Q : Can you map out a scenario of taking the train with kids from Montreal to Toronto?
A : From frequent bathroom breaks to the dreaded backseat whine of "Are we there yet?" everyone with children knows that travelling with kids can be challenging. Keeping children engaged during travel is important. After all, what fun is a vacation if the kids are throwing a temper tantrum and parents are wishing they just stayed home?
Special educational programs, scheduled kids activities, a delicious children’s menu and the allure of travelling aboard the "choo-choo" all make train travel aboard VIA Rail Canada an appealing vacation option, especially considering the high gas prices. So parents - sit back and relax, and let VIA Rail help keep your children entertained this summer!
Children often love train travel, as they are fascinated with the train equipment, staff and overall experience. In short, it’s a novelty. But what happens when their patience is waning and they begin to grow restless? VIA Rail offers the following advice:
" Preparation - Get the kids excited about their train trip by providing books and videos to watch before the trip. Seymour Simon’s Book of Trains, Little Mammoth Media The Big Train Trip, and The Polar Express are just a few recommendations. And what train trip would be complete without that old childhood favourite - The Little Engine That Could?
" Food - VIA Rail offers kids’ menus on long-distance trains, and every train has healthy snacks available. It also never hurts to pack a favourite snack just in case.
" Entertainment - Cardboard train cut-outs and Kids Activity Books are available on most trains. Aboard VIA’s Canadian, games, activities and video showings organized in the domed Skyline car are an added daily morning feature for passengers travelling in Silver & Blue class sleeping accommodations. During the summer months in VIA’s Easterly Class aboard the overnight Ocean service between Montréal and Halifax, a dedicated Learning Coordinator presents mini-lectures to help immerse travellers into the history and culture of the Maritime provinces - a wonderful way to make learning fun for the kids.
" Sleep - Keeping kids on the same sleep schedule is important, so notify attendants of times to lower the bed so the kids can nap. Also remember to pack favourite stuffed animals or blankets.
" Safety - VIA Rail staff are trained in first aid, CPR and emergency response procedures. However, it is important to accompany children at all times, especially when moving between train cars and to ensure shoes are worn whenever children are up and about.
With the soaring price of gas, family travel with VIA has never been more economical.
Last summer those over 18 years of age purchasing a senior, student (18+), youth (18 to 25), or adult-fare ticket in VIA’s Comfort Class (economy) were able to bring a child aged two to 11 for free. Children under two years of age always travel free as long as they do not occupy a seat), but this promotion lets tiny tots enjoy their own seat at no extra cost! There were also special bargains for seniors.
Looking to be pampered? VIA’s Silver & Blue class service on the Canadian (western) and Easterly class service on the Ocean (eastern) provide comfortable sleeping accommodations and meals throughout the trip. All year round, kids receive a 25 percent discount off the best adult fare available when travelling with an adult. What better way for parents or grandparents to spend some quality time with children this summer.
Kids and parents alike will love exploring the terrific scenery and exciting cities across Canada. From tranquil Prince Rupert in the Pacific Northwest to historic Halifax in the Maritimes, the journey on VIA Rail encompasses friendly, attentive service, comfortable accommodations, flavourful regional cuisines and a variety of onboard leisure activities. So round up the kids and hop aboard for a fun, educational and - most importantly - relaxing summer vacation for the entire family.
The Montreal-Toronto route by car has become a familiar one for my family over the last few years. Each summer, for instance, we make a point of making the trip in order to see two live tapings of CTV’s Canadian Idol at the downtown John Bassett Theatre. But an aversion to the five and half drive recently led us to the: VIA Rail alternative. I must tell you that this was a very positive and relaxing experience my family intends to repeat.
Our departure point was Dorval station, where we left our car in the bargain basement $9 per day lot. We sat in comfort class where a healthy assortment of snacks and beverages are offered to customers at your seat. Pay-for-use wi-fi service is also available and there is even an outlet to plug in your laptop.
