For most Canadians, Spring Break and, well, springtime, aren’t exactly synonymous.

But who cares if you’re still shovelling out your car and shoving on those toques when you can be swept away by these sweet fares!:

For travel between March 8 and March 31, 2010, inclusive.
Buy your tickets soon! Offer ends at 11:59 p.m. on March 9, 2010.

• For Toronto – London, book online choosing Economy – supersaver fare.
• For Toronto – Windsor, book online choosing Economy – special fare or Economy – supersaver fare.

Other conditions apply.
*Prices quoted are based on an adult one-way Economy class ticket (before taxes), valid for one-way or round trip travel. Tickets must be purchased at least three (3) days in advance.

Got spring fever yet?

♪ 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.

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!

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!

If every holiday season you’re dropping hints , circling catalogs and scattering wish lists… and still wind up with a toaster, Vivian’s coming to your rescue! Enter my “All I want for Christmas…” contest:

1. Leave a comment on this post describing that special gift you’re hoping to see under the tree.
2. Share your wish list before December 21, 2009.
3. Be automatically entered to win a $200 VIA Rail travel credit.

The winner will be announced December 22, 2009. Help those clueless gift givers out!