POWERED BY THE FLOWERS

VIA RAIL CANADA’S GARDEN ROUTE IS IN FULL BLOOM

 ALL SUMMER LONG

MONTREAL – It’s an arrangement that makes perfect scents. Garden enthusiasts and admirers alike can explore Canada and marvel at its splendid scenery while traveling by train along VIA Rail’s Garden Route.  Use a number of VIA services to visit any of the 15 spectacular gardens stretching from Vancouver Island to Halifax. New this season, VIA is pleased to announce that 28 ‘Communities in Bloom’ top award-winning (5-Bloom) communities have been added to this year’s Garden Route, providing a total of 43 ways to be awed and inspired.

In bloom from June 15 through September 7, VIA Rail’s specially designated Garden Route stretches from coast-to-coast, and showcases 15 spectacular gardens, including the University of British Colombia’s Botanical Garden in Vancouver, the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden in Winnipeg, Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens in Niagara Falls and Halifax Public Gardens in Halifax.  For a complete listing of gardens along the route visit viarail.ca/garden.

“For more than 25 years, VIA has been bringing travelers up close to some of the most breathtaking views and beautiful landscapes across the country,” said Steve Del Bosco, VIA Rail’s chief customer officer.  “Whether traveling through the magnificent Rockies or along the shores of the Atlantic en route to Montreal, it was natural for us to collaborate with some of the country’s spectacular gardens by providing a relaxing and comfortable way for visitors to get there.” 

If a weekend getaway is more ideal than a cross-country journey, nature lovers may wish to visit two iconic Canadian experiences - Ottawa’s Canadian Tulip Festival and Montreal’s Botanical Garden.  Conveniently connected by VIA Rail’s Corridor line (along with other top Canadian destinations such as Toronto and Quebec City) travelers en route to Montreal and Ottawa can enjoy the Corridor’s VIA 1 class lounging in comfortable seats, with inclusive meal service and Wi-Fi Internet access.

The Canadian Tulip Festival is in full bloom until May 19, 2008.  Over three million tulips carpet the landscape, illuminating the city with dazzling colors.  Gaze at a variety of tulips that stretch from the historic Rideau Canal to the Parliament buildings to the Outaouais region.  In addition to the lovely flowers, visit some of the Festival’s other exciting events, including The Tulip Festival Mirror Tent, Celebridée (A Celebration of Ideas) with Sir Salman Rushdie as this year’s headliner, and the 2008 Tulip Ball.  For more information, visit tulipfestival.ca.

In Montreal, experience the city at a wonderful time of year with a visit to the stunning Montreal Botanical Garden (also included in VIA Rail’s Garden Route).  With 30 thematic gardens, the Montreal Botanical Garden is regarded by many to be one of the most spectacular botanical gardens in the world.  The garden boasts 22,000 plant species as well as ten exhibition greenhouses, and includes such delights as a French Garden, Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Alpine Garden and Monastery Garden.  For more information, visit http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin.  

For more information on vacation packages or additional spring offers, products and services, please call 1-888-VIA-RAIL (842-7245), TTY 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired) or visit viarail.ca. 

About VIA Rail Canada

As Canada’s national passenger rail service, VIA Rail Canada’s mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally responsible and cost effective passenger transportation services, both in Canada’s busiest corridor and in remote and rural regions of the country. VIA serves more than 450 communities with a network of inter-city, transcontinental and regional trains. Increasingly travelers are turning to train travel as a hassle-free and cost efficient alternative to congested roads and airports as well as a more environmentally responsible way to travel.

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