WestJet also announced its quarterly results, saying that it had fourth quarter net earnings of $35.6 million, with full-year net earnings of $148.7 million, or $1.06 per share. The latter was up significantly from the net earnings of $90.2 million, or $0.62 per share, reported for 2010.

“We are very pleased with our strong fourth-quarter and full-year results for 2011. We managed to cover the elevated fuel costs with our revenue growth and improve our profit margin on a full-year basis,” said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky.

Last month, WestJet said it was examining the possibility of launching a new low-cost, short-haul, regional airline. Since that time, WestJet employees have provided their input and voted overwhelmingly in favor of the strategy.

Ninety-one percent of WestJet’s 8,500 employees voted in favor of launching the short-haul airline as a wholly owned subsidiary. The company is known for its collaborative culture between management and workers.

Social media has given everyone a voice for honest, tell-it-like-it-is recommendations on bars, restaurants, shopping, events and more. The Canadian Tourism Commission gives travellers direct access to real traveller voices by combining information from local users of Foursquare, Yelp and Gowalla.

The result is a one-stop-shop website where travellers can create their own online itineraries based on recommendations from Canadians and Canada devotees and then carry them on their smart phones for instant access.

Itineraries can be developed on the Explore Canada Like a Local website by themes based on interests or by destination. Users can also access other travel itineraries and lists developed by fellow travellers.

Whether you’re looking for culinary hotspots of Montreal, ski resorts of British Columbia or shopping in Toronto, it is all there at the one site including real time reviews, comments, images and videos from other travellers who have ‘checked in’ at the destination.

No marketing hype, no brochure speak, just real traveler to traveler reviews.

First time users simply view a how-to video then Canada’s your oyster.

For more information on Explore Canada Like a Local visit www.explorecanadalikealocal.com 

VIA Rail is also offering discounted business and economy class trips between Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal until April 3. One-way trips departing from Toronto to both Ottawa and Montreal are $39 for economy class and $79 for business class with free Wi-Fi included.

The Maasdam begins the season with a 15-day northbound cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Montreal.

Highlights include an overnight call at Quebec City, the line’s only call at Sept-Iles this season. From May 12 through the Sept. 29 departure, the Maasdam offers 15 seven-day sailings between Montreal and Boston.

The itineraries feature cruising along the St. Lawrence River. The Maasdam concludes the season with a 13-day sailing departing Oct. 6 from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale.

The Eurodam will sail on three 10-day cruises in September and October between New York and Quebec City.

The itinerary features an overnight call at Quebec City and cruising along Saguenay Fjord.

On Oct. 14, the Eurodam will depart on a 13-day cruise from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale.

The Veendam begins its Canada/New England season with a 13-day cruise from New York to Montreal, departing Sept. 2. It will include an overnight call at Quebec City. In September and October, the Veendam will sail five seven-day itineraries between Montreal and Boston.

For seven-day Maasdam and Veendam itineraries, guests can combine two seven-day sailings for a 14-day roundtrip journey. Fares on 14-day Collectors Cruises reflect up to 10 percent savings. Fares for Maasdam’s Canada and New England cruises start at $749, Eurodam’s cruise fares begin at $1,499, and Veendam’s fares start at $1,349. Seven-day cruises offer reduced third and fourth fares. All fares are per person, double.

Designed to offer an extensive menu of options from which clients can custom build their perfect itinerary, the brochure features everything from flexible multi-centre and self-drive itineraries to wildlife-watching, cultural experiences, journeys by rail and even cruises though Alaska’s famed Inside Passage. Particular highlights include the introduction of “motorhome” self-drive itineraries through the wilds of Western Canada, plus the chance to share in the excitement of the Calgary Stampede (which celebrates its centenary in 2012 and is widely considered to be the ‘greatest outdoor show on Earth’) or spot beluga whales, grizzly bears and their ethereal cousins, the spirit bears, all in their natural environment.

This new brochure follows their recent ‘CTC Explorer Award’ at the British Annual Canada Travel Awards in recognition of the work that Tailor Made Travel has done to promote innovative holiday itineraries to Canada.

