credit valley explorer

Got my parents this train ride for Christmas hoping they would see a winter wonderland in February. However, all they got was a cold 30 mins in a parking lot with other angry guests who did not get to go on a train ride. I checked my email to see if I missed a cancellation email or something, but nope there was no communication. No notice on the door of the station, no personal to let anyone know, just a lot of disappointment. I checked online via their "booking reservations" and all it said when I put in our code was "cancelled and see reasons below." The reasons below was a code which meant nothing to us and no where could you find out what it meant. I called the contact number on the website and again no one there to answer the phone. Apparently they only have phones answered Monday to Friday, even though trains are supposed to run on weekends as well. My advice, save your money and take a more reliable train in the winter. Maybe this train is okay in fall, but don't get your hopes up in the winter, because it may not run and no one is there to tell you why or if you'll get another reservation date or money back. All in all, this is not a good gift to give to anyone if you actually want them to receive something.

we went a few yrs ago now, just on a fall colours tour, the information was great. i grew up here and still learned so much i didnt know. just wish they had more santa trains i keep missing the opportunity to get tickets

the train trip from Orangeville down to Snelgrove and back is well worth the money spent. From the Start, you are treated well by the staff and the train is well appointed, comfortable and clean. The scenery can be seen from both sides of the train, as the staff have you switch seats across the aisle for the return. For me this trip had great memories as the train passed through the very picturesques villages of the Caledon Hills. My old stomping grounds from being a Rover scout. I camped and hiked every inch of this area and to see it again from the train and in the company of old friends made it that much more memorable. The food we were served was excellent and the access to tea, coffee and soft drinks included in the fare was a good deal. The bar was open and those that wanted it could order and be served. all together this was an enjoyable trip. I would do it again in a heartbeat. A snowtrain is offered in the winter months, which would also be amazing. the train also stops on the way back at a small village so you can get off the train and walk around. a bargain...excellent, excellent

We went for brunch. Boarded at 11 and departed the station around 11:25. Location and Route: North of Brampton, about an hour outside the city of Toronto. Fairly easy to find (looks like a GO station). Was hoping that the tour went north for a better "scape" of the natural scenery but was slightly disappointed to see we were going into the city. Route was okay, I enjoyed the voice overs about the history of each area. The train slowed down in these areas so you can take photos. TBH, not much to see. There are trees right along the tracks up near the window so if you were expecting some breath-taking or sweeping landscapes, you will be disappointed. We passed Inglewood about 10 minutes and returned the same way to stop for 25 minutes IN Inglewood. We forwarned that the side you sit on is the one you are stuck with on the way back (train does not turn around, it just goes from one end to the other). What we did was just trade spots with the group across from us. However, we had to take all our cutlery and plates ourselves. Definitely a hassle. IMO, the east side (seat letters C and D) has a slightly better experience than the west side (seat letters A and B). Sometimes, the sun glares so badly during brunch it is hard to take photos. All you see is the reflection of the white table cloth.Train stops in Inglewood for about 20 minutes. You can take photos of the train head and explore the town a little. I enjoyed taking photos but the General Store and the surrounding area had little to offer. Some people took advantage of the break to have a smoke. I think after snapping a few photos, coming back into the train was enough.Food Quality and Price: Food was okay. They do not have any selection of tea other than black (Orange Pekoe caffinated/decaf) and green tea. They have coffee, Ginger Ale, select juices, and water. When we got to our seat, there was a plate of cold pastries awaiting us. First course was a creamy vegetable soup (was good), second was a plate of fruit (my strawberries were old and about to mold, slices of pineapples, cantaloupe, and watermelon, along with a single blackberry. I didn't think the fruit were very fresh. There were also several flies in the car. Main course was a very decent quiche with a side of salad and a slice of orange. I enjoyed the main, no complaints. Desert was a delicious apple crumble. For almost $60 a person, not worth it. Service: Also average, definitely nothing over and above. We tipped anyway but there left much to be desired.Really enjoyed the company of Mr. Clarinet Guy, Shawn (sp?), who performed amazingly and even entertained our request for the theme from the Star Wars Tatooine Bar. Overall: A great experience for the family if you're looking for something to do in the fall. We went on October 20, weather was chilly and most of the leaves had fallen. If you are considering taking the Credit Valley Explorer, book between mid-September to early-October. Also book ahead of time, they sell out quickly. I enjoyed my birthday here but don't think I would return for Twilight or Winter trips. Perhaps I have high expectations but I think there needs to be a definitely improvement plan in place for food and service for the price.3.5/5

The day was warm and sunny. There were three in our party, my husband and I with my mother. Lots of fall colours to be seen. The customer service on and off the train was first class. Very clean and well organized. Food was delicious. We have travelled extensively and this was a very nice trip. Well done and we would highly recommend.