Courier’s
SIGHTSEEING RAIL GUIDE
The view’s the thing
44
March 2018
that encourage passengers to share the experience together.”
Robutka just started his seventh year with VIA Rail, which
provides coast-to-coast passenger train service in Canada.
“I think there’s been a resurgence in rail travel,” he says.
“You’re traveling between two points, but trains provide the
space, comfort and amenities that make the travel experience
special.”
You can email Robutka at [email protected] or visit
viarail.ca to learn more.
The list on the following pages includes information on NTA
members that organize and offer their own rail adventures,
including those that offer multi-day tours and those specializing
in shorter sightseeing excursions. This information for this list was
provided by the member contact and was current as of Jan. 21.
With this and all other guides that appear in Courier, members
can enhance their presence. Contact [email protected]
for details.
NTA-member rail companies take passengers on voyages that
vary in duration and setting, but each trip shares a common
benefit: magnificent, memorable views.
One of those companies, VIA Rail Canada, provides miles
and miles of satisfying sights, says Ryan Robutka, senior
manager for sales and marketing.
“Despite there being many things to do on board long-
distance trains, passengers are still captivated by the
scenery,” he says. “Many sections of track pull away from
highways and allow passengers to see a part of the landscape
and scenery they would not have access to when traveling by
car or coach.”
And while enjoying those vistas can be a solitary exercise,
the passing scenery can also serve as a backdrop to—or the
focus of—lively conversation.
“Our long-haul trains provide a number of social areas:
lounges, observation domes and dining cars,” Robutka says. “This
gives groups an opportunity to spend time together in settings