Travel Guides to Canada

W hen construction on the first railway in Canada began in the late 1800s, it wasn't with the idea of enter- taining tourists. The plan was to link Brit- ish Columbia, the newest member of the fledgling Confederation, with the Mari- times, for the purpose of moving freight. But a European fascination with the New World was growing and it wasn't long before passengers became as impor- tant as freight. Train travel in Canada became not only fashionable but also the only way to journey to many parts of the country. The Canadian Pacific Railway Company built massive, château- like hotels along their tracks to accommo- date the stream of sightseers and Canada's rail tourism industry was born. Today, trains remain a hugely popular way to see Canada—from the far north- ern reaches, across the vast stretches of prairie, into the Rocky Mountains and beyond. The choices are many, and the routes, diverse. For travellers looking for efficient and environmentally friendly transporta- tion, VIA Rail is a great choice. With the support of the Government of Canada, VIA has implemented a major moderniza- tion program to improve its railway instal- lations, including a complete redesign of car interiors and stations and the intro- duction of an effective Wi-Fi network, all designed to provide better service. VIA Rail offers some of the most enjoyable travel experiences in the coun- try. For example, the Canadian, a cross- country service linking Toronto and Vancouver, is one of the world's most leg- endary and popular long haul rail jour- neys. Combining breathtaking landscapes, attentive and courteous service and out- standing dining, this train creates memo- rable moments for more than 100,000 travellers every year. Today, VIA Rail is proud to invite pas- sengers aboard a rejuvenated Canadian that is more beautiful and comfortable, but just as welcoming. More than $22 mil- lion was invested in the modernization of the Canadian, creating a cozy ambiance in the Manor sleeping cars and a refined, modern decor throughout the train. Two classes of service, Economy and Sleeper Plus, are currently available but beginning in the summer of 2013, discerning travel- lers will also have the option of choosing the Deluxe Sleeper class, a new standard of service offered in the entirely reconfig- ured Château sleeping cars and Park cars. When a much-loved, historic train such as this makes the kind of changes that propel it into the tourism future, the result is exciting. Eager to explore Québec and the Maritimes? Companies such as Atlantic Tours, Cartan Tours and Canada Via Rail offer multi-day tours of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Québec that feature travel on VIA Rail and include overnights in comfortable sleeping cars as well as charming inns and hotels, bus tours to Peggy's Cove, Hopewell Rocks, Cape Breton Island, the Fortress of Louisbourg, lobster dinners, Prince Edward Island National Park, the many pleasures of historic Halifax, and more. With gleaming expanses of window through which to view some of the world's most beautiful scenery, the Rocky Mountaineer offers the chance to view spectacular mountains, glittering lakes and pristine wilderness. Multi-day excur- sions include such iconic western desti- nations as Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Lake Louise, Jasper, Calgary, Banff and Kamloops. Guests can choose from three levels of service, ranging from Red to Silver to Gold Leaf, and will enjoy top quality food and wine, outstanding ser- vice and onboard commentaries. Rocky Mountaineer trips include overnight accommodations and the option to include additional excursions such as city tours and helicopter rides. Their trips can even be teamed with cruise ship experiences. In northern Ontario, from early June until mid-October, the newly revamped Algoma Central Railway's Agawa Canyon Tour Train makes the 228-mile (367-km) round trip from Sault Ste. Marie through the remote wilderness areas that inspired Canada's legendary Group of Seven art- ists. Thousands of "leaf peepers" (tourists fascinated by autumn colours), wildlife lovers and fishing enthusiasts fill the train each year. Fall colour season is so popular, in fact, that booking a year ahead is rec- ommended, but the spring and summer tours are equally beautiful. In 2012, a lim- ited number of Agawa Canyon Snow Train excursions will provide the oppor- tunity to see untouched winter land- scapes. The Algoma Central Railway's Tour of the Line, a 592-mile (953-km) round trip from Sault Ste. Marie to Hearst offers a longer view of the beauties of northern Ontario and gives passengers the oppor- tunity to leave the train, spend a few days fishing at one of several partner lodges and return later, catch in hand! Ontario Northland's Polar Bear Express and Dream Catcher Express trains are two other great choices for exploring Ontario's north by rail. The Polar Bear Express offers not only over- nights in Cochrane and Moose Factory, but also an optional guided canoe trip on the Abitibi River, while the Dream Catcher's options include an Aboriginal GOLDLEAF DOME • ROCKY MOUNTAINEER 2012 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA 27

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