Travel Guides to Canada

Ultimately built in the late 1800s, the railway would enable valuable freight to be moved, making our country a solid business proposition for all provinces. While freight was the lifeblood for business, the railway soon became important for another purpose. European tourists, eager to see the New World, were arriving by the shipload and, with few cars and even fewer roads, the railway was the answer for all inland travel. Tourist travel soon rivalled freight, and exploring the exciting young country by train became ultra-fashionable. Capitalizing on a profi table trend, the Canadian Pacifi c Railway Company built glamorous, high-style hotels to rival the most elegant European châteaux, located conveniently near the train tracks so guests could relax at the end of a day of touring. The combina- tion of elegant accommodation, and what must then have seemed a completely magical manner of travel, gave birth to a thriving Canadian rail tourism industry. Still hugely popular in Canada, train journeys top the list for sophisticated travellers from all over the world, eager to tour parts of this rugged country that are otherwise simply inaccessible. Many areas of the Far North can still only be reached 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 great choice—and there is no better time to experience it than in 2018, VIA Rail's 40 th year! Since May 2014, VIA Rail has worked to improve its service off erings by focusing on customers and their travel needs. Some of the enhance- ments include upgrades to the Business class service on the Québec City-Windsor corridor, which off ers refurbished lounges, a spacious on-board environment, a greener and more relaxing trip, compli- mentary meals and personalized 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, including one of the world's most legendary and popular long-haul rail journeys—the Canadian—a cross-country service linking Toronto and Vancouver. Welcoming close to 100,000 travellers every year, this route off ers breathtaking landscapes, cosy accommoda- tions, attentive and courteous service and outstanding dining. Day trippers love the Québec City- Windsor corridor as a means of experienc- ing some of the country's most vibrant cities. Every year, when the streets of Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal and Québec City explode with the energy of iconic festivals and events showcasing top talent from around the world, VIA Rail Canada makes getting there part of the thrill. Festival hop from city to city to experience some of Canada's many great events. If you're a nature lover, be sure to make the trip between Jasper National Park and the rugged North Pacifi c Coast of Prince Rupert, BC. This two-day rail journey winds along the Skeena River where wild grizzlies, black bears, moose, bald eagles, elk and mountain sheep gaze as you pass. Visit the Khutzeyma- teen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary and explore Prince Rupert's remarkable Museum of North- ern BC, which houses the fascinating history, culture and art of the Northwest Coast in a traditional longhouse ( www.viarail.ca ). When this vast land we call Canada became a country, the promise of a railroad was the tie that bound one coast to the other. On that history- making day in 1867 in tiny Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, the concept of a permanent link between the West and the Maritimes clinched the deal for the Fathers of Confederation. Only By Train! BY LIZ FLEMING DINING CAR ON THE CANADIAN (TORONTO TO VANCOUVER) • VIA RAIL CANADA 35 35

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