As Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary, VIA Rail will participate in a number of major initiatives organised across Canada, designed to strengthen the pride and sense of belonging felt across the country. These activities were chosen based on their ability to bring Canadians together, promote Canadian culture and foster diversity. Altogether, VIA Rail’s support of these projects represents an investment of over $2 million in train tickets.
“VIA Rail allows Canadians to discover the country and travel to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. The Government of Canada is proud to participate in initiatives that contribute to making 2017 an exceptional and memorable year!” —The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport
VIA Rail 150 branding
As part of the celebrations, VIA Rail has wrapped a portion of its fleet in the Canada 150 colours. The exteriors of 22 locomotives, 18 passenger cars and the Glenfraser lounge car are decorated with the names of some of the cities served by the national passenger rail service. VIA Rail has also hung posters and banners in its stations, inviting travellers to join in the festivities.
Pan Canadian
In an effort to help domestic travellers make the most of this exceptional year, VIA Rail is offering Canadians a unique opportunity to explore Canada from coast to coast. From March to October, the company is offering specially designed packages created to allow travellers to discover the cities along the following routes:
Vancouver – Winnipeg – Churchill
Picture by Uli Kunz – www.uli-kunz.com
Vancouver – Toronto – Montréal – Halifax
Credit: Steven J Brown
Halifax – Montréal – Toronto – Winnipeg – Churchill
Amongst the many adventures available to the intrepid rail traveller is a guided tour through the Maligne River area, one of Jasper National Park’s most spectacular areas; a visit to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg; a chance to explore the colourful neighbourhoods of Toronto; a visit to the impressive Niagara Falls, one of the great natural wonders of the world; plus much much more.
In Ottawa they can take part in a cultural tour to see the priceless masterpieces at the National Art Gallery and the fascinating historical displays at the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum. Travellers will also enjoy a walking tour of Old Montreal and will learn about the history, architecture and secrets of this fascinating city. On the east coast, they will be charmed by Peggy’s Cove.
About VIA Rail Canada
As Canada’s national rail passenger service, VIA Rail (viarail.ca) and its 2,600 employees are mandated to provide safe, efficient and economical passenger transportation service, in both official languages of our country. VIA Rail operates intercity, regional and transcontinental trains linking over 400 communities across Canada, and about 180 more communities through intermodal partnerships, and safely transports nearly four million passengers annually. The Corporation was awarded seven Safety Awards by the Railway Association of Canada over the last eight years. For more information, visit: www.viarail.ca/en/about-via-rail.
