Now that winter's jaw dropping temperatures have subsided to warmer weather, families can spring into savings on VIA Rail.

Choices are limitless westbound:
- Travel in comfort on the Canadian train and explore all that metropolitan Toronto has to offer and theater lovers can take in a show downtown in old Ottawa.
- With its snowy blanket, families can play in the Alberta's winter wonderland at Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies.

To take advantage of these fun getaways in Vancouver through May 31st, 2008, book a double bedroom on a three-night journey in either direction between Vancouver and Toronto, with one permitted multi-night stopover. This rate runs CAD $1,234 or approximately USD $1,232 per person plus tax, when purchased at least five days in advance. This 37% savings over regular fares includes all meals during the rail journey.

For shorter trips and weekend getaways around Vancouver, book a double bedroom for an overnight journey in either direction between Vancouver and the town of Jasper for CAD $552, or approximately USD $551 until May 31st. Fares run per person plus tax, when purchased at least five days in advance. This 37% savings over the regular fare includes all meals during the rail journey.

Head East and explore the plethora of shopping and eclectic dining Montreal has to offer before boarding the Ocean train to New Brunswick or Nova Scotia. Both are ideal locations for rustic winter lovers where you can enjoy the cozy lodges and down-home Atlantic cuisine. Those anxiously awaiting spring can skip the winter fun (and drizzly weather) and head to the Maritimes to enjoy off-peak fares aboard the Ocean through mid-June. Those looking for Montreal winter fun can travel in Sleeper Class on the Maritime train until June 12th. A double bedroom for an overnight journey in either direction between Montreal and Halifax runs CAD $221, approximately USD $220, when purchased at least five days in advance. This represents a savings of 38% from the regular fare; however, meals are not included in this price.

Both trains boast premiere Silver & Blue Class sleeper accommodations with comfortable sleeping compartments complete with duvet bedding and Canadian cuisine served in an elegant dining car. Customers in route on the Canadian train enjoy exclusive access to the domed observation car featuring 360-degree panoramic views of the wintery landscape.

Watch the discounts grow with the onset of Spring at VIA Rail. Book first class on the Windsor to Quebec City Corridor service and enjoy fares starting as low as CAD $79. This low fare includes complimentary meal and beverage service and access to Panorama Lounges located in the Corridor stations.

Sample fares include travel from Toronto to Montreal for CAD $149, nearly 30% in savings. WiFi service is also available on-board the Corridor for an additional fee. Fares must be booked at least one day prior to departure.

Regardless of the season, train enthusiasts can take advantage of year-round savings when purchasing CANRAILPASS. These discount passes provide 12-days of unlimited travel throughout Canada on VIA Rail's Comfort Class service during a 30-day period. Off-peak season runs January 1st to May 31 and again from October 16 to December 31 with adult tickets of $523 CAD, and children, students and seniors $431 CAD. Peak-season starts June 1 to October 15 and runs $837 adults, and $753 for children, students, and seniors.

VIA Rail's CORRIDORPASS offers 10-days of unlimited travel in Southern Quebec and Southern Ontario. 2008 fares run $299 for adults and $269 children, students, and seniors in comfort class. First class fares run $714 adults and $643 for children, students, and seniors.

VIA Rail knows families are looking for travel with economical prices and special incentives just for kids. Ride in Economy Comfort Class on VIA Rail and children ages 2-11 ride for 50% off the normal adult fare. Or they can receive 25% off the adult fare in VIA 1, Totem, and Sleeper Classes.

Babies and infants under 24 months travel free on VIA Rail when they don't occupy their own seat. But parents should note that the infant must be seated in their lap at all times and only one infant is allowed per lap!

Don't worry about kids getting bored on the train. VIA Rail provides free activity books and crayons on select trains and tasty children's menus. Children riding in Silver and Blue class on the Canadian, Ocean, and Chaleur lines are entertained in the Skyline car every morning from 7:30am-10am with games and children's videos. The Abitibi and Saquenay lines also have their own special guides to entertain children and provide tourist information to parents. Some trains even provide newspapers, board games and Scrabble tournaments as well as prizes for the whole family as they enjoy some good old-fashioned bonding.

VIA Rail also rewards full-time students with 35% off adult fares. Just show proof of age for students under 17 or an ISIC card for students 18-years and older. But the discounts don't end there just because you've graduated. If you're between the ages of 18 and 25 with a photo ID, receive 25% off the adult fare in Comfort Class and 10% off in Sleeper Class.

Now VIA Rail lets grandparents get in on the action, too. Seniors 60-years and older can bring a companion, free, with a purchase of an economy Comfort Class ticket. Those looking to upgrade to cozy sleeper cars enjoy 75% discounts.(Space is limited and some conditions do apply). Visit www.viarail.ca/senior for more information.

To book any of the above rates or find more information about VIA Rail, please visit www.viarail.ca or call (888 VIA RAIL).

by Susan Finch

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