Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/809166
through prairie fi elds before reaching the open expanse of the boreal forest. Churchill, the "Polar Bear Capital of the World," also provides up-close and personal experiences with beluga whales in summer- time and stunning views of the magical aurora borealis in winter ( www.viarail.ca ). ROCKY MOUNTAINEER It's no wonder that the Rocky Mountaineer tops so many bucket lists. Off ering once-in-a-lifetime views of the majestic mountains, glittering lakes and pristine wilderness that characterize western Canada, this iconic train off ers a spectacu- lar experience. Guests can choose from two levels of service: SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf. Both include top quality food and wine, outstanding attention to detail and fascinating, informative on-board com- mentaries. Multi-day excursions include such iconic destinations as Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Lake Louise, Jasper, Calgary, Banff and Kamloops. Add optional excursions such as city tours and helicopter rides to your itinerary, and enjoy the overnight accommodations included in Rocky Mountaineer trips, or combine your rail tour with a pre or post Alaskan cruise experience from Vancouver, BC or Seattle, Washington aboard select Holland America Line ships ( www.rockymountaineer.com). WHITE PASS & YUKON ROUTE RAILWAY If you've ever longed to see Canada's farthest northern locations, such as the Klondike Gold Rush country, you'll want to book a seat on the long-serving diesel and steam locomotives of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. Passengers aboard this authentic vintage train, an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, make a steep 914 m (3,000 ft.) climb through gorges and glaciers on a narrow-gauge track. If you are really dying to explore further, complete your adventur- ous itinerary by adding a motor coach tour through parts of Alaska, British Columbia or the Yukon ( www.wpyr.com). AGAWA CANYON TOUR TRAIN Fans of the legendary Group of Seven artists will want to journey into the remote northern Ontario wilderness that inspired these talented painters on board the Algoma Central Railway's Agawa Canyon Tour Train. Not only does the 367-km (228-mi.) round trip from Sault Ste. Marie wind through the spectacular canyon from late June until mid-October, attracting wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts alike, but it also makes a stop at Mile 114 to allow for exciting hikes to nearby waterfalls and sightseeing points. A GPS-triggered commentary in fi ve languages makes sure you don't miss a thing along the way. While spring and summer tours are certainly beautiful, autumn is the most popular time for this train tour. In fact, so many "leaf peepers" come looking for autumn colours that booking a full year ahead is recommended ( www.agawatrain. com ). TRAIN DE CHARLEVOIX This train-tour service runs on select days from June through October. It travels between Québec City's stunning Montmorency Falls and La Malbaie for 125 km (78 mi.), stopping in seven picturesque towns and coastal villages as travellers enjoy a gorgeous view of the St. Lawrence River ( www.reseaucharlevoix.com). There is no other country in the world that can rival Canada for stunning land- scapes, untouched wilderness views, rugged Rocky Mountain peaks and shim- mering northern lakes. Could there be a better way to celebrate this wonderful country's birthday than by exploring her beauty from the comfort of a train? WHITE PASS & YUKON ROUTE RAILWAY DEPOT • TOURISM YT/DEREK CROWE AGAWA CANYON TOUR TRAIN • ON TOURISM 34