Being such a scenic, vast and sparsely-populated country, Canada is ideal for exploring by rail. The new brochure leads with a selection of truly remarkable journeys by train (including an epic coast-to-coast odyssey from Toronto to Vancouver) as well as some suggested rail/coach and rail/self-drive combinations. New for 2012 is the nine-day Western Explorer itinerary (from £2,899 per person), a fully inclusive tour that includes two days aboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train service. The journey begins in Vancouver and continues via beautiful Lake Louise and the Jasper and Banff National Parks and on to the cowboy city of Calgary. Other highlights along the way include a sightseeing trip in a helicopter and of course the spectacular scenery of the Rocky Mountains themselves.

Also new is the 12-day Eastern Explorer, which tours from Toronto to Halifax, travelling by train for the entire journey. The itinerary benefits from guided tours in Toronto and Montreal, plus a chance to climb aboard the famous Maid of the Mist to witness the mighty forces at Niagara Falls. This package costs from £2,039 per person, with both prices including flights, accommodation, sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary, and the exclusive VIP Home Departure service (which collects clients from – and returns them to – their own front door, no matter where they live in the United Kingdom).

For customers who prefer to travel under their own steam, the brochure’s selection of flexible, self-driving itineraries offers a phenomenal choice of experiences. These multi-centre tour suggestions incorporate all ground arrangements including accommodation, car rental and recommended excursions, with each offering complete flexibility so that customers can mould the trip to their own specifications. New for 2012 is the Classic Yukon and Alaska itinerary, which delves deep into the lakes, glaciers and untouched wilderness of these far northern territories. With wildlife outnumbering people in much of this region, the opportunities for spotting such landmark species as grizzly bears, caribou and bald eagles are endless. Accommodation along the way is provided in deluxe lodges and B&Bs. This 17-day trip costs from £2,839 per person. Also new is the 16-day Wildlife, Flora and Fauna of the West itinerary, which takes in the staggering natural beauty of the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. Highlights here include hiking, whale-watching, wine-tasting and bear-viewing excursions, plus visits to key sites including Vancouver, Lake Louise and three national parks. This exciting tour costs from £2,399 per person. Flights are not included.

Those looking to really blaze their own trail can opt for one of the new motorhome itineraries in Western Canada. The brochure suggests three sample itineraries that take in some of the region’s most amazing natural landscapes, with overnight stays in campsites along the way. The 9-day Fabulous Vancouver Island itinerary, for example, offers an enticing mix of coastal scenery, First Nations culture and vibrant cityscapes (from £589 per person). The more extensive, 15-day City and Views of the Canadian Rockies takes in some of the most incredible mountain scenery alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the lively cities of Vancouver and Calgary. This holiday costs from £949 per person, with both prices including motorhome rental and full driving directions. Campsite recommendations are suggested along each route but are not included in the price.

Thanks to popular demand, the 2012 Canada & Alaska brochure carries a greatly expanded selection of wildlife and adventure experiences. This section of the brochure offers some truly inspiring ideas for lovers of the great outdoors, covering everything from heli-hiking and ranch holidays to wildlife-spotting and even a search for the Aurora Borealis in the winter skies of the Canadian far north. One of the most exciting new additions is the unique opportunity to visit Spirit Bear Lodge in the Great Bear Rainforest to search for the incredibly rare spirit bears (a pale-phase subspecies of the more common black bear). The lodge is only open for two months of the year (from early August until early October), which makes the chance to visit this beautiful region even more special. In addition to the hauntingly pale spirit bears, other wildlife in the area includes wolves and cougars in the forest and orcas and humpback whales in the waters just offshore. A five-day excursion (including flights from Vancouver, transfers, three nights at Spirit Bear Lodge, one night’s additional accommodation and most meals) costs from £2,099 per person.

Also new is the 7-day Lake Louise & Heli-Hiking package, which costs from £2,699 per person and includes accommodation, transfers, most meals, equipment hire and 2½ days of heli-hiking amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Another new addition is a 9-day cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage aboard the Innersea Discovery. This small expedition ship is the perfect vessel on which to discover these pristine waters. Activities such as rainforest hikes and sea kayaking are included in the price (from £1,435 per person), which also covers one night’s pre-cruise accommodation, all onboard meals the services of an expert guide.

