Page 33 - Travel Guide to Canada 2019

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Built in the late 1800s, the railway soon
enabled valuable freight to be moved,
making our country a solid business
proposition for all provinces.
While freight was key for the growing
economy, the railway was equally impor-
tant for European tourists, eager to see this

vast country. Soon tourist travel 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, luxurious hotels designed to
rival the most elegant European châteaux.
Located conveniently near the train tracks,
the CP hotels invited guests to relax at the
end of a day of touring. The combination of
elegant accommodation, and this magical LONG HAUL CANADIAN, PRAIRIE SUNSET • VIA RAIL CANADA
manner of travel, fostered a thriving
Canadian rail tourism industry. Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal and Québec City Museum of Northern BC, which houses the
Rail travel still entices tourists with explode with the energy of iconic festivals fascinating history, culture and art of the
train journeys topping the list for sophisti- and events showcasing top talent from Northwest Coast in a traditional longhouse.
cated travellers from all over the world. around the world, VIA Rail Canada makes You can also opt for the Winnipeg-
Many areas of the Far North can still only be getting there part of the thrill. Festival-hop Churchill train which travels through 1,697
reached by train, and sitting in a comforta- from city to city to experience some of km (1055 mi.) of Canadian landscapes, from
ble railway car is by far the most inviting Canada’s many great events. the Prairies to boreal forest to subarctic
way to cross vast stretches of prairie, see If you’re a nature lover, be sure to make tundra. You’ll travel through many unique
the Rocky Mountains, and experience the the trip between Jasper National Park and communities and enjoy two days and two
wealth of natural beauty that is Canada. the rugged North Pacifi c Coast of Prince nights of awe-inspiring views. Once in
Rupert, BC. This two-day rail journey winds Churchill, you’ll be immersed in untamed
VIA RAIL along the Skeena River where wild grizzlies, wilderness. Bask in the warm village

For travellers looking for an easy, safe, black bears, moose, bald eagles, elk and atmosphere and experience some truly
sustainable and enjoyable travel experience mountain sheep gaze as you pass. Visit the memorable moments. Be ready for adven-
in Canada, VIA Rail is a great choice! Since Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary and ture as you enter this world of exceptional
May 2014, VIA Rail has worked to improve its explore Prince Rupert’s remarkable fl ora and fauna (www.viarail.ca).
service off erings by focusing on customers
and their travel needs. Some of the enhance-
WINNIPEG-CHURCHILL TRAIN AND NORTHERN LIGHTS • VIA RAIL CANADA
ments include upgrades to the Business
Class service on the Québec City-Windsor
corridor, which off ers refurbished accessi-
ble lounges, a spacious on-board environ-
ment, a greener and more relaxing trip,
complimentary 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
accommodations, 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