Travel Guides to Canada

2017 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA

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Soon that freight railway became even more valuable as European tourists, keen to see the New World, hurried to sail to Canada and book their tickets. At the time, there were few cars and fewer roads, so the railway was the answer for all inland travel. Passenger travel soon became as important as freight, and touring the exciting young country of Canada by train became ultra- fashionable. Recognizing a growth trend when they saw it, the Canadian Pacifi c Railway Company hastened to build glamorous high-style hotels to rival the most elegant European châteaux, and located them conveniently near the train tracks so guests could relax at the end of a day of touring. The combination of elegant accommodation, and what must have been in that day an absolutely magical manner of travel, gave birth to a thriving Canadian rail tourism industry. That same rail tourism is still hugely popular in Canada, with train journeys topping the list for sophisticated travellers from all over the world, eager to tour parts of the rugged country that are otherwise simply inaccessible. Many parts of the Far North, for example, can only be explored by train, and sitting in a comfortable railway car is by far the most inviting way to cross vast stretches of prairie, see the Rocky Mountains and experience the wealth of natural beauty that is Canada. VIA RAIL For travellers looking for effi cient and environmentally friendly transportation, VIA Rail is a popular choice. With the support of the Government of Canada, a major modernization program has greatly enhanced the VIA Rail experience, including upgrades to the business class service on the Québec City-Windsor corridor route, which now off ers refur- bished lounges, a more spacious on-board environment, a greener and more comfort- able trip, new meals and more personal- ized service. WiFi accessibility is also included on the Ocean eastern overnight long-haul service between Montréal and Halifax. VIA Rail off ers some of Canada's best scenic travel experiences such as the Canadian, a cross-country service linking Toronto and Vancouver that is one of the world's most legendary and popular long-haul rail journeys. Combining breathtaking landscapes, cosy accommoda- tions, attentive and courteous service and outstanding dining, this train welcomes more than 100,000 travellers every year. For day trippers, the Québec City- Windsor corridor is perfect for experiencing some of the country's most vibrant cities. Every year, Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal and Québec City come alive with iconic festivals and events featuring top talent from around the world, and VIA Rail Canada makes getting there part of the thrill. Plan to "festival hop" from city to city to experience some of Canada's many great events. If unspoiled nature is your passion, travel by train between Jasper National Park and the rugged North Pacifi c Coast of Prince Rupert, B.C. This two-day journey winds along the Skeena River providing incredible wildlife viewing of grizzlies, black bears, moose, bald eagles, elk and mountain sheep. Explore Prince Rupert's remarkable Museum of Northern BC, which houses the fascinating history, culture and art of the Northwest Coast in a traditional longhouse, and visit the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. Canada's north is also accessible with VIA Rail Canada on a two-day trip from Winnipeg to Churchill, MB that winds VIA RAIL CANADA

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