I'm using the VIA website for the first time. I need to travel between Toronto and Montreal; and Montreal and Quebec City in June. I hate to book so far in advance but am not sure how long Supersaver fares are available. Are tickets refundable if plans change?

Also, are seats assigned automatically when tickets are purchased or is this a separate step?

Sorry if these are silly questions. I read the website but could not quite find what I was looking for... Thanks.

No need to book THIS far in advance for the highly travelled Toronto--> Quebec City corridor... those supersaver fares will be around even in the spring of 2008. Seats are reserved upon purchase. I've booked Montreal--> Toronto day of travel in the past (more expensive) and there's been space.

Great! That takes some pressure off. Thank you for your reply. I made train reservations in Scotland this summer online and then found out I needed to reserve the actual seats via telephone or at the ticket office. Almost didn't get to sit with my family.

I took VIA train to Ottawa (the Toronto-Montreal route). I booked on the day of travel at Union Station and travelled 2.5 hours later, it was easy. I would reccommend you don't travel between 4:30 - 6:30 because that is when commuters travel - it a long stand to Ottawa.

Only problem/excitement I had was when the train fell off the rails near Cobourg - I got into Ottawa (by bus) 5 hours later!!

maple23 - I'll bet that was REAL exciting! I always feel a little quickening of my pulse when my plane takes off but I never think about trains derailing - and yet they do, sometimes with disastrous results. I'll hope for an UNexciting journey.

I am not sure about seat reservations. I have travelled by Via Rail many times, but I have never had a reserved seat. Mind you, I have never asked for one. If you want a little luxury for your trip, travel First class (Via 1 ). You will get lunch from Toronto to Montreal and dinner between Montreal and Quebec City. The food is outstanding, with drinks thrown in. If you are over 60, your companion travels for free in Economy class and for 25% of your fare in Via 1.

We are 50+ & have done the T.O./ Mtl & Mtl/QC runs twice. First class is outstanding but not worth the $$$$$. The T.O./Mtl run fills up quickly (3-4 months ahead of travel date.)for the Supersaver fares. You are automatically assigned seats. For economy class, we like to pack our lunch & snacks & order their wine to compliment our meal. They sell these on the train as well as cheese plate, yogurts, etc. The Mtl/QC train is more modern but both are comfortable & well ventilated. The best part about train travel is NO HASSLES...no metal detectors, no need to arrive one hour early at the train stop.
Have a great trip !!!

Okay, I'll make a note to make my reservations in January just to be safe. By then, I should be feeling pretty sure my trip has been given the green light. I've been so excited, I went ahead and researched and booked my accommodations. They don't have to be paid for in advance and can be cancelled if need be...