September 3, 2004 -- The state of California's population rivals that of all of Canada. With nearly the same amount of people spread out over so more much land, you can often be guaranteed pastoral views largely unencumbered with the trappings of modern man. What better ways to take it all in than by train or traipsing along the shore? If those aren't your cup of tea, you can head straight to urban areas to take advantage of hotel discounts.
The Rocky Mountaineer train is a delightful way to see western Canada, and the outfit offers a variety of tours to fit your schedule and your budget. We especially like the two-day Christmas trips running this December -- a great opportunity for a family gathering of a different sort. There will be a special coach for kids, with a children's entertainer who leads the group in singing songs, making decorations and playing games. And halfway through the journey, Santa boards the train! Adults will have their own car to frolic in with live jazz and a bar serving holiday beverages like eggnog and mulled wine, as well as other spirits.
Departure dates are December 19 and 27 for eastbound service from Vancouver to Banff; and December 21 and 29 for westbound service from Banff to Vancouver. You choose the level of service you want to travel with and pay accordingly.
Red Leaf service includes assigned coach seating, breakfasts and lunches onboard, complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, one night accommodations in Kamloops (including transfers from the train to the hotel), dinner at the hotel and more. One-way prices, based on double occupancy, start at $419 per adult and $199 per child.
The more upscale Gold Leaf service includes much of the same as the Red Leaf, but the perks include reserved seating in the dome car, gourmet meals in a separate dining car, complimentary alcoholic beverages and upgraded rooms and baggage delivery. One-way prices start from $849 per adult and $349 per child.
You can get information on or book hese and other tours at www.winterrailvacations.com or phone 800/665-7245.
Other Side of the Continent, Along the Shore
Maxxim Vacations, one of Canada's most respected companies with more than 30 years of experience, is offering a seven-night tour of the Bay of Fundy. You can walk on the floor of the ocean just hours after the tide goes. Why here? The Bay is home to the highest tides in the world with the record at standing at 53.2 feet. It's an amazing, twice-a-day sight as watch a mile of ocean vanish then reappear.
The tour is priced at $1,919 per person based on double occupancy and includes roundtrip air from Boston to Halifax on Air Canada, lodging, ground transportation in vans and all meals during the escorted portion of the tour. Also included is a Tidal Bore rafting trip, all park entrance fees, tips for lodging and meals and the services of local guides.
Prices from Atlanta are $1,929, from Chicago and New York $2,039 or from Los Angeles $2,119, and the departure date is October 9. You must be at least 16 years of age to join this tour.
This and other tours are available from Maxxim, which can be contacted at www.maxximvacations.com or at 800/567-6666 or 709/754-6666.
City Hotel Retreats
The Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, one of Canada's biggest chains, has several fall foliage packages at some of their most prestigious properties.
The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in the Charlevoix region is offering a "Nature & Culture" package with rates from $123 per room, tips included, from September 7 through October 31.Quebec City's Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, perhaps Canada's most famous hotel, has "Bed & Breakfast" package that starts at $275 per night through October 15.
At the Fairmont Tremblant, there's another B&B package, this one good from September 15 through the end of October. Priced from $224 per room, the package includes one night of lodging, buffet breakfast for two, free access to the Health Club and the swimming pools.
For these and other package specials, contact them at www.fairmont.com or by phoning 800/441-1414.