Took the Credit Valley Explorer on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Was a nice ride, food was great. Not the most comfortable seats. Had very nice people sitting across from us. Views were ok on east side but so so on west side. Service was great. Was nice that you can buy a glass of wine to go with the meal. Made a stop in Inglewood on the return trip for about 1/2 hour to roam about the town.
In May, I received tickets to the Credit Valley Explorer as a gift for my birthday (and a random date night). I never heard of this dinner/train ride, imagined it be an inconvenience with terrible food, awful smells in the cabin and well, … I thought … old people (sorry! No intention of offending anyone in anyway… but I am still used to dinner dates in downtown lounges that have 5 itty, bitty menu choices because you are eating at 11pm while drinking … and standing). Boy, was I surprised Let me breakdown my experience for you:1) Man-friend purchased the tickets as part of birthday/our surprise random date nights. If you are in a relationship – do this! So much fun… simply divide the year – every other month one of you plan a date night and make it completely unexpected things to do in your local area. Never in my wildest dreams would have I thought to do this and still don’t know what words he used in his Google search2) We got dressed up! We do this … and live by the motto … you can never be overdressed or overeducated. Suit/tie and long gown dress – check! You feel like something special is going to happen on any night you get in your best and if it doesn’t – a night feeling like your best is one of the greatest feelings.3) Arrive early – I really appreciate the opportunity we had to scope out the scene and take cheesy pictures with the train before all the crowds arrived. We had a sold out train that night and people from all ages were there (see not just old people!). I didn’t realized how many people fit on one of these trains until I saw the crowds boarding. (Yes… my worry level mounted… I was still thinking smells, crowded and what if I have to use the washroom – gasp!)4) Embrace the ambience – So many details go into this ride that you may not notice. The gentleman welcoming you on the train in a complete conductor uniform, the timeless musician playing music in the station before you board, the HOT food coming to your table, the cold glass of wine on a (what felt like the only) hot night this Summer, the beautiful Ontario landscape you are whisking by PLUS the heritage of our region that the ride explores. Like I said, a lot to take in, as you move for three hours through a 4-course plated meal. And if you are in good company, having great conversation… you may actually miss some of this!5) The food – Soup/Salad/Entrée/Dessert meal was pretty good. The soup was good (I’m not a soup fan… but all around me people were loving it), came hot and promptly for all guests. The salad was great – crisp, fresh, nice mix of flavors. The Entrée – your choice of beef, chicken or vegetarian – was surprisingly HOT when it got to our table and it needed to cool. I opted for Chicken, Man-Friend went for the beef and both were eatable and satisfying. Not incredible but surprisingly tasty for a meal on a train in the middle of (my city girl attitude) no-where. The dessert… awesome – how can you go wrong when its heavenly chocolate mousse on your plate with excellent coffee. Wine options were standard house selections (At $6 a glass… not bad for boxed wine) and there was beer and cooler options.Overall, I really enjoyed this journey on the Credit Valley Explorer. It was such a nice change from the 4-wall restaurants that I frequent way too often. I would recommend going to do something “different”. Two thumbs up!
We like trains and we like food and that makes the Credit Valley Explorer very enjoyable. Trains are on time and we meandered through the Credit Valley to the north end of Brampton from Orangeville. The scenery was interesting with the fall colour about 50%. The day was sunny with some clouds so not too hot or too cool and no rain. It is interesting to see the countryside from the inside and not from the roadside. The food was good and the service was very good to match it. A glass of wine was available for purchase if desired. The commentating was very explanatory describing where we were. On the return trip, the train did stop and allow you to get off in the small town of Inglewood whose only attraction that we could see would be the General Store. We saw one waterfalls and the train stopped to provide a longer view. It was about 2.5 to 3 hours and quite relaxing. We would do it again. The Pamphlet is quite detailed and outlines some history and facts about the trip.
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.
Took a trip on the Credit Valley Explorer to see the fall colours. It was a great trip. The food was good, the people we met were really nice and the scenery was wonderful. I would do it again.
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
Good idea for Thanksgiving day spend with family on this adventure!!!Turkey dinner and dessert special cook for this trip and delivery on train very good like at home,really surprise me ...this day I not stay on kitchen but enjoy more that stay at home ...Service excellent!!!Meal and drink service is providing at your seat.Relax and enjoy the view from window old style train ...read little book about history railway,very interesting,don't forget camera!Ticket need order 2-3 moths before!Try...and I hope you and your family will enjoy.
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 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
I am also one of the passengers that was supposed to take the February 9th tour. We were given the tickets as an anniversary gift. There was no communication at all from the company that the tour would be scheduled. When I finally did reach someone personally they actually had the nerve to lie to me and say that she had actually reached all the passengers with the the exception of three groups, mine being one supposedly. There was no emails or calls, both of which information was provided to the company. Did she actually expect me to believe that if she had contacted everyone as she said people would have driven from two hours away only to stand in an empty cold parking lot wondering what was going on. It's such a shame as I've heard great things about this train ride. The only explanation given to me was that the locomotive suffered a mechanical failure and they were unsure if it could be fixed or a new one would have to be purchased. Such a disappointment.