June 5, 2012
The Most Spectacular Places in North America VIA Rail Canada
Mark Thompson READ TIME: 4 MIN.
Montreal, Quebec - With airfares soaring and gasoline prices climbing through the roof, what are travelers to do about summer vacations? For those looking for convenience, comfort, value and some of the most spectacular places in North America, the answer is VIA Rail Canada.
Travelers can explore Canada this summer with one-way or roundtrip transportation on the most modern and deluxe rail cars in North America. Vacation packages featuring train travel, hotels and any number of sights and activities are easily arranged online or by phone.
Once onboard, passengers will enjoy the panoramic views and services aboard the legendary Canadian - everything from cozy sleepers to epicurean experiences prepared by award-winning chefs in the new Dining Cars.
On some trips, travelers are even treated to live music, can enjoy an in-chair massage by a registered massage therapist or other entertainment options, all part of VIA's exclusive experiences summer programming. Once the journey on VIA Rail begins, total relaxation, even with kids in tow, comes naturally.
Inherent value in ease of travel, convenience and comfort are all key components to a successful summer vacation, but VIA Rail also offers more tangible proof of value for money spent: great prices. In addition to already low fares - regular, discounted, Supersaver and Special - there are discounts for seniors aged 60 or older, youthful travelers between the ages of 12 and 25, and for younger children, who travel for half-price or free if they are two or under.
Travelers who plan ahead are also guaranteed to save with various advanced booking promotions. For more information on available discounted fares, please visit: http://www.viarail.ca/en/fares
Without a doubt, some of VIA Rail's best summer values are its vacation packages. The world-famous Montreal Jazz Festival, wine tasting among the renowned wineries of Ontario, a cruise of the Thousand Islands, are just a few of the featured VIA Rail getaways - vacation packages of four nights or less from numerous departure cities. "A Mountain Moment" in the Rockies, a quick tour through French Canada or coastal land tour in Nova Scotia are other getaway options ideal for summer vacation. In all cases vacation packages include rail transportation, hotel accommodations, taxes, and often additional features such as continental breakfast and/or sightseeing, depending on the length of the trip.
On a grander scale are VIA Rail's train packages. These range from five nights to two weeks, and often combine travel on more than one train and provide more in-depth explorations of particular regions of the country or showcase the magnificence of Canada from coast to coast.
"Nova Scotia by Train and Coach" is a five-night package that features the Canadian Maritimes, Cape Breton Island, the Cabot Trail and Halifax as well as a whale watching boat tour and historic sites, starting at $1,399 based on double occupancy. Package details can be found here. The 5-night "Atlantic Adventure" features such iconic Nova Scotia sites as Peggy's Cove, the picturesque Annapolis Valley, and New Brunswick's Reversing Falls, starts at $3,399 based on double occupancy. To view more details on this package, visit here.
"Mountains, Lakes & Glaciers," a seven-night package, showcases the Canadian Rockies, exquisite Lake Louise, the charming lakeside resort of Banff, Columbia Icefield and Canada's premier "rodeo" capital, Calgary. Accommodations are in Fairmont Hotels & Resorts' acclaimed properties and travel is on VIA Rail's legendary the Canadian. Prices start at $1,567 per person based on double occupancy. To view more details on this package, visit here.
Some of Canada's most famous gardens are the highlight of the 12-night "Glorious Gardens and Canada by Rail," which features the destinations of Vancouver, Quebec, Toronto and Montreal as well as cross country travel in Sleeper Touring class with a private bedroom, access to the Dome viewing cars and delicious meals. Prices start at $4,409 based on double occupancy. To view more details on this package, visit here.
As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada's (www.viarail.ca) mandate is to provide safe, efficient, more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation, in the country's two official languages. Every week, VIA operates 503 intercity, regional and transcontinental trains linking 450 communities across its 7,800-mile route network.
Winner of the 2011 RAC Safety Award, VIA transports over four million passengers annually. The demand for VIA services is growing as travelers increasingly turn to train travel as a safe, hassle-free and environmentally responsible alternative to congested roads and airports. Since 2007, the Government has invested nearly 1 billion dollars in VIA in order to meet growing demand and transform Canada's rail passenger service for the future.
For more information on VIA Rail Canada's summer packages, or to take advantage of hot summer deals and book a trip with VIA Rail, call 888-VIA-RAIL (888-842-7245) or visit www.viarail.ca
Follow the evolution of current projects at viarail.ca/transformingVIA. Follow VIA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/via_rail. Visit VIA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/viarailcanada
A long-term New Yorker and a member of New York Travel Writers Association, Mark Thompson has also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The author of the novels WOLFCHILD and MY HAWAIIAN PENTHOUSE, he has a PhD in American Studies and is the recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center. His work has appeared in numerous publications.
