10 reasons why visiting Canada can be more fun by train

If you're planning on visiting friends or relatives in Canada this summer you may consider touring the country by rail.  First grab a flight from LAX, John Wayne or Bob Hope, then book a ticket on VIA Rail Canada from such cosmopolitan cities as Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver and off you go to picturesque destinations such as Jasper, Halifax and Prince Rupert. (Orbitz.com, http://CheapOair.com, http://www.tripAdvisor.com et al are offering great deals on fares to Canada from Los Angeles airports this summer).

VIA Rail’s eco-conscious spin on the summer “road trip” is perfect for vacationers wishing to disconnect from busy schedules and combine fun with enriching experiences.

1. On Time: due to improvements in infrastructure, well-planned schedules and precision of train movement, VIA Rail’s systems run their services every day with remarkably few delays. Trains, unlike other transportation modes, also run in all sorts of weather conditions.
2. Convenience: train travel is generally hassle-free. No need to show up at the station hours in advance, nor stand in line for security checks. VIA’s downtown-to-downtown service in most locations also means saving on time and cab fares to airports way out in the ‘burbs. Not to mention, booking a ticket online is as easy as a few clicks.
3. Comes with no baggage fees:unlike most airlines today, VIA Rail is one of the most cost-effective and easy means of transporting luggage as you travel. Each passenger is allowed to check up to 2 bags at no cost. Passengers also won’t have to worry about losing baggage as VIA has an impeccable track record in baggage handling.
4. AffordableRail Passes & Special Promotions: VIA Rail Canada’s rail passes offer unparalleled flexibility and great value. What a way to see Canada at a bargain! Be sure to check VIA’s website for sizzling deals with discounts of up to 75%.
5. No Traffic Jams or Rest Stops:travelers beat the highway traffic and have more room on the train to roam around, enjoy a gourmet meal without stopping, and can enjoy a restroom break at anytime.
6. The “Scene”ery: guests get to experience the dramatic and breathtaking views of Canada! It’s an amazing opportunity to see much of the country while being able to sit back in your reclined seat, or mingle in VIA’s observation deck and stylish lounges. There’s nothing like being awe-struck by the Rockies from the Canadian’s glass-roofed observation cars.
7. Social Gathering: riding the train with your family and friends can be a much more enjoyable experience. There are dining cars and lounge areas where everyone can get together and socialize in comfort. For those traveling alone, it’s a great way to meet fellow passengers and start long-lasting friendships.
8. It’s Green: the environmental advantages to train travel are enormous; trains are more fuel efficient than cars, which guzzle gas at $4-5 a gallon. For the green traveler, VIA Rail provides the perfect travel solution. Over the past twenty years, VIA has cut fuel consumption by 30 percent, greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent, and refurbished its locomotives to Light Rapid Comfortable (LRC) coaches to include more efficient heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and lay-over systems. A proud “reduce, re-use and recycle” supporter, onboard products such as napkins and toilet paper are made of recycled paper and the coffee served onboard is 100 percent fair trade. The conservation of water is also a priority within VIA’s corporate goals. Investing millions to increase in efficiency of water and conserve hundreds of thousands of liters of water annually, VIA has consolidated tanks on the 100-car LRC fleet, upgraded its toilets to use less water per flush, and added a recycling system used to rinse water in its train “car wash” operations.
9. Rest & Relaxation:. There is more legroom on a train than on a bus, plane or car. Passengers don’t need to “buckle-up” at any point of the trip and they can get up, stretch and walk around at their leisure. Traveling overnight in VIA’s sleeper cars is also a good way to save money on hotel accommodations for long-distance trips. Guests will be rocked to sleep in a berth, a cabin for one, two, three or in a suite. They can also enjoy all essential amenities — including a shower! All these, while enjoying Canadian hospitality at its best.
10. KIT (keep in touch):  can stay connected via  VIA Rail cell phone service and free wi-fi on all trains in the Quebec-Ontario corridor. Elsewhere in the network, complimentary wi-fi is available in most major stations.

For more information on VIA Rail Canada’s services and promotions or to book a trip on VIA Rail, call 888-VIA-RAIL (888-842-7245) or visit www.viarail.ca.