January 30, 2012
Experience the Romance of Canada Via Luxury Rail
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 3 MIN.
MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada - Brrrrr... Cuddle up and enjoy a cozy voyage aboard VIA Rail's Romance by Rail offering couples a unique romantic getaway in a private cabin while enjoying the picturesque landscapes of Canada.
Glide through Canada's winter wonderland free of weather delays and flight cancellations on board the signature Canadian, a four-day journey originating in either Toronto or Vancouver. Sip sparkling wine and nibble on luscious chocolates while enjoying your partner's company under a warm blanket inside a private suite featuring a queen-size bed.
Guests can start each morning sampling VIA's dining options with breakfast in bed, available upon request, or venture to the train's newly renovated dining car, a romantic setting to indulge in Canada's mouth-watering cuisine while taking in the exquisite surroundings.
The refurbished dining car offers guests with an elegant ambiance, complete with china and crisp linens. VIA's attentive serving staff and on board chefs, make the dining experience unforgettable. Couples can take in the breathless views of the snow-filled Canadian Rockies in VIA's panoramic dome car, providing passengers with a 360-degree view of the spectacular scenery all the while keeping warm with some hot chocolate.
Step off the train to enjoy the other attractions of Canada including the luxurious accommodations at the iconic Fairmont Hotel & Resorts. Explore the seaside city of Vancouver. Experience the Rockies in Jasper and take in the luxurious ambiance of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge or discover Canada's most lively cities and opulent surroundings from your base in Toronto's Fairmont Royal York.
No matter what destinations guests choose to explore further, the romanticism of the train, paired with memorable destinations and iconic hotels makes this winter getaway one to remember. Travelers can enjoy the following tours that can easily be purchased through the VIA website http://www.trainpackages.ca:
This nine-day eight-night tour offered now through April departing every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday brings out the best of the Romance by Rail service. Travel in style and luxury from Toronto to Vancouver on VIA Rail with a stopover in Jasper. Discover the elegant Fairmont Hotel's "Fairmont Gold" Service in Toronto at the Fairmont Royal York and Vancouver at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Take in all of the beauty of the lake, forest, and mountains at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge from the comfort of a lakeside suite. To book this wonderful package contact Cartan Tours at (800)-422-7826 or visit www.cartantours.com . Starting rate for this package is approximately USD$ 5,799 based on double occupancy.
This six-day seven-night tour offers a glimpse into the lively cities of Toronto and Vancouver. Fairmont Gold services in both cities indulge guests with a luxurious accommodation as well as a cozy journey from east to west on VIA Rail's Romance by Rail service. Starting rate for this package is USD$ 5,519 based on double occupancy. To book this package and view other choices, visit VIA's train package website at www.trainpackages.ca .
This short two-night stay gives passengers the opportunity to continue their romance-themed trip in the charming city of Quebec.Your package includes a 2-night stay at the Fairmont hotel, a bottle of Codorniu sparkling wine and 10 chocolate strawberries. Starting rate for this package is USD$ 435 from Toronto based on double occupancy. To book this package, visit VIA's train package website at http://bit.ly/zIT7tj .
VIA Rail offers another Fairmont package with an option of seeing the sights in the romantic city of Montreal. This package includes a 2-night stay at Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth hotel, a city tour of Montreal, a half-bottle of Moet & Chandon champagne and 12 strawberries. Let the romance carry over from the intimate setting of Romance by Rail and book this package on VIA's website at http://bit.ly/x6C3Xq . Starting rate for this package is USD$ 416 from Toronto based on double occupancy.
As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada's (www.viarail.ca) mandate is to provide efficient, more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation, in the country's two official languages. Every week, VIA operates 503 intercity, regional and transcontinental trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre route network.
Winner of the 2011 RAC Safety Award, VIA transports over four million passengers annually. The demand for VIA services is growing as travelers increasingly turn to train travel as a safe, hassle-free and environmentally responsible alternative to congested roads and airports.
Since 2007, the Government has invested nearly 1 billion dollars in VIA in order to meet growing demand and transform Canada's rail passenger service for the future.
Follow the evolution of current projects at www.viarail.ca/transformingvia
Follow VIA on Twitter at twitter.com/via_rail.Visit VIA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/viarailcanada
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
