From skiing the Rockies, shopping sprees in Montreal, to sun-worshiping down south – I’ve done it all on March Break!

And now I want to know where YOU’re raring up to go. Enter my “Spring Break 2010” contest:

1. Leave a comment on this post describing your getaway plans for March 2010’s Spring Break.
2. Share your vacation vision before February 22, 2010 at 11h59 PM.
3. Be automatically entered to win a $200 VIA Rail travel credit.*

The winner will be announced February 23, 2010. Can’t wait to hear about everyone’s Spring Break escapes!

*Contest open to residents of Canada only. For specifications and full eligibility requirements, read the contest conditions.

Looking to treat your darling? Buy your tickets no later than 11:59 p.m. on February 5, 2010, for travel between February 12 and 15, 2010, inclusive.

Find four tempting offers. Choose between these one-way fares when you buy round trip travel in Business class:

Montréal <-> Toronto $99
Ottawa <-> Toronto $99
Montréal <-> Ottawa $49
Toronto <-> Windsor $79

Book online using the discount code: LOVE. Some conditions apply.

No time for cold feet! This Valentine’s surprise is only available for three days.

Still got a sweet spot for Valentine’s Day? Skip the cards and candy. I’ve found all-inclusive deals to the most romantic spots in Canada, including train travel, luxury accommodations and guided adventure!

My Top 5 Valentine’s Train Getaways are…

1. Montréal and Québec City – A Moment in Time  Whisk by train for a 4 star stay within the Old Walls of Québec, a St. Lawrence cruise and tours of both cities’ historic quarters.
2. Niagara Falls  - Romance  Travel by rail for a trip that includes a room view of Niagara Falls and sampling the region’s famed wines.
3. Jasper – Getaway by Rail  Get onboard in Edmonton for a weekend jaunt to Jasper! Spend the day skiing, or try a snowshoe adventure or the Maligne Canyon Ice Walk.
4. Toronto – Experience  Book a whirlwind tour of Toronto’s best, including the CN Tower, Casa Loma, the ROM, Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto Zoo and even a Medieval Times dinner show!
5. Vancouver  to Edmonton  – The Canadian  See ocean, mountains and prairies whiz by onboard one of the most romantic train journeys ever – the Canadian!  Enjoy a comfy cabin and fine dining.

Happy Valentine’s!

Canada is a paradise for winter sports, both familiar and extreme! Why not try:

1. Skiing & Snowboarding | Ultimate downhill adventure awaits in the Rockies’ UNESCO world heritage sites, legendary resorts or heli-skiing packages.

 

2. Snowshoeing | Break trail through thousand year old cedar trees skirting Georgian Bay & the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula.

 

3. Snowmobiling | Mountains, ocean, fjords and fishing villages greet snowmobilers in Newfoundland’s Gros Morne.

 

4. Skating | The world’s largest skating rink – the Rideau Canal – enchants visitors to Ottawa, Ontario.

 

5. Sliding | Hitch your toboggan to the “bowl” at the heart of New Brunswick’s Fundy Nat’l Park.

 

6. Ice Fishing | Tie up a string of perch, northern pike and walleye from Manitoba’s Clear Lake.

 

7. Dog Sledding | Head to Nunavut for an authentic arctic dog sledding adventure in Quttinirpaaq.

 

8. Northern Lights | Experience the Aurora Borealis in the NWT’s Wood Buffalo Nat’l Park.

 

9. Waterfall Ice Climbing | B.C.’s Yoho Nat’l Park offers hundreds of popular climbs for the brave!

 

10. Soaking | Relax in the natural warmth of the Rockies’ Radium and Banff Upper Hot Springs

So get moving and get outside!

Did you spot the headlines about Fred the Dog? Stranded in a Vancouver pound after the death of his owner, Fred has been reunited with family in Montreal – thanks in part thanks to VIA Rail!

VIA offered up free tickets onboard the Canadian for two good Samaritans who volunteered to accompany Fred on his Vancouver to Montreal train ride. They made it to Central Station on January 6, 2010. Enjoy your new home, Fred!

Score up to 75% off your next train trip… with VIA Rail’s Express Deals! Every week, check for last-minute, limited-time savings on train travel across Canada. Hunt down fares as low as $20 for adults, $18 for 60+, $14 for students and $10 for children!

Look for new deals every Wednesday, and book online using the discount code: EXPRESS. A tempting offer this week?: Montreal-Ottawa… for $20! Save big on the regular $52 Economy fare.

Seats are limited, so get those travel plans in place today!

If New Year’s set you dreaming about MORE travel, MORE fun and MORE time with friends and family… try Carnaval de Quebec! This January 29 to February 14, 2010, be one of the millions at the biggest winter fest in the world.

Looking for easy train travel and accommodations, plus VIP seats for the parades and a motor coach to warm up in? Book a one -or two- night VIA Getaways Quebec City Winter Carnival package.

You’ll step off that Quebec City station platform, and into a round-the-clock party. Don’t miss:

• dancing under the stars at the Ice Palace
• dogsled racing through Vieux Quebec
• skating with Bonhomme
• and tons more winter wonderland fun

So cinch that ceinture and pucker up (on those trumpets, off course.) Joyeux Carnaval!

Cheering in 2010 from Times Square? Fuggedaboutit! Canada’s got plenty of family-friendly, outdoor parties to ring in the new year this December 31:

	HALIFAX “A” New Year’s Eve Show 10…9…8… Countdown with free concerts, fireworks, TV personalities and a huge crowd, starting at 10pm on the Grand Parade.
	MONTRÉAL New Year’s Eve Grand Bal Join over 40,000 revellers at Place Jacques Cartier for fireworks, music and dancing through the cobblestoned streets.
	TORONTO 7th Annual New Year’s Eve Family Countdown Get your party animal on at the Toronto Zoo! Snag tickets for the whole family to enjoy furry friends, free concerts and a Kids Countdown. From 6pm to 9pm.
	NIAGARA FALLS New Year’s Eve in Queen Victoria Park Billed as Canada’s largest free outdoor extravaganza, this year delivers a double-bill of STYX & Glass Tiger, plus fireworks at 9pm and midnight.
	EDMONTON New Year’s Eve Downtown Skating, concerts and dancing outside. Clowns, crafts and more kiddie fun inside. All capped by a fireworks show at midnight.
	VANCOUVER Polar Bear Swim Get your new year off to a great start by plunging into the icy waters of English Bay on January 1. An annual tradition since 1920.

 Happy new Year 2010!