VIA Rail Canada brings back bike trains for summer season

by Laurel Miller on

Traveling with your two-wheeled best friend just got a whole lot easier. Since 2007, VIA Rail Canada has provided seasonal bike racks on select VIA Rail departures, as part of its mandate to provide more environmentally sustainable, affordable passenger transit. Now, the racks will be available yearound, and increased baggage cars mean that cyclists can connect to even more cycling destinations.

By taking VIA (Canada’s national rail service), you can access thousands of miles of cycling paths running from Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, Quebec City, London, Windsor, Jonquière, and Senneterre. Popular cycling trips include Quebec’s La Route Verte (2,671 miles), the Greater Niagara Circle Route (86 miles), Ottawa’s Capital Parkway Network (136 miles) and Ontario’s Waterfront Trails (559 miles).

Using the bike trains is easy. Check your buddy at the counter for a small fee; VIA staff do the rest, reuniting you on the platform at your destination. For a full listing of VIA’s Bike Train schedules click here.

[Photo credit: Flickr user cycle.nut66]

Fourth of July travel deals from Viator

by Libby Zay on

Sometimes the best things come to those who wait. If you’re looking for some last minute Independence Day deals, our pals at Viator have pulled together a list of Fourth of July bargains to help travelers get the most out of their three-day weekend. From New York to Oahu, below are some suggestions that will have you seeing red, white and blue without spending a whole lot of green.

New York: Watch one of the best fireworks displays in the country with Viator’s once-in-a-lifetime July 4th VIP Exclusive: Fireworks from the Empire State Building’s Observation Deck. A limited number of tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis to this two-hour, private evening event, guaranteed to sell out quickly.
Washington, D.C.: See 100 of the most popular monuments and points of interest in America’s capital after the sun goes down on the Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Night Tour by Trolley, currently more than 50 percent off.
Philadelphia: There’s no better time to visit our nation’s first capital than during a weekend to celebrate America’s Independence. Travelers will save more than 45 percent on admission to six of the city’s premier attractions with a Viator Philadelphia CityPASS.
Las Vegas: Hit the highway out of Las Vegas and spend the day touring two major tourist attractions on the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Day Trip, currently on sale with savings more than 50 percent.
Orlando: Get two days for the price of one at Kennedy Space Center, a short drive from Orlando and the launch site for every U.S. human space flight since December 1968.
San Diego: Tour one of the largest aircraft carriers in the U.S. Navy fleet at the USS Midway Museum, San Diego’s newest visitor attraction. A visit to this historic naval aircraft carrier museum is an essential experience for patriots of all ages.
Boston: Travel north from Boston to historic Marblehead, the birthplace of the American Navy. Along the way, visit Salem, the Witch City and learn about the history of witchcraft and the reasons why the trials occurred.
Niagara Falls: Visit New York’s first state park on an overnight trip to Niagara Falls from New York City. Along the way, experience the state’s diverse ethnic heritage and the rolling hills of the Finger Lakes, one of the country’s premier wine producing areas.
Oahu: Take a sobering journey through U.S. history on a tour of the Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri, the last battleship built by the U.S. Navy. Tickets include skip-the-line access to make the most of a day at Pearl Harbor, complete with a tour of downtown Honolulu and a drive through Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific. An added bonus: receive one free child ticket for each adult ticket purchased.
Memphis: Walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland Mansion – the number one thing to do in Memphis, Tenn. Upgrade to the Elvis Entourage VIP Package and also receive entrance to a VIP Only Exhibit, Front of the Line Access to the Mansion, and more.

[Photo by J.W. Photography, Flickr]

Daily Pampering: Niagara Falls goes luxe

by Annie Scott on


The Hilton Hotel and Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview has just unveiled their new Presidential Suites, two 50th floor rooms with astonishing views to rival any in the world.

“This new addition to our hotel is extremely exciting,” said Anthony Annunziata, VP of Marketing and Development, Hilton Hotel and Suites. “With the Presidential Suites, we are changing the way people see Niagara Falls, by offering guests superior accommodations, one-of-a-kind views of the Falls and exquisite décor, all of which are unavailable anywhere else in the area.”

The two 1,500 square foot rooms, which offer views of both the Canadian and American Falls, are adorned in chic shades of white, silver and black. The modern palette is made cozy with the use of lush wallpaper, elegant ornamental chandeliers and a king-sized bed with a striking warm brown headboard. Remote controlled blinds and an electric fireplace complete the modern theme.

The entire hotel recently underwent a $150 million expansion to include over 1,000 guest rooms, two new restaurants, and 40,000 square feet of conference and meeting space, as well as a 40,000 square foot recreational pool and spa. The stunning views from the 50th floor presidential suites can only be reserved for private guests or corporate functions by contacting Jim Graham at 905-353-7160.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Photo of the day (8/6/09)

by Kent Wien on

Like many people, I’ve been to this exact spot at the Niagra Falls. But I’ve never considered that a night shot would ever be possible. Who knew it was even open to the public after hours? After a little research, I found out they schedule an illumination of the falls every night.

Thanks to All-Star Rob for getting out there at night, hooking up his GorillaPod and capturing this magical scene.

Take a look at Rob’s other pictures from that night.

Are you a Flickr user who’d like to share a travel related picture or two for our consideration? Submit it to Gadling’s Flickr group right now! We just might use it for our Photo of the Day!