ESSENTIALS - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 529

transcontinental line divides, with one set of tracks continuing slightly north to Prince Ru-
pert. Along this route, the train makes three trips per week. It is a daytime-only service,
with passengers transferred to Prince George accommodations for an overnight stay. It also
offers Economy and Touring Class.
If you're traveling anywhere in western Canada from the eastern provinces, the least-
expensive way to travel is on a Canrailpass, which allows seven one-way trips anywhere
on the VIA Rail system within any given 21-day period. During high season (June 1-Oct.
15) the pass is adult $1,159, senior (over 60) and child $1,043. The rest of the year the fare
is adult $725, senior and child $653.
On regular fares, discounts of 25-40 percent apply to travel in all classes October-June.
Those over 60 and under 18, as well as students under 25, receive an additional 10 percent
discount that can be combined with other seasonal fares. Check for advance-purchase re-
strictions on all discount tickets.
CUTTING FLIGHT COSTS
Ticket structuring for air travel has traditionally been so complex that finding the
best deal required some time and patience (or a good travel agent), but the process
has become much easier in recent years. Air Canada leads the way, with streamlined
ticketing options that are easy to understand.
The first step when planning your trip to the Canadian Rockies is to contact the
airlines that fly to Vancouver or Calgary and search out the best price they have for
the time of year you wish to travel. Air Canada ( www.aircanada.com ) has a stream-
lined fare structure that makes it easy to find the fare that serves your needs and
budget. Also look in the travel sections of major newspapers-particularly in week-
end editions-where budget fares and package deals are frequently advertised. While
the Internet has changed the way many people shop for tickets, having a travel agent
whom you are comfortable dealing with-who takes the time to call around, does
some research to get you the best fare, and helps you take advantage of any available
special offers or promotional deals-is an invaluable asset in starting your travels off
on the right foot.
Within Canada, Travel Cuts (866/246-9762, www.travelcuts.com ) and Flight
Centre (888/967-5302, www.flightcentre.ca ), both with offices in all major cities,