Like legendary musician Gordon Lightfoot, all classic symbols of the true north strong and free.

Zipping across the prairies on a spring afternoon, leaving the regal Rocky Mountains behind, is another iconic symbol of life north of the 49th parallel - VIA Rail’s flagship luxury liner, The Canadian.

This transcontinental treasure is a journey every Canadian should experience once in a lifetime.

Pacific Central Station in Vancouver is abuzz on a Sunday evening. Strains of Johnny Cash’s staple “I Hear the Train A Coming” wash across the trackside patio. Singer-guitarist James Burton energizes waiting passengers with railroad songs like Chattanooga Choo Choo and City of New Orleans, while VIA crews ready the grand lady for another trek eastward.

The clock strikes 2030 and VIA Train No. 2 - a gleaming 22-car consist led by rebuilt F40 locomotive 6403 in new livery and sister workhorse 6449 - glides away from the Pacific Ocean toward the majestic Rockies.

In the Prince Albert domed Park car on the rear of The Canadian, attendant Yoan Gicquel uncorks bottles of sparkling wine for Touring Class passengers embarking on the epic journey.

Dennis and Lynn Cross, headed to Halifax, raise glasses of bubbly to toast their dream vacation.

“We’ve had this on our minds for a number of years,” says Lynn. “It’s incredible. Just sitting, relaxing and watching the country go by.”

“This is something people in Europe do all the time; it’s not a novelty,” Dennis adds. “But here in Canada, it’s so big and such major changes in scenery, that’s what makes it amazing.”

Darkness descends and attendant Andre Roy ducks into the Macdonald Manor sleeping car for nightly turn-down service. He drops beds from walls to replace seats and preps pillows for sleepy passengers.

The Macdonald is one of 40 stainless steel Manor sleepers in the VIA fleet named for famous Canadians like founding prime minister Sir John A. Macdonald. Built for Canadian Pacific by Budd Co. in the mid-1950s and refurbished by VIA, the cars have various compartment configurations and showers. The two-person sleeper in Touring Class is ideal for a single traveller who likes extra room. The unit has its own washroom, sink and mirror, two power outlets and huge picture window.

Slumber comes easy as The Canadian gently sways while meandering along the banks of the Fraser River.

Barely a hint of sunshine greets passengers as No. 2 rolls into Kamloops, B.C. at 0600. In dining car 8414, tables are resplendent with pink and white linen cloths, pure white china dishes and vases filled with fresh flowers. It’s time for passengers to get their first taste of The Canadian’s renowned culinary fare. Choices include the chef’s omelette stuffed with crisp asparagus and swiss cheese, served with hash browns, fruit and toast.

Meals on The Canadian are as much about fine dining as they are about meeting unique people from around the globe. VIA attendants make sure nobody sits alone.

Read full story >>> Toronto Sun

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Canada By Train: The Complete VIA Rail Travel Guide

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Departing Montréal on Thursday, July 1st and Ottawa/Windsor on Friday, July 2, the VIA Pride Trains provide the perfect setting to relax before the excitement of Pride festivities begins.

One-way economy fares start at $58 CDN plus tax and include a complimentary drink, gift bag and a $10 donation to the local Pride organizers in the town where you board. In addition to VIA’s onboard at-your-seat service, customers on board the Montréal Pride Train will have exclusive access to the Pride Bar Car with its elegant stand-up bar, sleek armchairs grouped around café tables and full picture windows. Enjoy the passing landscape while being entertained with music and plenty of oo la la from Quebecois drag personalities.

For more information and to book, visit www.viarail.ca/pridetrain or call Conxity at 1-800-387-1240.

For those taking in the parade on July 4th be sure to watch for the VIA train as it makes its way down the parade route, or stop by the VIA tent for more information on VIA services.

For more information on VIA’s train schedules, fares and discounts, or to book a trip anywhere in the VIA system, customers can visit www.viarail.ca or call 1 888 VIA RAIL (842-7245), TTY 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired). Train tickets are also available at VIA stations across Canada, including self-service ticketing kiosks located at major stations in the Windsor-Quebec City corridor.

