60 Percent off VIA Rail Canada
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VIA Rail Canada announced a quickie 60 percent off sale on its top train, the Canadian, between Toronto and Vancouver. Sale prices for the complete trip range from $353 CAD (about $348 US dollars; see XE.com for current exchange rates) in a coach seat to $922 CAD in a single sleeper cabin and $1,383 CAD for a cabin for two. Intermediate segments are also available at sale prices. The sale also includes the Skeena between Jasper and Prince Rupert. Buy by July 19, and travel through October 25 on the Canadian and through September 30 on the Skeena.
Rail buffs often cite the Canadian as the top "land cruise" in North America: In either direction, you leave in the evening, spend four nights onboard, and arrive on the fourth morning. The section between Edmonton/Jasper Park and Vancouver is often listed as one of the continent's top scenic train rides, as is the Skeena. Rail enthusiasts I know who have taken the Canadian praise the excellent food—included in sleeper prices—and good service on this train.