Photo: Pacific Central Station in Vancouver - © Popsidoodle | Dreamstime.com - Pacific Central Station Photo
School is out and post-secondary kids everywhere can finally breathe a sigh of relief. You can close your laptop screens, throw your knapsacks to the back of your closets, and delete the annoying alarms off your phone—the freedom of summer is here.
But what is freedom without the lure of exploration, travel and adventure?
If school has sucked your bank account dry this year, don’t stress. Working with elephants in Thailand or doing a wild Eurotrip can wait until your post-grad years. In the meantime, take advantage of your own backyard and explore Canada at a fraction of the price.
Canada is one of the largest countries in the world and is filled to the brim with breathtaking landscapes and bustling metropolitans. Whether you’re an outdoorsy traveller or a city slicker, there’s a destination that would likely quench your travel taste buds.
Unfortunately, flying within Canada can be as expensive as crossing the Atlantic, and for most of us students, owning a car isn’t very common either. Luckily for us, VIA Rail offers train routes from coast to coast. The train service offers destinations in major cities, such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, and even smaller places like Pukatawagan, MB, or Stratford, ON.
The train is not only a smoother ride, but is far more economically and environmentally friendly. You can travel in comfort without having to worry about gas money or a stubborn GPS device. Plus, survival’s two essentials—food and Wi-Fi—are included in every VIA Rail Escape fare.
Vancouver - Montréal
Travel from Vancouver to Montreal and get a taste of Europe without the extravagant expenses. The train is the perfect vessel to bring you and your friends to Osheaga this August. While you’re there, take a stroll through Old Montreal, get a famous poutine from La Banquise, or pump up the adrenaline at the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada.
Vancouver - Toronto
Roll into “The Six” from $375, and explore one of the most diverse cities in the world. The 4 day train ride will explore the vast landscapes of Canada. From the mountains out West, through the vast prairies and into the rocky landscapes of Northern Ontario, adventurers will get to see it all.
Once in Toronto, you can check out the multiple galleries and museums, worldly restaurants and serene Toronto islands. The train is the perfect vessel to bring you and your friends to the multiple music festivals taking place throughout the summer, such as Bestival and Digital Dreams. Toronto is also known for its world-famous cultural festivities like Taste of the Danforth and Caribana. Plus, for all you sports fans, Toronto is home to Drake’s favourite basketball team, and will also host the Pan Am Games this summer.
To learn more about the trips offered by VIA Rail, visit their website.
View the VIA Rail Instagram.
[SPONSORED POST]