The brochure also features a large variety of hotels and other accommodation options that have been added to the programme for the first time. Options range from the upmarket luxury of the Ritz Carlton in Toronto to a selection of charming and very individual lodges and B&Bs.

Commenting on the launch of the 2012 brochure, General Manager, Rachel Cooper said, “This is our first brochure since the merger between Tailor Made Travel and sister brand Connections, which means that Tailor Made Travel will now be sold both via the travel trade and direct to consumers for the first time. With our wide range of adventure and wildlife experiences, epic rail journeys, magical self-drives and some excellent accommodation options spanning high-end hotels to unique lodges and B&Bs, the 2012 Canada & Alaska brochure is effectively an A-Z directory of the very best travel experiences and truly reflects our knowledge, passion and commitment to the region. What’s more, with lots of added-value offers including free nights, free breakfasts and both car and room upgrades – plus hotel savings of up to £60 per room per night – this is surely one of our most definitive Canada & Alaska programmes yet.”

For details or to book call Tailor Made Travel on 0845 456 8050 or visit the website
www.tailor-made.co.uk

The initial interaction will take place on VIA Rail’s Facebook account in the “comments” section. VIA’s Facebook page will host the first dialogue of questions on tracks, answered by Tony Dadamo, quality control inspector and an expert on track-related issues and projects. Questions can be posted in the “comments” section on Facebook or by email at transformation@viarail.ca. The chosen question for each theme will be answered in video format. The other answers will accompany the video in text form.

Cross-tourism business between the two nations generates nearly $16 billion in spending in the U.S. by Canadians and more than $7 billion of spending by U.S. visitors in Canada. But those numbers are down from the 1990s.

Canadian NEXUS members will be able to enroll in the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) risk-based screening program, PreCheck. Also, Canada and the United States will mutually recognize passenger checkpoint screening measures for trusted air traveler program members. Additionally, other categories of travelers who could be eligible to participate in the program will be considered.

The U.S. and Canada will implement a joint marketing campaign to promote trusted traveler programs, conduct an “enrollment blitz” and implement an expedited renewal process.

A pre-clearance agreement will be created for land, rail and marine modes of transportation to provide the legal framework and reciprocal authorities necessary for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to conduct security, facilitation, and inspection processes in the other country.

CBP and CBSA will develop a plan to identify reasonable and achievable border wait time service levels at major crossings.

Real-time border wait time information will be made available to border and transportation agencies and available on the websites of CBP, U.S. Department of Transportation, Transport Canada and CBSA and through other electronic media such as Twitter and the Government of Canada’s Wireless Portal. Real-time information will be available to the public on websites, roadside signs and other traveler information systems by the end of 2013.

Additional committees will be established at the eight international airports in Canada that provide U.S. preclearance. Both the existing and new Binational Port Operations Committees will play an important role in improving how to manage travel and trade flows and expedite the processing of travelers and goods.

More than 65 million business and leisure travelers — 178,000 every day — made trips between the U.S. and Canada last year.

With VIA’s expansion aboard the Ontario-Quebec Corridor, faster trains, fewer delays and increased service are among the improvements. Locomotives and passenger cars are being renovated and rebuilt. The result is better-than-new equipment that delivers more accessible, efficient, and reliable service and, of course, a more comfortable ride.

In VIA Rail business class, travelers can turn travel time into a productive work session. With a business class ticket, passengers have privileged access to the in-station Panorama lounges, priority boarding, and complimentary newspapers to peruse over a delicious meal. VIA Rail offers cell phone service and free Wi-Fi on all trains in the Quebec-Ontario Corridor. Elsewhere in the network, complimentary Wi-Fi is available in most major stations.

VIA Rail offers an unconventional setting to conduct a meeting — conveying creativity yet providing comfort and flexibility.

VIA Rail’s chartered cars create the preferred atmosphere — elect a class of service, as well as meals, destinations and on-board entertainment. In addition to the customizable itinerary, VIA provides complete audiovisual equipment and technical services. After the meeting adjourns, foster team building by taking advantage of the many outdoor activities available by touring a vineyard or hiking a trail in the Canadian Rockies.

