Your favourite Canadian passenger rail service has made some changes to its train schedules, so listen up!

The following routes have revised departure and arrival times:

Toronto-Montréal Toronto-Ottawa Montréal-Ottawa Toronto-Sarnia Toronto-Windsor

Not only do these changes make travelling more convenient for many – but it also means more snooze time for me on some mornings – YAY!

Also, there have been BIIIIG changes to the Toronto-Vancouver route that mean more viewing time in the Rockies.

To find out if the changes affect you, view the new VIA schedules online.

A big shout-out to Carol Walker from Waterford, Ontario for being selected as the winner of VIA’s “What’s your favourite fall destination?” contest!

So Carol, where are you going with your $200 VIA Rail travel voucher?

I just rekindled my love affair with Edmonton. Brimming with exciting events and activities for the whole family, it’s definitely giving Calgary a run for its money as Alberta’s top destination.

Check out the following 10 things to see and do:

Ice on Whyte 2009: The sixth annual Ice on Whyte festival is held in Old Strathcona and takes an artistic approach to ice sculpting that will leave you speechless.

Syncrude Gallery of Aboriginal Culture: More than 3,000 artifacts, recorded voices, film, interactive computer technology and Aboriginal interpreters await you at this moving exhibit.

Baccarat Casino: I couldn’t resist trying my luck at this beautiful casino, situated in the downtown core.

Old Strathcona: With over 600 businesses, including shops, theatres and other entertainment outlets, this historical area offers something for everyone.

West Edmonton Mall: Of course, no stop in Edmonton is complete without a day at the world’s largest entertainment and shopping complex. THEY BOAST OVER 800 STORES! I could have stayed there for days…

The Citadel: Housed in the famed Downtown Arts district, this is the premier place to catch live theatre.

Edmonton’s River Valley: You’ll be amazed by this natural wonder – the green belt running through the centre of town is 21 times larger than New York’s central park. Really.

Winspear Centre: Home of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, it’s an exhilarating experience that will make you leap to your feet!

deVine Wines and Spirits: I came across this interesting shop in the historic Birks building. If you’re a wine aficionado, then you’ll love this well-stocked establishment, filled only with bottles the owners have personally tried and like.

The Blue Plate Diner: Hungry? Then be sure to stop by this kitschy eatery, home to the famous – and delicious – vegetarian burgers.

And don’t forget my favourite cupcake joint in Edmonton!

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Photos brought to you by striatic on Flickr.

I’m a huge fan of the Green Passport Campaign, a global initiative by the United Nations Environment Programme that highlights the importance of becoming a more environmentally-conscious traveller. This includes:

• Selecting the most ecologically-friendly means of transportation (remember, a bike is often a great way to get around your destination city)
• Visiting places where workers are adequately compensated
• Staying in energy-efficient accomodations (inquire about recycling and energy-conservation policies)
• Ensuring souvenirs or other products you buy do not endanger any wildlife
• Keeping water and forest areas clean

It’s no secret that train travel reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and although it may not be as fast as a jetliner, the advantages of riding the rails make the journey that much more rewarding. Yes, hopping aboard a train is making a statement for sustainable travel, but it also lets you see landscapes that you’d miss from the air.

A vacation should be a relaxing, pleasurable event, but it’s crucial to do some research on your destination and ask yourself some important environmental questions, like:

• What’s the best way to get there?
• What is the ecological environment like?
• Who can best address my environmental concerns?

Once your prep work is done, you’ll be ready for the most environmentally-friendly trip of your life (complete with Green Passport in hand!)

Visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/iwona_kellie/833524579/ for more!

L’hiver est à nos portes, nous le savons. Oui, le temps sera froid, même très froid, mais c’est comme ça, l’hiver au Canada….

Au fil de mes séjours en train, j’ai photographié plusieurs paysages qui mettent en valeur la beauté de notre pays, en hivers.

Je vous invite à parcourir mon album de photos des Rockies, Ottawa, Montréal….en hiver.

Winter is fast approaching, as I’m sure you’ve all noticed. But although it’s getting chilly–even frigid!–it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy Canada in all its wintry wonder!

While travelling aboard VIA Rail, I took some beautiful shots of the Canadian landscape that best demonstrates the beauty of the season in the Rockies, Ottawa and Montreal!

Check them out!

Ahem! Attention! Attention!

VIA Rail has just launched a new survey exclusive to readers of the “On the go with Vivian!” blog.

Step one:

Choose your favourite fall destination in Canada.

Step two:

Leave a comment on this blog article telling us which destination you chose and why (in 50 words or less)

Step three:

You’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win $200 in VIA Rail travel vouchers valid for trips anywhere in Canada.

It’s that easy, friends! So what are you waiting for?

To enter, you must leave a comment on this blog article by 11:59pm on Thursday, November 20, 2008!