(Via Rail Canada issued the following news release on September 17.)
MONTREAL — Make VIA Rail Canada your “main course” for a weekend getaway this fall. With three departures next month – October 3, 10, and 17, 2003 – the “VIA Rail Gourmet Train” package invites travelers aboard a rolling restaurant from Toronto to Ottawa, Canada’s capital city.
The package begins as passengers board the train at Toronto Union Station for a 5:30 PM departure, enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail and delight in the comfort and amenities of a car reserved exclusively for gourmet train travelers. As Toronto’s towering skyline rolls past, the scene soon becomes a kaleidoscope of fall colors as the train journeys eastward through the province of Ontario. At dinnertime, passengers retreat into the elegant art deco style dining car, where they are served a delectable five-course meal prepared by chefs of VIA Rail Canada and Café Henry Burger, one of the Ottawa region’s leading restaurants. Fit for royalty indeed, the meal includes:
– Smoked Mariposa breast of duck on baby greens with apple vinaigrette
– Napoléon of diver’s scallops and fresh lobster on a wasabi and green pea coulis
– Roast loin of wapiti with citrus reduction sauce, caramelized apple stuffed with cranberry compote, baby vegetables and potato roesti
– Seasonal salad with walnut crusted roast goat’s cheese
– Medley of sweets (crème brûlée, chocolate Marquise, chestnut swan)
Upon arrival in Ottawa shortly before 10:00 PM, passengers are transferred to the five-star Hilton Lac Leamy in Gatineau for the first of a luxurious two-night stay. From here, travelers have the opportunity to explore Canada’s capital. Must-see attractions include nearby Gatineau Park, which features some of the Outaouais region’s most spectacular fall foliage, and Casino du Lac Leamy, which lies adjacent to the hotel and whose theater’s current featured shows include Fame, Eric Idle (of Monty Python renown) and The Big Band Broadcast. Consult with the hotel’s Concierge for information on sightseeing tours, attractions and entertainment available for a small additional charge.
For those looking to further enhance the weekend’s gastronomic experience, the Casino du Lac Leamy is also home to Le Baccara, a five-diamond, triple award-winning restaurant. Besides boasting the finest in French-inspired cuisine, the restaurant also features a spectacular wine cellar with over 1,200 bottles and 130 varieties or vintage wines.
There are several trains that depart from Ottawa for Toronto each day, and travelers have their choice of whichever scheduled departure that best suits their travel itinerary. Upon hotel checkout, a transfer is included to the Ottawa Station for a return trip to Toronto in premier VIA 1 Class.
Priced at CND $705 per person for double occupancy, the package includes VIA’s Gourmet Train service, two nights’ hotel accommodations, transfers to and from Ottawa Station, and return service to Toronto in premier VIA 1 Class. Taxes and gratuities are additional. Based on availability. For reservations, contact Alio Tours at 1 866 333-6106 or www.alio.ca; or Hillcrest Vacations at 1 888 366-6656 or www.hillcrestvacations.com.
VIA Rail Canada is the nations passenger rail service, connecting communities from coast to coast. VIA Rail offers several departures a day to Toronto from all major cities within the Windsor to Quebec City corridor. For more information on the Gourmet Train Package, please visit www.viarail.ca/gourmettrain. Travellers wishing information on other VIA services or to make a reservation may also call VIA at 1-888-VIA-Rail (1-888-842-7245).