It’s not just the rail world’s lack of airport security, cattle-car ambience and gut-wrenching turbulence, but also its sense of pomp and circumstance, its Old World civility. Stations are often grand old edifices where smartly uniformed porters will lug your overweight luggage and station staff might even lend a hand as you step up into your car.

Then there’s the “All aboard!” call that never fails to set off an anticipatory flutter of my heart, even if it’s a recorded call to action.

And it was just so as I boarded the Rocky Mountaineer in the bleary-eyed dawn in Vancouver’s East End. As the whistle sounded and my carriage lurched ever so slightly, the staff lined up rail-side in a waving honor guard. A steward arrived with a much-needed pot of fresh coffee. Eco-friendly, with a place to stretch my legs and real food – sign me up to the rails anytime.

Rocky Mountain Railtours, the largest passenger rail service in North America, crisscrosses British Columbia on four luxury routes. I had recently traveled from Vancouver to Whistler on their Whistler Mountaineer, a day trip up Howe Sound and back complete with baby bear sightings. Scenery-ogling was accompanied by an open bar from 8 a.m., a full gourmet breakfast and high tea on the way back.

The Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff is RMR’s signature trip – it’s also the only passenger service provider on that route – and because it is lauded as one of the world’s great rail rides by National Geographic and others, I was keen to jump on board. From the Rockies to the Pacific is the historic final leg of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s 3,000-mile transcontinental route from Montreal to Vancouver, following in the footsteps and paddle strokes of early explorers and opening Canada’s west in the late 1800s.

Read full story >>> SeattlePI.com

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Railway Map Guide:British Columbia & Canadian Rockies

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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A meal on the Rocky Mountaineer train is truly an experience like none other.

The coach alone can rival many of the city’s finest restaurants in terms of elegance, grace, comfort and style. The bi-level glass domed coach offers stunning panoramic views from the upper level and an intimate dining room setting.

Onboard Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf Service, guests are treated to three-course a la carte meals, complete with white linen tablecloths and napkins, polished silverware and fresh cut flowers on the main level. It’s more like a five-star fine dining restaurant on wheels.

Menus feature a selection of local cuisine -from prime Alberta beef and famed west coast wild salmon, to pork tenderloin with onion compote -accompanied by award-winning wines from the renowned Okanagan Valley.

At the helm of the moving kitchen is French-born Frederic Couton. The executive chef trained at some of the most exclusive Michelin Star restaurants, honing his culinary skills in the kitchens of the Hilton Paris and Geneva.

His culinary skills then took him to other five-star restaurants in Montreal, Bangkok and Vancouver. Prior to joining Vancouver’s prestigious Cannery Seafood Restaurant in 1996, Couton held the position of executive chef at the esteemed British Columbia Club.

Over the years, Couton has amassed many international awards in culinary competitions at home and abroad. His latest achievement is a cookbook masterpiece published in 2006 outlining his outstanding creations as executive chef of The Cannery Seafood Restaurant.

Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/life/Dining+Rocky+Mountaineer+magnificent/3071871/story.html#ixzz0pcLkcz1D

Continue Reading >>> The Province

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Railway Map Guide:British Columbia & Canadian Rockies

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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Under the banner of a new name, the Whistler Mountaineer steamed its way to a near capacity opening weekend as it launched its summer season on May 14.

That “near capacity” weekend could be a sign of good things to come this summer for the re-branded “Rocky Mountaineer Whistler Sea to Sky Climb.”

“The weekend was outstanding,” said Ian Robertson, executive director, corporate communications and public affairs for Rocky Mountaineer Vacations.

“It’s a strong indication that we’re starting to see a rebound in the tourism sector.

“I think we’re hoping for a slight increase over last year and, given that the tourism economy is still recovering, if we could continue to grow our business on this particular route we’d be very satisfied with that.”

Despite last year’s overall dip in the tourism sector that saw the industry decline anywhere from 20 to 40 per cent, the Whistler route stayed strong. Its 2009 numbers were on par with its 2008 numbers, whereas the more renowned Rocky Mountaineer numbers declined in the realm of 20 per cent. The Rocky Mountaineer runs between Vancouver and Alberta.

“I think that was an indication of residents vacationing closer to home,” said Robertson.

At the same time, guests from 59 countries around the world have travelled the Whistler route.

Continue reading: By Alison Taylor, Pique News Magazine

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Railway Map Guide:British Columbia & Canadian Rockies

Amtrak had predicted annual ridership of 51,000 people on the Virginia extension of its “Northeast Regional” train. But by March— just six months after the October 1 launch— it had served 55,025 passengers. And by generating over $2.8 million in revenue, the service has also exceeded the annual goal of $2.6 million.

“It’s amazing,” says Richards, who heads an advocacy group called the Piedmont Rail Coalition. “People are ready to get out of their cars and onto trains.”

Ridership on the Lynchburg-to-Boston service appears so strong, says one state official, that this part of a three-year pilot program actually stands a chance of turning a profit. Not too shabby for a service launched with a gubernatorial promise of up to $2.9 million a year in state subsidy.

Continue reading >>> The Hook

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USA West By Train: The Complete Amtrak 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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