion the solution of Quiet Cars is about the best you are going to be able to get. And I've had to sit in coach (even on the Maple Leaf) with some trying other passengers (usually young kids or babies), so coach is no guarantee of peace and quiet. As to business class, along with coach, I feel it should be the sole discretion of the conductor to determine if a passenger is disruptive/disturbing enough to warrant removal. And I think that if you pay more, you should get more, so it's a bit strange to equalize the premium of business class, not to mention financially unsound. And actually, I would never have taken Business class on the Maple Leaf before the better seats because it is in the cafe car and I've always thought that I'd become very annoyed by the constant beeping of the microwaves, etc. If only Amtrak had a larger car fleet...
I should conclude by saying that I have booked business class. Now, my memory is a little fuzzy about boarding in Toronto--do business class passengers board first or does the whole line just proceed (I remember a few years ago waiting in a very long line by the gate. Guess I'd better get there early so as to get a single seat.
by AmtrakRider
amtklover wrote:I'm leaving in just a couple of days. I doubt I'll have the time to post any pictures while I'm on the trip, but once I get back at the beginning of August I'll try to post a full write-up with pictures.That's great! I'm looking forward to hearing about your trip. Have a great one!
by ErieLimited2914
I'm taking the Maple Leaf up to Niagra Falls out of New York Penn Station over Labor Day Weekend. I was wondering how is the scenery going up there? And are there are any big rail yards or terminals it runs through?
MP the Mechanical E
by jersey_emt
ErieNJTman5950 wrote:I'm taking the Maple Leaf up to Niagra Falls out of New York Penn Station over Labor Day Weekend. I was wondering how is the scenery going up there? And are there are any big rail yards or terminals it runs through?I can only comment on the scenery south of Cold Spring on the Hudson Line, but the scenery as you travel north along the Hudson River is quite nice. Sit on the fireman's side of the train.
From reading other peoples' comments, the best scenery north of Albany is on the engineer's side of the train, so if you are able to switch sides at Albany, I would recommend doing so.
Daily commuter on New Jersey Transit's North Jersey Coast Line: Avenel -> NYP
by LI Loco
On the Maple Leaf, stay on the fireman's side (left side) west of Albany since the train runs along the north bank of the Mohawk River. On the Adirondack, the train to Montreal, you should switch to the right side north of Albany if space is available to enjoy the views along Lake Champlain.