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Between July 1 and August 14, 2010, active or retired Canadian Forces personnel and veterans will be entitled to free Economy class rail travel on selected trains across the entire VIA network. In addition, Canadian Forces personnel and veterans will be eligible for a 25% discount off the best available fares for travel in both Business and Sleeper class. Each active or retired Canadian Forces member may also bring up to five immediate family members with them, at a 25% discount off the best available fare in any class of service. The Canadian Forces Family Appreciation fare can also be combined with VIA’s children’s’ summer travel discounts.

“This is a great chance for us to celebrate the members of the Canadian Forces personnel and their families and show them how proud we are of the work they do,” said Minister Merrifield. “Our Government is proud to support VIA as they extend this initiative for a third year.”

“We are pleased that VIA is once again honouring members of the Canadian Forces and their families by providing them with special fares,” said Minister MacKay. “We hope that many members will be able to take advantage of this opportunity.”

“VIA Rail connects communities, large and small, across Canada,” stated Minister Blackburn. “We are grateful that VIA is providing this unique opportunity to CF personnel and Veterans to visit these communities, to be reunited with their family and friends, or simply enjoy the beauty of our country. In doing so, we honour their service and contribution to our peace and freedom.”

“We at VIA are proud of the contribution and recognize the sacrifices made by the members of the Canadian Forces,” said Mr. Wright. “For a third consecutive year, we’re honoured to recognize these strong men and women for all they are doing and have done for our country. We hope that they will be able to take advantage of this offer and experience everything our great country has to offer aboard the train.”

Close to 17, 000 current or retired Canadian Forces personnel took advantage of VIA’s initiative to honour them with a special fare in 2009.

About VIA Rail Canada

As Canada’s national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada’s mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation - in both official languages. Every week, VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre route network. The demand for VIA services is growing as travelers increasingly turn to train travel as a safe, reliable and environmentally responsible alternative to congested roads and airports. In 2008, VIA safely transported 4.6 million passengers - the most since 1989 - and set an all-time record of $299 million in revenue.

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Canada By Train: The Complete VIA Rail Travel Guide

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After a difficult year in 2009, with declining revenues because of the global economic slowdown, Via Rail’s newly minted president says he expects to see ridership levels grow as new investments make train trips more attractive than travelling by road or air.

Via’s focus has been on the Central Canada routes between Quebec City and Windsor, Ont., which make up nearly 80 per cent of the Crown corporation’s business. But it is also introducing some upgrades to its cross-country trains that through the Rockies to Vancouver.

“The trend is more positive this year,” said Via Rail president and CEO Marc Laliberte in an interview with Canwest News Service. “We see an increase in ridership and again we’re getting out of this recession.”

While the federal government is continuing to participate in a study with Ontario and Quebec on the feasibility of high-speed rail between Quebec City and Windsor, Laliberte noted that it will be up to the governments to make a final decision.

“If they decide to go, we’ll be there to help and assist, but meanwhile, we still need a conventional service,” he said.

“Right now my focus is really to improve on that service, get better efficiency and better operations on what we have already and so to increase the ridership.”

In its annual report, released earlier this month, Via reported that its overall revenues, not including government funding, dropped to $264.9 million in 2009 after several years of revenues of at least $285 million.

It was also a significant drop from the record-breaking year of 2008, when the company’s revenues reached $299.2 million.

Read more: The Gazette

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Canada By Train: The Complete VIA Rail Travel Guide

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Now in its fifth year, the VIA Rail Garden Route program highlights 18 of Canada’s most magnificent feature gardens as well as 27 5-Bloom Communities in Bloom destinations and a growing number of local garden attractions along VIA’s Halifax to Vancouver Island network.

Kingsbrae Garden in St. Andrews offers 27 glorious acres of horticultural marvels, with more than 50,000 perennials, shrubs and trees in many themed gardens, a genuine functioning Dutch windmill (1/3 scale), alpacas, peacocks, pygmy goats, ponds, Canada’s first “Jurassic Living Fossil” wollemi pine, acres of virgin Acadian forest and numerous other attractions.

Kingsbrae Garden also presents its second annual National Sculpture Competition this year. Entries are submitted from Newfoundland and Labrador to British Columbia.

Kingsbrae Garden is open from May 21 to Oct. 9. Guided tours are available.

