No Fighting Traffic, No Fast Food - VIA Makes Travel Luxurious Again
Source: Provided by VIA Rail
Posted: 06/05/09 10:25AM
Filed Under: VIA Rail
Traffic jams. Uncomfortable seats. Unpleasant food. The discomforts of air and road travel are enough to put some people off the idea of ever leaving home.
Fortunately, savvy travellers have an alternative: VIA Rail.
On every VIA train, seats are spacious, and it’s easy to get up and move around. And instead of dried-out fast food, passengers on long-haul VIA trains can enjoy elegant meals on fine china in the dining car. Business class travellers in the Windsor-Quebec City corridor can savour three-course meals with wine, served at their seat. And throughout the VIA network, travellers in Economy class can choose from a wide range of fresh sandwiches, snacks and beverages.
Unlike travellers who drive to their destinations, VIA Rail passengers in the corridor can use their travel time to check their e-mail or surf the web, as most trains offer Wi-Fi access. Business class and Economy class travellers on certain trains, will also find electrical outlets at their seat—perfect for keeping laptop computers and cell phones charged.
Trains outside the corridor offer a different bonus: the domed Park car, which provides a sweeping 360-degree view of some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery, from the snow-capped Rockies to the unspoiled Maritime coastline.
But perhaps the greatest advantage of travelling by train comes at the end of the trip. Rather than fighting traffic jams to get downtown from the airport or highway, VIA travellers simply step off the train into conveniently located stations just a short walk or cab ride from each city’s leading hotels and main attractions.
In Montreal, for instance, Central Station lies just two short blocks from bustling Ste. Catherine Street, where fashionistas can revel in some of the city’s best shopping. Three blocks further lies Sherbrooke Street, where visitors can explore McGill University, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the McCord Museum of Canadian History.
Also nearby is the Centre Bell, just five blocks southwest of the station. As well as serving as the home of the legendary Montreal Canadiens, the Centre Bell hosts concerts by a wide range of pop stars—this summer’s schedule alone includes Green Day, Depeche Mode and Blink-182.
Speaking of music, the Montreal International Jazz Festival will welcome artists such as Stevie Wonder and Wynton Marsalis this year (June 30 to July 12). It’s just one of the city’s multiple summer festivals; another wildly popular event, Just for Laughs (July 16 to 26), will showcase Colin Mochrie and Bill Cosby, among many other comedians. For many visitors, the highlight of any visit to the city is the chance to simply stroll along the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal. With its 19th-century buildings and horse-drawn carriages, this atmospheric district gives modern visitors a glimpse of the long and storied history of this fascinating city on the St. Lawrence. And it’s just a short cab ride from Central Station—which makes VIA Rail the perfect way to get there.
For great summer travel ideas and deals, click here to go to VIARail.ca
Read more: An elegant trip aboard a classic Canadian train.
Get on board VIA this summer, for family fun - and savings!
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