♪ lala laala lala…DOOWWNNTOWN! ♫

Tired of the same old scene? Try out a new city!

This winter, find amazing downtown-to-downtown deals on train travel in Quebec and Ontario. VIA Rail’s bringing you one-way fares starting at:

*Some conditions apply.

How can you lose?

Meet Canadian athletes AND enter to win a first class trip for two onboard the Canadian… with VIA Rail.

Between February 17th and 24th, from noon to 5 p.m., head to Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station to take a tour of the iconic Canadian’s rail cars (love that 360° dome!)

And from 2-4 p.m., get autographs signed by former Olympians and CAN Fund recipients such as:

• Feb.17 – Annamay Pierse, Swimming – 2008 Olympian and 200 m short course breaststroke world record holder
• Feb.19 – Katie Weatherston, Ice Hockey – 2006 Olympic Gold Medalist
• Feb. 20 – Brian Price, Rowing – Men’s Eight, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist
• Feb. 22 – Sami Jo Small, Ice Hockey – 3-time Olympian and 2-time member of Olympic gold medal winning team (2002 and 2006)
• Feb. 23 – Alexandra Orlando, Rhythmic Gymnastics, 2008 Olympian, 3 Pan American Gold Medals
• Feb. 24 – Ben Rutledge, Rowing – Men’s Eight, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist

You’ll also get a chance to win a first-class sleeper touring trip for two between Vancouver and Toronto on the Canadian!

Find further details here.

Pea soup, tourtiere, and sugar pie await! Visit the Festival du Voyageur website.

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 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!