Canadian Winter Rail Vacations
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| An Ontario Bridge Crossing1 |
BRIEF HISTORY OF CANADIAN PASSENGER TRAIN TRAVEL
Frozen waterways, poor roads and a sparse population over a large land mass were just a few of the challenges that a pre-confederation Canada faced in the early 1800s when it came to winter travel. However, the opening of the first public train in 1836—the Champlain and St. Lawrence Railroad—made the outlook of passenger travel a whole lot brighter. More passenger trains were built and by 1886 the Canadian Pacific Railway finished its transcontinental route to British Columbia.
By the 1960s, travel by rail had become an image of the past as more people switched to automobiles and airplanes for transportation. In 1977, VIA Rail was created to breathe life back into train travel. Now, passengers can take a trip the way it once was and experience the charm of travelling by train along numerous routes across Canada.
ROUTES
VIA Rail offers approximately 20 routes that connect Canada from coast to coast. Through various travel companies, customers can select the train package that best suits their interests. The following provides a taste of popular routes that can be turned into unforgettable winter train vacations.
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| Quebec City Sparkles in Winter2 |
The charming province of Quebec is a busy holiday destination year round. Although summer visitors can attend outdoor festivals and dine under the moonlight at scrumptious bistros, winter travellers are enchanted by Quebec's fairytale-like beauty as snow sprinkles over the province's picturesque landscape and European-inspired architecture.
Highlighted Route: Montreal to Quebec
Visitors start their tour in Montreal, which is the province's most populated city and the largest French-speaking city in North America. Before boarding the train, travellers should give themselves some time in this vibrant centre to visit the city's sights. A few of Montreal's highlights are the trendy restaurant-and-shop-clad cobblestone lanes of Old Montreal, the stained glass and sculptures of Notre-Dame Basilica and the urban escape of Parc du Mont-Royal.
Passengers travel three and a half hours north with VIA Rail through Quebec's landscape of snow-covered maple trees, frozen rivers and lakes to reach the province's capital, Quebec City. While in Quebec City, guests can take a tour of Old Quebec, which is usually included in train packages, and admire the magnificent Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac hotel and the historic Citadelle. The best time to visit is early February when the city hosts its annual Winter Carnival. During this 17-day event visitors will see ice palaces, parades, snow sculptures and even canoe races.
Scenic Maritimes
The Maritime provinces boast beautiful beaches, lighthouses and of course fresh seafood. Travellers can get a good sense of the Maritimes as they journey through New Brunswick to Halifax, Nova Scotia with VIA Rail.
Highlighted Route: Quebec City to Halifax
After exploring Quebec City, passengers continue east through New Brunswick. Forestry is a major industry in this province and visitors can expect to see many snow-dusted, picture-book trees as they travel through such centres as Miramichi and Moncton on their way to Nova Scotia. After approximately 19 hours, visitors arrive in Halifax where they can enjoy fresh seafood dinners on the harbourfront and historic attractions like Pier 21 and the Halifax Citadel. Peggy's Cove, just outside of Halifax, is also worth a visit.
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| Travelling at the Foot of the Magnificent Rockies3 |
Aboard the train to Jasper National Park, passengers will witness the dramatic transformation of Alberta's flat farmland into rugged mountains. During the snowy months, Jasper becomes a winter playground for snowboarders, skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Highlighted Route: Edmonton to Jasper
Visitors start this Canadian Rocky Mountain winter journey in Alberta's capital city, Edmonton, which is full of attractions. Keen shoppers and thrill seekers will appreciate the 800 stores and services, theme park, wave park and bungee jumping and ice skating facilities at West Edmonton Mall. History lovers can make a stop at the Royal Alberta Museum, Alberta Government House or the Alberta Railway Museum.
Aboard VIA Rail, passengers can watch the spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains gradually appear closer as they travel five and a half hours through flat fields, rolling hills and forests to enter the heart of Jasper National Park, home to rugged peaks, pristine lakes and exciting wildlife like moose and wolves. While in Jasper, travellers may experience the town's extensive dining and shopping scene or see some of the park's natural attractions. Popular winter activities in Jasper include guided ice walks at Maligne Canyon and skiing at Marmot Basin.
The Canadian
Those eager to see as much of Canada as they can from a train seat will like VIA Rail's route, The Canadian. This transcontinental train starts in Toronto, Ontario and weaves through lake lands, prairies and mountains as it travels across five provinces to reach Vancouver, British Columbia four days later.
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| A Train Passes a Quaint Station on the Prairies4 |
From the train, passengers watch Northern Ontario's lake lands turn into picturesque farmland as the train chugs through Manitoba (via Winnipeg), Saskatchewan (via Saskatoon) and Alberta (via Edmonton). The Canadian makes one more stop in Jasper, Alberta before heading through the Rocky Mountains to Vancouver. Once in Vancouver, visitors can breathe the Pacific Ocean air, bundle up warm and explore such attractions as Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
CLASSES
Aboard VIA Rail, customers can choose from economy, business and sleeper classes. Economy includes comfortable seats, window views and the option to purchase snacks and meals on the train, while business class features spacious seating and includes meals, drinks, newspapers and access to the panorama lounges. On lengthy routes, VIA Rail customers can select sleeper class, which offers the perks of business class plus access to berths, cabins or suites.
CARS
Cars on VIA Rail's trains vary with the route and class chosen. On short trips customers can unwind on LRC cars, which have comfortable seats and window views. On long trips passengers can venture between cars like the Stainless Steel Skyline Car to take in spectacular panoramic views or the Stainless Steel Dining Car to enjoy a fancy meal served on fine china.
If you enjoyed this feature, take a look at these great WorldWeb.com articles:
• Best of Winter in Canada
• All Aboard! Exploring Canada by Train
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- A Train Crosses a Bridge in Ontario; ON, Canada
- An Enchanting Quebec City Street in Winter; Quebec City, QC, Canada
- A Train Travels at the Foot of the Rocky Mountains near Banff; AB, Canada
- A Train Passes a Quaint Station on the Prairies; Central Canada