Continue reading >>> Telegraph Journal

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Canada By Train: The Complete VIA Rail Travel Guide

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VIA Rail Canada in partnership with Parks Canada is proud to announce the creation of a special tour package to commemorate the repatriation of the Haida Nation’s magnificent Raven Totem Pole to Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands). This 11-day, once-in-a-lifetime tour promises to be a rich celebration of the history and culture of the Haida nation. Built by a Haida master carver in Old Masset, Haida Gwaii in the 1870s-80s, the 12-metre (40 feet) totem was acquired by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in 1915 and installed at the Jasper train station to greet visitors arriving by train.

A landmark in Jasper National Park for nearly a century, the Raven Totem Pole stood next to VIA’s Jasper station until April 2009 when it was removed because it had become a safety hazard. It has been photographed by hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world over the years.

Departing Edmonton on June 16, 2010, travellers on this tour will be joined by members of Jasper’s community, Parks Canada and representatives of the Haida Nation as they return the Raven Totem Pole to Old Masset, BC. The tour package includes travel with VIA from Edmonton to Prince Rupert, (meals while travelling in Touring class between Jasper and Prince Rupert), 10-nights accommodation, a ferry journey along the Inside Passage from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy, scheduled transfers between Port Hardy-Victoria and Victoria-Vancouver, in addition to a number of popular local tours in Jasper and Victoria. Prices for this exclusive opportunity start at C$2,122.

“This exciting collaborative effort between Parks Canada and VIA Rail offers travellers a very special experience. This rare opportunity allows passengers to accompany the totem pole and learn about the rich history, culture, traditions and art of the Haida Nation while discovering unique Parks Canada experiences along the way,” said Alan Latourelle, Parks Canada Chief Executive Officer.

For more information on the Raven Totem Pole Repatriation package, customers can visit http://www.trainpackages.ca/en/packages/TP-1547?check_departure_city=1 or call 1 888 VIA RAIL (1 888 842-7245), TTY 1 800 268-9503 (for hearing impaired).

About Parks Canada

On behalf of the people of Canada, Parks Canada protects and presents nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage through a vast network of 42 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and three national marine conservation areas. This network is considered to be one of Canada’s - and even the world’s - greatest treasures. Whether it’s an exciting and challenging experience, or a relaxing break away from the stresses of modern life, Parks Canada always has something special to offer its visitors.

About VIA Rail

As Canada’s national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada’s mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation - in both official languages. Every week, VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre route network. The demand for VIA services is growing as travellers increasingly turn to train travel as a safe, reliable and environmentally responsible alternative to congested roads and airports.

For further information: Media contacts: Catherine Kaloutsky, VIA Rail Canada, (416) 956-7683, Catherine_kaloutsky@viarail.ca; Lynn Lefebvre, VIA Rail Canada, (514) 871-6185, Lynn_Lefebvre@viarail.ca; Olivier Bonnet, Parks Canada, (819) 934-9777, olivier.bonnet@pc.gc.ca

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Canada By Train: The Complete VIA Rail Travel Guide

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Travel times have been shortened by as much as 20 minutes, while arrival and departure times for certain trains have been modified to better suit passengers’ needs. For example, the first morning train (train 21) now leaves Quebec City at 05:35 a.m., Sainte-Foy at 06:00 a.m. and arrives in Montreal at 08:32 a.m., as opposed to 09:17 a.m. in the past.

These improvements have been made possible by a better synchronization of freight and passenger trains, following extensive discussions with Canadian National. Also, VIA’s newest, most powerful and fuel-efficient locomotives will be assigned to this route. This will allow for better acceleration and maximum possible track speeds throughout the trip.

“We are proud to know that the funds allocated to VIA’s Capital Investment Plan are helping to improve the services we provide to Canadians,” said the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State, Transport. “We are pleased to contribute to the introduction of shorter travel times on the popular Montreal-Quebec City route.”

“We are working hard to improve our service and our technology,” said VIA’s President and CEO, Marc Laliberté. “The changes implemented today are a perfect example of our constant evolution to adapt to our customers’ changing needs while using taxpayer dollars as efficiently as possible.”

To view VIA’s new Quebec City-Montreal schedules, please click here: (http://www.viarail.ca/en/trains/ontario-and-quebec/montreal-quebec-city/schedules).

For more information on VIA’s train schedules and fares, customers can visit www.viarail.ca or call 1 888 VIA RAIL (842-7245), TTY 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired).

About VIA Rail

As Canada’s national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada’s mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation-in both official languages. Every week, VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre route network. The demand for VIA services is growing as travellers increasingly turn to train travel as a safe, reliable and environmentally responsible alternative to congested roads and airports.

