Now that summer's here, families can spring into savings on VIA Rail with trans-Canada vacations. Train travel is not only good for the eco-conscious, it's also a stress-free and fun way to travel. The best bet for those who have a week to tour this wonderful country is the Half-Price Saturday promotion.

Each Saturday until September 27, 2008, passengers pay 50% of the regular fare when traveling within the Ontario-Quebec Corridor (including Windsor, Toronto, Niagara, Kingston, London, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City). This special fare, good for daytrips or travel once per week, is valid on trips worth CAD $80 or less at the regular adult fare (before taxes). No advance purchase is required, but the number of seats offered on this discount is limited.

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. 2008 passes start at $879 CAD/adult; children, students and seniors pay $791/CAD. Pass prices are reduced for those travelling after October 16, 2008.

VIA Rail's CORRIDORPASS offers 10-days of travel in the busy Windsor to Quebec City Corridor. Summer 2008 prices start at $314 CAD/adult or $283 CAD /children seniors and students in Comfort Class.

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 year round. In a summer special valid June 1-Sept 15, 2008, one kid ages 2-11 rides for free with every paying adult. Children under 2 always travel free as "lap children" but this promotion lets tiny tots enjoy their own seat at no extra cost. This promotion is available on every VIA train system-wide.

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 or travel in VIA 1 Class on the Ontario-Quebec Corridor trains -- year-round -- can take 75% off their companion's fare. Tickets must be booked three or more days before departure and are subject to limited availability. There are no restrictions on the age of the companion.

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

by Susan Finch