More than 50 of VIA’s passenger stations in communities across the country are undergoing renovations. That includes interior and exterior renovations, new roofs, better boarding platforms, more efficient building systems and improved signage. A portion of this funding is also upgrading systems behind the scenes, including new, more efficient technology supporting ticketing and customer services.

New features will be included to make travel more convenient and comfortable for people with restricted mobility. All of VIA trains in the Ontario-Quebec Corridor will have washrooms, seating and facilities designed to enhance accessibility.

With the purchase of a BizPak, passengers are entitled to 10 one-way credits for travel between two pre-determined cities (or points in between) in economy class or six one-way credits in business class. No advance purchase or booking code is necessary as the number of trips is automatically tracked. Travelers can purchase and redeem the BizPak online.

Steam rises toward the Canadian Rockies mountain peaks as I slip into Banff National Park’s historic hot springs. I wear nothing more than a bathing suit and a smile, even though it is winter and the air’s temperature is a bracing -10 C.

The Banff Upper Hot Springs in the town of Banff is where Canada’s national parks system got its start. A century later, as I push out into the warm waters of what is essentially a very large, well-tended pool, I see the springs are still a top getaway for couples as well as families.

There is a silver-haired man in his 50s leading a woman down the steps and into the pool, while a young couple and their toddler are playing closer to the poolside.

Far above, some visitors wearing mittens watch the action from an upper gallery near the large parking lot, adjacent to the modern facility that retains its feel as an historic spa and bathhouse.

Top Shopping and Eateries in Town of Banff
Snow covers the roof of the building that also houses Pleiades Banff Massage and Spa, where you can enjoy couples’ massage or therapeutic massage among other services, perhaps after you alpine ski or snowshoe in the park. I recommend that you book an appointment at the spa, as the hot springs are popular with visitors and locals.

From the hot springs, it is just a 10-minute walk into downtown Banff, where you can find boutiques and gourmet restaurants featuring local fare such as Alberta beef and bison. I love The Bison Restaurant and Lounge that is minutes from bakeries (try Wild Flour) and art galleries (visit Canada House) and unique shops (discover Three Wild Women for fashions from around the world). At night, take in a first-run movie at the Lux Cinema.

Explore Historic Banff National Park
In 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway workers came upon the cave and hot springs that would later become known as The Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Their discovery sparked the beginning of tourism into the park. In 1911, Canada established its parks system, which is now known as Parks Canada. The springs are one of many attractions for visitors.

Water in the Banff Upper Hot Springs pool is kept between 37 C and 40 C (98-104 F) and it includes sulphate, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium and sodium – essentially, pure mineral water.

The hot springs water is heated deep in the earth and feeds through what is known as the Sulfur Mountain thrust fault until it reaches an outlet at Sulfur Mountain. (The pool will be closed for one week of maintenance beginning October 17, 2011).

Visit the hot springs and you are literally steps away from another popular Banff attraction that is open year round, the Banff Gondola.

I’ve taken the eight-minute ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain and it is a blast, offering great views of the town as well as easy hikes at the top. Try a romantic dinner experience at the top of Sulphur Mountain after your gondola ride with Alpine Lights on Saturday evenings, featuring Alberta prime rib.

If you want to continue the hot springs theme at your accommodations, Fox Hotel Inn & Suites in Banff is a modern alpine hotel with a unique grotto hot pool modeled on the Cave and Basin. You enter at the hotel’s lowest level and from the enclosed hot pool you can look up into the night at the stars.

The Red Earth Spa just minutes away offers all kinds of modern therapies.

Almost right across the street from the hot springs is the Rimrock Resort Hotel, a top-tier accommodation with great mountain views that houses the award-winning fine dining restaurant Eden, rated AAA/CAA Five Diamond.

Discover Jasper National Park

You can also find hot springs in Jasper National Park in Alberta, one of Canada’s largest and oldest parks. The Miette Hot Springs about 45 minutes from the town of Jasper closes for the winter beginning in mid-October, but reopens in mid-May. Like the Banff Upper Hot Springs, it features natural waters rich in sulphate and calcium and is the hottest of the Rocky Mountain hot springs, topping out at 53.9 degrees Celsius (129 Fahrenheit). There is good hiking nearby and you can also get spa treatments.

