Congratulations to our contest winner, Heather Starastin!

Heather is the winner of a $500 VIA Rail travel voucher. Her contest entry:

"My teenage son and I only moved to Canada a couple of years ago, and we would love to explore the country more. So far, we haven’t had the opportunity, not least because I don’t drive – so rail is the ideal mode of transport for us. My absolute dream would be to ride the Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver…
Incidentally, I almost always travel for pleasure."

Traveling by train is relaxing, exciting, efficient, and affordable. North Americans are discovering the railroad as an environmentally friendly and convenient means of travel.

Forget about reading maps or road signs from a car, dealing with traffic and congestion or arriving hours before a flight. Take the train!

TOP 10 PERKS OF TRAIN TRAVEL

1. Flexible and Spontaneous

There are last minute deals and numerous daily departures to choose from. It can be an ideal way to see several towns and landmarks along the way by pre-booking stopovers on a multi-city option.

2. Comfortable

Seats and private cabins are generally more spacious and comfortable than cars and planes. Passengers are free to move about the train at all times and enjoy the scenery. Sleeper-class travelers have private cabins with bedding for a comfortable night's rest. Train travel does not have the turbulence often experienced in airplanes, the seasickness felt in boats, nor does it feel cramped like car travel.            

3. Amenities

Many trains have a full-service dining car offering a variety of meals and a lounge car with sandwiches and drinks. There are restrooms, electrical outlets at your seat, free WIFI and on-train entertainment systems including kids’ programming depending on the route. Private sleeping cabins provide washrooms with showers and towels.    

4. Reliable

Trains are not subject to road conditions therefore travel times are more efficient and consistent. They are also less affected by adverse weather conditions. And there are no issues with lost luggage!

5. Convenient

Trains serve nearly every city, most of them multiple times per day, running hourly if not more often. Major stations are usually right in the center of the city, with shops, restaurants and hotels just a couple of steps away. Baggage is within reach if you need quick access to your belongings. And you can bring fluids (shampoo, water) and your own food! Only have to arrive 30 minutes before departure with minimal hassle.

6. Environmentally Friendly

Train travel is a more fuel-efficient means of transport, producing over 90% less CO2 than an equivalent flight. It also decreases the amount of carbon producing cars on the road.

7. Economical

Cost-effective compared to other modes of transport, with deals, packages and discounts. NO baggage fees or airport transport fees and you can save the cost of lodging if you travel overnight.

8. Business Friendly

Be productive on the go with free WIFI, cellphone usage, outlets and four-seater sections for business meetings or single seats to work quietly. Some stations offer lounges for business travelers conveniently located in the heart of urban centers. 

9. Family Friendly

Kids love trains! They’re free to move around, play games and watch the scenery or the kids’ on-line entertainment programs. Four-seater sections are ideal for family travel and dining cars make mealtime easy. Portable playpens and foldable strollers are allowed as carry-on baggage and there are microwaves to heat baby food and baby bottles.

10. More Than Transportation

A train ride can be a destination in and of itself. Dramatic routes wind through spectacular scenery; historic rail lines pass iconic sights and remote railways traverse isolated landscapes. 

1. Sea to Summit™ Travelling Light Large Wallet
2. Pacsafe® Camsafe LX10 Anti-Theft Camera Bag
3. Secrid® RFID Mini Wallet
4. Eagle Creek™ Sandman Eyeshade
5. Cabeau™ Evolution Cool Travel Pillow
6. GoToob™ 3 Pack 3oz. Travel Tubes
7. Eagle Creek™ TravelLite Large Towel
8. Revlon® Travel Hair Dryer
9. Lug® Clearview Envelopes 
10. HybridLight™ Journey 160 Flashlight/Phone Charger
11. Pacsafe® TravelSafe Portable Safe
12. ScotteVest® RFID Blocking Women’s Vest
13. Briggs & Riley® Kinzie Canadian Carry On 4 Wheel Upright
14. Eagle Creek™ Pack-It™ Original Cube Set
15. Pacsafe® CitySafe CS400 Anti-Theft Travel Tote
16. Fisher™ Brushed Chrome Bullet Space Pen
17. Eagle Creek™ Converge™ Convertible Weekender BackPack Bag
18. Memobottle® A5 750ml Flat Water Bottle
19. Bananagrams
20.  Munchkin™ Are We There Yet Travel Tray
21. Herschel® Kids Settlement Backpack

EXCELLENT WEBSITE: The Man In Seat 61

EVERYTHING related to train travel; maps, timetables, prices, videos and advice http://www.seat61.com/Canada.htm 

THE BEAUTY OF TRAIN TRAVEL CONTEST
WIN A VIA RAIL $500 TRAIN VOUCHER

This contest has ended. Thank you to all participants!

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