Thanks for the input from all of you. Antonio 8069, once things are a bit more set in stone, I will send you a PM for ideas.
Here are a few more pieces of info that I left out:
For this trip, I won a voucher for a round trip excursion on VIA in sleeper and business level accommodations. Lucky me. This means that my guest and I will be able to have the sleeper for 2 with meals on the main trains (Canadian and Ocean) and then Business seating/accommodations/meals on the trains between Ontario and Quebec.
I've decided to skip Winnipeg and Edmonton at the advice of the reservations agent, and instead spend two days in Japser, two days in Halifax, 1/2 day in Montreal, 1/2 day in Quebec, and 1-2 days in Toronto. Plans for now are to go in late August/Early September.
Routing Vancouver - Jasper, Jasper - Toronto, Toronto - Montreal, Montreal - Quebec, St Foye - Halifax, Halifax - Montreal, Montreal - Toronto. Round trip would be too tedious, and neither of us have enough free time beyond 12 days. I suppose we could route the opposite direction (ending in Vancouver) but what I have above was available with the nicer accommodations/meals/sleeper for the whole trip. Besides, getting to Halifax from the West Coast (US) seems like a 14+ hour ordeal. Emma, which direction did you take the train, and what time of year was it.
I'll be sure to take photos during the trip, and possibly write up a report. I did the trans-con Australia trip from PER - SYD 5 years ago. Lost of down time, good meals, but a bit boring. Lots of sunset and scenery pics thought.
CMK10, I will try to get menu and or food pics, as I know you like that bit (based on seeing your AA and US Airways postings)
Further questions:
Any advice on tours or activities in Jasper ? We can't take the excursion up to the West Coast, but other ideas open.
What about foodie ideas for Montreal/Quebec ? We'd like to enduldge in some Canadian French food, and especially any Maple related anything.
Halifax, I was told by the reservation agent, has a huge maritime history factor, but we are there for 2 days. What else is there?