For further information: Media contacts: Elizabeth Huart, Corporate Communications, VIA Rail Canada, (514) 871-6119, elizabeth_huart@viarail.ca

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Canada By Train: The Complete VIA Rail Travel Guide

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Via Rail has selected Canderel Property Management as a partner to help it develop about 3.4 hectares of its 9.3-hectare property on Tremblay Road, east of downtown Ottawa, said Via Rail spokesman Malcolm Andrew.

“There is, we think, a great deal of potential that is untapped,” he said.

Via will retain ownership of the property, but the “field is wide open” to different types of development, which could include stores, offices and housing, Andrew said. The result is expected to provide rental income for Via and also benefit customers, he added.

“There are not a lot of services in and around the station proper as it sits today.”

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/04/08/ottawa-via-canderel.html#ixzz0kcZQF1rT

>>> continue reading

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Canada By Train: The Complete VIA Rail Travel Guide

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Last fall, VIA discontinued the on-board cook position from the end of October to the beginning of June, due to insufficient demand. Starting this Wednesday, March 24, instead of the snack service that has replaced the hot meals since last October, passengers will be treated to hot meals prepared by Newrest, a caterer that already supplies meals to VIA for the Ocean train (Montréal - Halifax), where customer reaction has been very positive. As for the cook position, it will be maintained from June to October and during the Christmas-New Year’s holidays.

For Marc Laliberté, president and chief executive officer of VIA Rail Canada, offering catered meals and the creation of a joint working group demonstrate that the Crown corporation is listening to its passengers, and is doing everything in its power to satisfy them within the confines of its budget envelope. “Far from having a tunnel-vision stance, VIA wants to act proactively along with its partners to reach financially realistic solutions, such as the ones we are announcing today. We are aiming for a win-win partnership.”

Canada’s Minister of State (Transport) Rob Merrifield said, “this announcement is a great example of how a public service like VIA Rail can work collaboratively with the constituency it serves to find responsible, workable solutions that both meet the needs of Canadians and respect the financial realities of providing the service.”

Regarding the cost of food services on board the Montréal - Gaspé train, Mr. Laliberté reiterated that VIA operates with taxpayer support: “In this respect, the financial bottom line is not optional, but mandatory. For this reason, over the coming weeks, we will ensure that this new offer of hot meals on board the Montréal - Gaspé train reflects the actual demand so that this service can be adjusted if need be, based on passengers’ needs and VIA’s financial requirements.”

About VIA Rail Canada

As Canada’s national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada’s mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation, both in Canada’s busiest corridor and in remote and rural regions of the country. Every week, VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre route network. The demand for VIA services is growing as travellers increasingly turn to train travel as a safe, hassle-free and environmentally responsible alternative to congested roads and airports. For more information on VIA’s services across the country, customers can visit viarail.ca.

For further information: Media Contacts: Elizabeth Huart, (514) 871-6119, elizabeth_huart@viarail.ca; Malcolm Andrews, (514) 871-6604, malcolm_andrews@viarail.ca

For further information: VIA Media Contact: Elizabeth Huart, (514) 871-6119, Elizabeth_huart@viarail.ca; Robert Lynch, Office of the Minister of State (Transport), (613) 991-0700

Canada By Train: The Complete VIA Rail Travel Guide

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The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Atlantic Gateway; Marc Laliberté, VIA Rail Canada’s President and CEO; and Richard Carpenter, President of Industrial Rail Services Inc today announced funding for the complete modernization and upgrading of six self-propelled rail diesel cars (RDCs).

“Our Government’s investment, through the Economic Action Plan, will benefit Canadians from across the country for years to come,” said Minister Ashfield. “This project will create skilled jobs, stimulate the regional economy and improve rail passenger service across Canada.”

Industrial Rail Services Inc (IRSI) of Moncton has been awarded a $12.6 million contract for the project. The project to rebuild rail cars that will be used on VIA services between Sudbury and White River in Ontario and between Victoria and Courtenay in BC, is being fully funded through the Government’s Economic Action Plan.

Built in the 1950s by the world-renowned Budd Company of Philadelphia, the six sturdy, stainless steel RDCs are structurally sound. Now, by applying numerous technologically-advanced sub-systems, the cars will provide 15 to 20 further years of safe and reliable service to Canadian rail travellers with improved cost-effectiveness and passenger comfort. The rebuilding project will also reduce the already-low environmental footprint of VIA’s RDCs.

