by
Habeeb Salloum, Canadian author and freelance writer
---------------------------------------------
British Columbia Via Rail
Travelling from Montreal to Quebec
City, first class by VIA Rail, I was amazed at the smoothness of the
ride. It was as if I was riding in one of
the
top trains in Europe. Reminiscing
about the days of my youth when the trains swayed and jerked through
much of
the journey, I awoke to the voice of the train steward, "Anything to
drink?" To my surprise, I found that I had
a
wide variety from which to choose, followed by a fine gourmet meal. I thought to myself, "One is pampered
travelling by VIA Rail in the 21st century."
After
this fine service, I reflected, "It is as it should be!
The country has had a long love affair
with train travel and now it's going back to its roots."
Canada
may be the only country in the world with a constitution linking its
formation
to the building of a railway.
British Columbia threatened to join the United States if it was
not
given its own line. The Canadian
government heard the message and 6,644 km (4,000 mi) of railroad were
built
from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Since that time, trains have played a crucial part in Canada's
history. Today, VIA Rail continues the
passenger
rail service role of the former CN and CPR Railways of bringing
Canadians
closer together and delivering the spectacular beauty of the country to
their
coaches.
Established
in 1978 as a crown corporation independent of the other railway
companies, VIA
Rail Canada has gradually assumed full responsibility for managing all
the
country's rail-passenger services except commuter lines and some small
local
lines. It operates intercity and
transcontinental trains with more than 480 trains per week travelling
over
12,200 km (7, 578 mi) of track.
The company provides service to more than 450 Canadian
communities and
annually carries some 4 million passengers.
Today,
throughout the country, there is a faint glimmer of a return to the
former
glorious era when passenger trains ruled the landscape - and VIA is
making this
possible. From among its numerous
offerings, which in many cases include both Economy (Comfort) Class and
First
Class, are: in eastern Canada, the Corridor Trains cover VIA's busiest routes, between
Quebec City and Windsor by way of Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto,
providing
affordable downtown to downtown service.
Additionally pay-per-use wireless
internet (wi-fi) service is now available on all trains within the
Windsor to
Quebec City corridor.
The Ocean and Chaleur trains, which
travel through Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick and Gaspe peninsula to Montreal, are always in demand; and VIA's seasonal mid-morning
Toronto to Niagara Falls service as well as the new VIA Niagara Region
Experience
featuring VIA's elegant Glenfraser lounge car, running from Toronto to
Niagara
Falls through Ontario's wine region from June to September.
However, standing above all is the
VIA Rail's flagship, the romantically refurbished train, the Canadian -
today one of the great train experiences in
the world. Originating in Toronto
and Vancouver three times a week and taking some three days and nights
to
complete the trip, this unforgettable train-ride, a journey of 4,452 km
(2,765
mi), takes in almost all the scenic panorama of Canada.
Thundering
across the ever-changing landscape, this transcontinental train, after
leaving
the glass towers and concrete skyscrapers of Toronto makes its way
through the
glittering lakes and the endless forests of northern Ontario, across
Canada's
awesome expanse of rolling prairies, then through the majestic
snow-capped
Rocky Mountains with their breath-taking gorges, mighty rivers,
tumbling
waterfalls, jagged peaks and spectacular glaciers, each echoing one
another's beauty,
then continuing on until Vancouver.
It is one of the most scenic journeys in the world - one of the
most
memorable trips one can make in a lifetime.
For
those enamoured with the wilds should they watch from the windows of
the train,
there is always some glimpse of wildlife.
Crossing the mile after mile of flat prairie land, it is not
rare to see
a gopher scurry to his hole or a coyote or an antelope stand for a few
moments
and watch the train speed by.
Crossing the majestic Rockies, it's even more thrilling. Herds of elk and deer, at times, can be
seen scrambling across the landscape, or few moose will stare at the
train and
its passengers in a haughty fashion.
It is a picture postcard of the wild that can be enjoyed from
the
comfort of Canada's number one train.
More
than this, in the tradition of the Orient Express and other historic
trains,
the Canadian
offers a Silver & Blue class service, which pampers
passengers, featuring
private compartments with
roomy showers, scenic dome cars, lounges and activity centers, as well
as
access to the panoramic Park car with its 360 degree view.
As an icing to the trip, complimentary
coffee, tea and fresh fruit are available the whole day for passengers
who take
the Silver & Blue.
 Via Rail Lounge |
 A fine Via Gourmet Meal |
To
enhance these luxury attributes, fine wines are served with excellent
meals
prepared in the sumptuous Dining Room by renowned onboard chefs who
have been
featured in the national media. Passengers can also order room service,
with
classy meals served in the intimacy of their sleeping quarters. Even though somewhat pricey, the Silver
& Blue class service is one of the most sought-after train journeys
in
North America. To many who have
travelled across Canada in the Canadian, it is a never-to-be-forgotten journey.
Travelling
by VIA Rail in luxury is bringing about a yearning for the days of yore. In their era of glory, the railroads
were the prime mode of transportation for the masses.
Unlike the autos of our day where usually only a few people
or a family travel together, the train of yore allowed travellers to
interact
with each other. It was the
public's social entity bringing the nation together.
To
some extent, this way of travel in the past is once again fashionable. VIA Rail is acquainting million of
travellers with the diverse landscape of Canada, especially when they
take the Canadian. One
cruises and enjoys the
countryside without even touching a steering wheel.
At the same time, rather than stressful highway driving and
airport line-ups or taxes, passengers ride VIA Rail relaxed and in
comfort. And best of all, extended
families can make memorable trips together.
 Via Train |
 Ontario Via Rail Train |
The
Canadian has
earned itself a place alongside such famous names as the American
Empire
Builder, the Orient Express and the Russian Trans-Siberian. National Geographic has named it one of
the top five 'Great Journeys of the World.' and International Railway
Traveller
called it one of the 'Best Rail Experiences in the World'.
Very few who have travelled in
the Canadian will disagree with the saying that 'VIA Rail's Canadian has brought back the enjoyment of
rail travel'.
 Toronto Train Station |
For
Further Information About VIA Rail, Contact:
Call VIA
Rail Canada, Tel: 1-888-via-rail (1-888-842-7245), TTY 1800 268-9503 (hearing
impaired), or visit www.viarail.ca
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