ACCOMODATIONS: We disembarked at Union Station, smack in downtown Toronto on Front Street. Keeping this in mind we chose to stay at the Grand Hotel and Suites (www.grandhoteltoronto.com). Located at 225 Jarvis Street near Dundas, this stunning locale is only seven years old. The cab ride there was barely 10 minutes. Parking in Toronto can be extremely costly, so by taking taxis everywhere we no doubt saved a lot of money as well.
The Grand features 177 extraordinary guest suites. For families, the 400 square foot junior suite feature a spacious living room/work area separated from the bedroom by a set of double French glass doors. The bedroom area contains a king size bed, TV and dual-line telephone. A separate living area contains a double sofabed, TV, DVD Player, CD Player, work desk with dual-line telephone, and fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave, fridge, coffeemaker and cutlery, marble washroom, plush bathrobe, iron and ironing board, laptop size in-room safe and a hairdryer. There is complimentary wireless internet access in each room. Indeed this place has all of the comforts of home and more, which is why many guests capitalize on the options of extended stay packages for 21 consecutive days or more. The kitchenette is a definite bonus and something kosher guests in particular will find useful as you can prepare all of your own meals if you wish. There are a number of convenience stores close by, which will allow you to stock the fridge.
All guests get to enjoy a splendid breakfast buffet, free of charge, with an extensive array of items to choose from. There is also a fitness centre, the two-storey neo-classical pool indoor pool (surrounded by exquisite hand painted murals) and two whirlpools on the rooftop garden, which provides a panoramic view of Toronto. The latter is a real plus and an area guests take advantage of year-round, even with below zero temperatures A pretty gazebo offers a shield from the sun. When darkness falls, movies and television shows are piped in to a large white screen.
There is 24 hour room service, twice-daily maid service, valet and underground parking , a friendly concierge, the Citrus Restaurant, 10,000 square feet of meeting space and a fully equipped business centre. Shuttle services are available to anywhere in the financial core. Make sure to bring your Aeroplan card in order to earn 500 miles per night. The hotel is centrally located to businesses, theatre and shopping. Toronto’s largest shopping centre, The Eaton Centre, is just a short three blocks away. And you are a short cab ride away from attractions such as the the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, the World’s Biggest Bookstore, Rogers Centre, the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Air Canada Centre, The Princess of Wales and Royal Alexandra Theatres, Roy Thomson Hall, Ontario Place, the Second City, the Hummingbird Centre, Harbourfront, the Financial, Theatre and Bloor/Yorkville Shopping Districts, the Kensington and St Lawrence Markets and Ontario Place.
DINNNER: The closest kosher restaurant in downtown Toronto is the Oasis Café at 100 King Street West. They close at 4 p.m, but offer kosher food on the go so you might want to consider an early dinner if you decide to eat there.
For dinner one night we sampled the fine cuisine of the Pier 4 Storehouse Restaurant at 245 Queens Quay West (www.pier4.ca). I have seen their ads in The Jewish Standard for years. Given the fact our hotel was a short cab ride away we decided to give it a try. This attractive waterfront hideaway offers casual dining on fresh fish, seafood, meat and poultry, amidst the largest private collection of nautical memorabilia in Eastern Canada. You can dine inside the Pier 4 Dining Room, in a semi-private booth, or perhaps in one of their ‘Cargo Boxes’ for a more intimate atmosphere. In the summer you also have the option of relaxing on the Pier 4 Patio, on the water’s edge, serving fish and chips, hamburgers and french fries, and other family favourites.
There was so much to choose from on the vast menu. Here is what we recommend. Start off with a soup or salad and sample a few of the appetizers, The Cajun crusted calamari is crispy and tasty, dusted in Cajun flower, fried golden brown and served with a special dip. If you are a lobster lover, Pier 4 cooks them up beautifully. They are served cutup, making the experience much more easy and pleasant. The kids menu is very reasonable. For instance fish and chips will only set you back $5.95. The french fries here are crispy and delicious. Save room for the key lime pie or an ice cream sundae for dessert. The menu gives you a nice history of this locale, noting that in 1978 it became Toronto’s first dockside seafood restaurant.
For group reservations you can email sales@pier4rest.com or call 416-203-1440.
As for Toronto, go to www.torontotourism.com
