Now in its fifth season, VIA Rail’s Maritime Learning Experience is poised to augment the journey east and make it both enriching and memorable for travellers never too young or too old to enjoy the train. Between June 14th and October 12th, 2009, the Ocean that carries passengers from Montréal to Halifax, will once again feature the acclaimed Maritime Learning Experience, an invitation to combine the comfort of Sleeper Touring class with the joy of train travel through Canada’s Maritime Provinces.

While on board, the journey east is enhanced by a Learning Coordinator who complements the Maritimes’ seascapes rolling by with informative and entertaining presentations - a backdrop that reveals the history, the folklore and even a recipe or two from the region.

Imagine breakfast in New Brunswick, then lunch in Nova Scotia just as a view of the iconic Bay of Fundy rolls by. Over the 21-hour journey, Sleeper Touring class passengers enjoy brief presentations along with fine, regionally-inspired menus that include such succulent options as a tender filet of beef served with an aromatic garlic and herb shrimp brochette, or a flavorsome serving of grilled halibut. Choose from a menu that may include crispy crab cakes, a savoury foccacia stuffed with grilled vegetables, or perhaps a succulent beef and black bean stir-fry.

“More and more, it’s become clear that, for today’s traveller, it’s not only about the destination but about making the journey,” says Lynn Pellerin, Product Manager, Longhaul Services. “The Maritime Learning Experience answers that need. Through demonstrations and interactive presentations, our Learning

Coordinators share the rich folklore and history, food and culture of one of Canada’s most beloved regions. Best of all, the Maritime Learning Experience ensures a unique opportunity for young and old to share in the fun, making it the ideal family adventure.”

The Maritime Learning Experience is a seasonal upgrade to the Ocean’s already existing Sleeper class. The Ocean operates year-round, six times per week in each direction between Montréal and Halifax while the learning component upgrade was designed to offer a seamless and relaxed learning experience in harmony with the laid back warmth of the Maritimes, featured throughout the summer and fall seasons.

Three meals in total are served between Montréal to Halifax and are included in the ticket price for Ocean Sleeper Touring class passengers. The Ocean’s cozy sleeping accommodations include amenities such as comfortable duvet bedding, plump pillows, towels and a shower kit, bottled water, and VIA’s signature chocolates.

Family travel is made more comfortable at an additional charge for those wishing to book a cabin for three or four. These come complete with the distinctive ambience of the Park car and large picture windows.

For more information on train schedules or to book a trip anywhere in the VIA system, customers can visit VIA’s Web site at viarail.ca. Passengers also can book their tickets at self-ticketing kiosks in most Québec City-Windsor Corridor stations, by calling 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245), TTY 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired), or through their travel agent.

As Canada’s national passenger rail service, VIA Rail Canada’s mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost effective passenger transportation services, both in Canada’s busiest corridor and in remote and rural regions of the country. VIA serves more than 450 communities with a
network of inter-city, transcontinental and regional trains. Increasingly travellers are turning to train travel as a hassle-free and cost-efficient alternative to congested roads and airports as well as a more environmentally responsible way to travel.