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Pacific Central Station is located at Terminal and Main, across from a skytrain station. If you can find Science World on a map, you're in the right area.
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Here's a tip: Ladies, watch your stuff in the bathroom. The station is beautiful but VIA can only do so much. Although crime is still relatively low in Vancouver, watch your bags. Don't hang it on the hook when you are in the stall. The facilities are near the entrance and if your stuff gets grabbed, it's gone.
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Since we were in a sleeper car, we headed for the Panorama Lounge. The night was beautiful and we wanted to see the train, so we opted to go outside to the patio.
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The train was still in two parts and they were loading it with various linens and food. We were told it would be about half an hour late in getting started.
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We saw that it was one of Via's newest Park cars. We had read about their recent renovations.
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We dumped off our bags in our rooms and then headed to the Park car for the Bon Voyage drinks. We met a retired couple from Ontario; he had been in the military for years. The pictures reveal the fine detailing in the new Park Cars. They have retained the stainless steal, but there is an increased use of wood and a moss, birch, and stone colour medley. These are the palettes of the vast Canadian Shield.
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There were canapes and chocolates offered with the sparkling wine as we went through the Fraser Valley. When we got back to our rooms, the beds were already turned down with a piece of chocolate awaiting us. There was a shower bag attached to the wall with any toiletries that a person might require.
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The beds are very comfortable. After the first night, passengers are expected to fold down their own sleeping quarters unless they have a medical issue. To be considerate of the people beside you, try not to bang it up or down too late. It's lowered by turning a lever on the wall and they might be able to hear it.
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Here's a reflection of the room with the bed down. That's the escape tool on the wall. If there's an emergency, that's what you use to get out the window. If the power goes out, there's a luminescent glow around this box which allows you to find it. You can get an idea of how big the window is. If you can't sleep, it's nice to just lean back and look out. However, here's a big tip---when you get changed, don't forget that you aren't alone. The train zips by homes and lots of freights!
