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Vacations By Rail Winter Rail in Canada
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WINTER RAIL IN CANADA



 Alaska By Rail and Sea

 Canadian Rockies by Rail

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 Springtime in Europe

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 The Best Vacations By Rail of 2010

 Winter Rail in Canada






Coastal cities, the majestic Canadian Rockies, and bustling metropolises await you in the off-season.

Inside Track
CountryCanada
CapitolOttawa
Largest CityToronto
Area3,854,085 square miles
CurrencyCanadian Dollar
Time ZoneUTC -3.5 to -8
Popular TrainsVIA Rail’s Canadian
Winter Vacations By
Rail through Canada
3
Winter in Canada is a thing of beauty. Snow blankets the majestic Canadian Rockies. Alpine towns bustle with excitement for the many outdoor activities right in their backyard. Metropolitan cities and small towns alike prepare for numerous winter festivities. Quite simply, Canada becomes a sought after winter wonderland.

But there are other enticements for a winter holiday in Canada other than alpine sports and stunning scenery. Consider that travel in the off-season is typically more affordable. And with fewer travelers crowding the trains and visiting popular attractions, there is an added level of comfort to a winter holiday as you get better acquainted with your train staff and spend more time visiting the landmarks that intrigue you most.

Canada is the second largest country in the world by total area, and at 125,570 miles has the longest coastline in the world. Canada boasts more lakes than any other country. Its 3 territories and 10 provinces offer unique British, French, and Aboriginal culture and traditions that have been influenced by its settlers.

There is no better way to see the best of Canada—especially in the winter—than through a train vacation to the country’s most scenic and popular destinations.

Toronto Must-See’s
  • The impressive CN Tower, the tallest freestanding tower in the western hemisphere, rises high across the city’s skyline


  • The Distillery District showcases the largest array of Victorian-era industrial architecture. The well-preserved buildings are now the heart of a thriving arts and entertainment neighborhood.


  • Ontario Place, home to the world’s first permanent IMAX movie theatre as well as the open-air Molsen Amphitheatre


  • Ontario’s history is on display at the Royal Ontario Museum


  • The Toronto Zoo, one of the largest in the world with 5,000+ animals.


  • Eaton Centre, one of the top shopping destinations


Canadian Rockies Must-See’s
  • The Banff Gondola glides to the top of Sulphur Mountain, providing breathtaking views of Lake Minnewanka and the Bow Valley


  • The Fairmont Banff Springs, built in the Scottish baronial-style, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992


  • Lake Louise, known for its brilliant turquoise waters, is a frozen masterpiece with the looming Victoria Glacier positioned across from it


  • Jasper National Park, established in 1907, is the largest National Park in the Canadian Rockies with more than 10,878 square kilometers of natural beauty


  • The Columbia Icefield, one of the largest icefields in North America, allows visitors to walk across its thick ice


Vancouver Must-See’s
  • Vancouver Art Gallery showcases a collection of nearly 10,000 items


  • Metropolis at Metrotown has more than 470 stores and is British Columbia’s largest shopping destination


  • VanDusen Botanical Gardens is a public garden located in the Shaughnessy neighborhood of Vancouver. Created in 1975, the garden sprawls across 55 acres and showcases flora from around the world.


  • Granville Island, a peninsula and popular shopping area, has a variety of activities for visitors including a public market, a large marina, and several boutiques and restaurants


  • Vancouver’s urban park, Stanley Park, was created in 1888 by Lord Stanley of Preston. It is larger than New York’s Central Park and attracts nearly 8 million people—locals and tourists alike—each year.


  • The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, a historic railway hotel, was started by the Canadian National Railway and was completed as a joint operating venture with the Canadian Pacific Railway. It took 11 years to build due to construction delays during the Great Depression.


How to Get There
Canada has several gateway cities but the best for a winter train tour are Toronto and Vancouver, both of which are served by regional, national, and international airlines. Upon arrival, the best way to travel to Canada’s most popular destinations and see the most breathtaking scenery is by train. Leave the “driving” to someone else as you board VIA Rail’s iconic Canadian and sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning scenery, unspoiled natural beauty and winter wildlife out to play. Vacations By Rail offers 3 exciting winter train vacations through Canada.

Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens require a valid passport to travel to and from Canada. Some destinations outside of the U.S. may require a visa in addition to a passport. The Canadian Border Services Agency or a specific country embassy can provide you with specific entry requirements.

When to Go
To take advantage of off-season savings, avoid the bustle of summer crowds, and receive a new perspective on Canada’s awe-inspiring scenery, the best time to visit is from October through February.

Monthly Averages (in Fahrenheit)
Toronto
High / Low
Banff
High / Low
Vancouver
High / Low
January27 / 12January23 / 5January42 / 32
February29 / 12February32 / 12February46 / 34
March38 / 22March39 / 18March49 / 36
April52 / 33April48 / 27April54 / 40
May65 / 43May58 / 35May61 / 46
June74 / 52June66 / 42June66 / 51
July80 / 57July72 / 45July71 / 54
August77 / 56August71 / 44August71 / 55
September69 / 48September61 / 37September65 / 50
October57 / 38October50 / 30October56 / 43
November45 / 30November33 / 17November48 / 37
December32 / 18December23 / 1December43 / 33

Taxes
The Canadian government levies a goods and services tax (GST) of 5% in most provinces. In addition, each has their own provincial sales tax (PST), with the exception of Alberta, Many provinces have blended these taxes into one harmonized sales tax (HST).

Tipping
Gratuities are rarely included on restaurant bills unless they are accommodating a large group. A tip of 15% is customary. Tipping is expected for other services as well (baggage handling, valet service, taxis and private drivers), the percentage of which is at your discretion.

Winter Trains of Canada
Train travel throughout Canada is the best way to see the breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife as you travel from city to city. When traveling in the winter, you will be traveling on VIA Rail’s Canadian.

The sleek Canadian slices across Canada from Toronto to Vancouver, traveling through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Admire the snow-fallen vistas that stretch before you as you enjoy top-notch service onboard the train including superior accommodations, superb meals, and impeccable service.

Winter Vacations By Rail to Canada
Vacations By Rail offers three exciting winter rail vacations through Canada. 7- to 9-day packages start at $1,680 per person.

Canadian Snow Train Canadian Snow Train: Your 7-day train vacation across Canada begins in Toronto where you will have ample time to see the sights before boarding the Canadian for your journey to Vancouver.

Canadian Snow Train with Jasper Canadian Snow Train with Jasper: Travel from Toronto to Vancouver, stopping in Jasper, nestled in the Canadian Rockies, for a two-night stay in this cozy alpine town on your 9-day tour.

Winter in the Rockies Winter in the Rockies: Beginning in Vancouver, embark on an 8-day train tour to the Canadian Rockies where you will experience the best of Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff before continuing on to Calgary.


Visitor Information
Greater Vancouver Convention and Visitors Bureau
http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/

Banff and Lake Louise
http://www.banfflakelouise.com/

Tourism Calgary
http://www.tourismcalgary.com/


Call 1-877-929-7245 today to book your Winter Rail Trip in Canada or
browse all Winter Rail Trips in Canada.


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