“The awarding of this contract for the rebuilding of our RDC fleet is yet another tribute to the unique skills and expertise the people of IRSI bring to every project,” said Marc Laliberté. “You are helping all of us at VIA prove that the road to the future is paved with steel rails.”

Among the advanced systems being incorporated into the RDCs by IRSI are:

• New interiors and fully-rebuilt seating with improved accessibility for passengers with special mobility needs;
• New, fully-accessible washrooms and toilets;
• New LED interior lighting;
• New controls, electrical wiring, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems;
• Fully-rebuilt diesel engines that meet Euro II emission standards; and
• Fully-rebuilt air brakes.

The first of the six rebuilt RDCs will be delivered by IRSI in April 2011 and the remainder of the fleet will be completed by the end of that year. The contract will support 31 to 40 positions at IRSI and generate the equivalent of 22.5 person-years of direct employment, as well as foster economic activity for numerous suppliers. The project is part of an unprecedented $923 million investment in passenger rail modernization and expansion by the Government of Canada.

“We are, of course, thrilled to be receiving this contract from VIA” said Richard Carpenter, President of IRSI. “Over our 10-year history, the highly-skilled workforce of IRSI has established a close relationship with the people of VIA by applying our expertise to the highly-specialized business of rebuilding proven passenger rail rolling stock for additional years of cost-effective service. The people of Moncton and all of our employees will take great pride in contributing yet again to the physical renewal of a form of travel that is obviously the smart, safe and sustainable alternative today.”

ABOUT VIA RAIL CANADA

As Canada’s national rail passenger service operator, VIA Rail Canada’s mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation services, in Canada’s busy Quebec City-Windsor corridor and in remote and rural regions of the country. Every week, VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains that link 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre route network.

The demand for VIA services is growing as travellers increasingly turn to train travel as a safe, reliable and environmentally responsible alternative to congested roads and airports.

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To learn more about VIA’s Capital Investment Program and its many upgrading works, please visit http://www.viarail.ca/en/about-via-rail/our-company/capital-investment

ABOUT VIA’s RDC SERVICES

VIA’s six fully-rebuilt RDCs will be used on two of the railway’s most diverse and scenic services.

In Northern Ontario, the 484-km Sudbury-White River service is a vital link for residents of and visitors to a remote region with limited transportation options. There are no all-weather roads or scheduled air services on this route across the rocky Canadian Shield. VIA’s RDC-equipped train operates three days per week in each direction and provides the only reliable access to a region characterized by its numerous lakes and rugged beauty. The route is a popular summertime tourist destination, attracting campers, backpackers and anglers from around the world.

The Vancouver Island service operates daily in both directions over a 225-km route paralleling the Strait of Georgia from British Columbia’s capital of Victoria, north to the important regional centres of Nanaimo and Courtenay, as well as 25 other intermediate stations. The train travels over the spectacular Malahat Pass and through lush coastal forests as it links the major cities and tourist attractions of Vancouver Island.

ABOUT INDUSTRIAL RAIL SERVICES, INC.

Industrial Rail Services, Inc. (IRSI) of Moncton, New Brunswick, is a full-service locomotive and passenger rail car facility specializing in equipment repairs, remanufacturing, modifications and refurbishment. Since its founding in 1999, IRSI has become North America’s premier rebuilder of rail passenger equipment, strengthening Moncton’s reputation as a global rail centre of excellence for more than a century.

IRSI’s modern and well-equipped facility is located in the CN Gordon Yard on the eastern transcontinental main line. Its 125,000-square-foot facility is equipped with 18 exhausted service bays, overhead cranes, drop tables, tool cribs, designated stores and document control areas, a metal fabrication shop, training facilities, a wash bay and a new 100-foot, state-of-the-art paint shop.

The strength of IRSI is its highly skilled and dedicated workforce, whose craftsmanship is recognized throughout the rail industry and has earned the company certification by the Association of American Railroads.

For further information: VIA Media Contact: Elizabeth Huart, (514) 871-6119, Elizabeth_huart@viarail.ca; Robert Lynch, Office of the Minister of State (Transport), (613) 991-0700

Canada By Train: The Complete VIA Rail Travel Guide

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