MONTRÉAL - Rail travel is intrinsically romantic by nature - the gentle rocking of the train, the natural beauty of the untouched countryside as it rolls by, and the journey back to a time when there were less distractions and more time to spend with the one you love. And while Valentine's Day brings "loving thoughts" to mind, with VIA's "Romance by Rail" package, there's no need to wait for a special reason to treat yourself to a memorable voyage that will remain etched in your hearts for time. Whether you choose an overnight getaway between Vancouver and Jasper or a cross-Canada journey, VIA's "Romance by Rail" service is sure to have you saying, "I do".

A couples-only upgrade to VIA's premier-level Silver & Blue Class service on the world-renowned Canadian, "Romance by Rail," includes accommodations for two in a private suite, featuring a queen-sized bed, two private washrooms, complimentary in-room sparkling wine and fresh-cut flowers - even breakfast in bed upon request. "Romance by Rail" customers also have access to various lounges aboard the train, including the train's signature panoramic Dome cars, which offer a peaceful environment where couples can relax together and survey the incomparable views of Canada's magnificently impressive landscape by day or catch an evening sunset and stars by night.

In addition to the above amenities, delectable regional cuisine served by attentive staff, is also included in the price of a "Romance by Rail" ticket. The dining cars' sophisticated yet simple ambiance provides a special mood for passengers enjoying breakfast, lunch or dinner. Offerings include hearty meals like bacon and eggs for breakfast and classic favourites such as salads, soups and wrap sandwiches for lunch, while the dinner menu features appetizing regional fare such as Alberta Bison Rib Roast, Grilled Arctic Char and Stuffed Game Hen. To complement their meals, a selection of award-winning, all-Canadian wines are also available for purchase.

Passengers travelling in the Windsor to Québec City Corridor have the additional option of creating their own unforgettable rail packages to Montréal, Ottawa or Québec City. Take in Montréal's winter festivals. Discover the romantic charm of Old Québec, of French bistros, quaint shops, and timeless surroundings. Or escape to Ottawa and skate hand-in-hand with your loved one along the Rideau Canal, the world's longest skating rink. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate as you view the impressive snow sculptures. VIA's winter getaway packages include round trip transportation on VIA 1 first class from Montréal and two nights at the four-star Québec Hilton from $363 CAD ($308.48 USD) per person, all taxes included. For more information about packages, romantic getaways or to plan a custom package visit www.viarail.ca/packages.

For tour programs that highlight VIA Rail's "Romance by Rail" service, or VIA services in the Windsor to Québec City Corridor, travellers can visit the packages section of VIA Rail's website at www.viarail.ca/packages, and select "The Canadian" from the drop-down menu in the "VIA Rail Trains Featured" section. Each vacation package resulting from the search will include a direct link to the tour operator and information about whether "Romance by Rail" is offered with that particular package. The following are just a few examples of packages offered:

Suite Romance by Rail - Cartan Tours invites travellers to experience romance and top-notch service with their "Suite Romance by Rail" package. Spanning 6-days/5-nights, this package combines VIA Rail's "Romance by Rail" upgrade with Fairmont Hotel's Fairmont Gold Service. Limousine airport transfers are included with overnight stays at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and three nights aboard VIA Rail's Canadian. Available January 1 - April 25, 2007 for $3010.00 CAD ($2,557.90 USD) per person, this package is based upon double occupancy and includes all hotel taxes, sales and government tax, and service charges. For more information visit www.cartan.com or call 1 800 818-1998.

Grand Canadian Lodges Winter Rail Experience - Exclusively Canada offers travellers the chance to escape for 8 days/7 nights to a winter wonderland with their "Grand Canadian Lodges Winter Rail Experience" package. Combining "Romance by Rail" accommodations aboard VIA Rail's Canadian and overnight stays in Vancouver, Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff, this package allows for lovers to enjoy the magnificent Canadian Rockies and Fairmont's grand hotels and lodges in Vancouver and Alberta. Packages begin at $2,914.00 CAD ($2,476.32 USD) per person, with hotel tax included, based on double occupancy. The package is available January 1 - April 7, 2007. For more information visit www.canadayourway.com or call 1 888 730-9500.

For more information on "Romance by Rail" or any of VIA Rail's services, offers and products, please call 888 842-7245 (888-VIA RAIL) or visit www.viarail.ca

Booking
Customers can visit VIA's secure website at www.viarail.ca to book a trip anywhere in the VIA system or to book a complete trip with one-stop shopping for trains, cars, hotels and activities. Passengers also can book their tickets by calling 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7254), TTY 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired), or through their travel agent. VIA Rail Canada's services are commissionable to travel agents at 5%. Please note that although customers can obtain information on our website at www.viarail.ca/romancebyrail regarding "Romance by Rail", this service is offered exclusively through our call centres.

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. Demand continues to grow as more Canadians turn to train travel as a safe and convenient travel choice.

* Fares (and fare conditions) quoted are subject to change without notice. The Canadian dollar to United States dollar conversion rate used in this document was effective as of January 22, 2007. Conversion rates are subject to currency fluctuation.