The new Fairmont Spa at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers spa getaway packages that can be perfect for guests who are seeking a romantic winter indulgence, and it has a shopping promenade. Conde Nast Traveler has rated the spa Canada’s #8 Resort Spa. It’s a great way to relax after a winter adventure such as the Maligne Canyon Ice Walk.

For adventurous dining, try Evil Dave’s Grill in the town of Jasper, where the Malevolent Meatloaf features lean ground Alberta bison along with smoked bacon. For vegetarians, the Glad Cow lasagna with spinach, mushrooms and asiago cheese does not disappoint.

Transforming Passenger Rail

We’re laying down new track, revamping our locomotives and passenger cars, and renovating train stations. We’re even building a few new stations as well!

VIA is making sure that every dollar we spend gets a result that counts. You’ll notice changes like:

-safer and faster intercity travel, with more trains and connections every day
-equipment and facilities that give you a more relaxing ride and let you travel in comfort and style
-more reliable services across the board
…and services that are more environmentally friendly than ever before.

TRACKS – Expanding capacity in the Ontario – Quebec Corridor

We are expanding and improving track and infrastructure in the Ontario – Quebec corridor, particularly in the Montreal-Ottawa-Toronto triangle where the demand for service is highest. This means upgrading track to carry faster trains, building more “passing” track so we can pass slower freight trains with fewer delays, and adding sections of third track along major parts of the Montreal-Toronto line to completely separate passenger and freight traffic. When the work is complete, we will have the capacity to serve an estimated 650,000 additional passengers per year.

More trains, more options

As track improvements are completed in the Corridor, we are adding more trains, offering faster service between destinations, with more frequent services every day.

For example, we plan to reduce the average trip time between Montreal and Toronto, and add more weekday trains – including new express and semi-express services.

We’ll double the number of trains between Ottawa and Toronto, add new express services, and reduce the average trip time.

We’ll also be adding new express trains between Montreal and Ottawa.

TRAINS – Rebuilding our trains

We are renewing the equipment we use across the network, from Halifax to Vancouver. Locomotives and passenger cars – most of them in service now for more than 20 years – are being renovated or stripped down and rebuilt from the ground up. The result is better-than-new equipment that delivers more accessible, efficient, and reliable service, and of course, a more comfortable ride.

The “green” travel option

Passenger rail is the most environmentally friendly public transportation available, and we are making it better. New technologies used in rebuilding our locomotives will ensure that they meet current environmental standards for emissions, and improve fuel efficiency.

Many of our passenger cars are going to be more environmentally-friendly as well – new designs will be more efficient in terms of heating, cooling and ventilation systems and will be equipped with other upgrades that reduce power consumption. Completed equipment already in service has shown exceptional results – reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions even more than expected.

STATIONS Better stations

We are upgrading and modernizing more than 50 of our passenger stations in communities across the country. That includes interior and exterior renovations, new roofs, better boarding platforms, more efficient building systems and improved signage. In some cases, it means building completely new stations to meet today’s operational requirements and customer needs.

A portion of this funding is also upgrading systems behind the scenes, like new, more efficient technology supporting ticketing and customer services.

Traveling in comfort

When you arrive at our stations, you will find improved facilities: more comfortable lounges, more efficient ticketing and boarding, a more relaxed and welcoming environment. You will get on trains that are modern, clean and spacious, with interiors and facilities designed to make your journey a great experience. With better equipment, service will be more reliable – and you will get to your destination faster than ever.

BENEFITS

More accessible travel

As we upgrade our equipment, we are building in features to make travel more convenient and comfortable for people with restricted mobility.

These include enhanced sleeping accommodations on the eastern and western transcontinental services, along with larger washroom facilities, improved tie-down areas for those with wheel-chairs, and accommodation for service animals.

All of our trains in the Ontario – Quebec Corridor will have washrooms, seating and facilities designed to enhance accessibility. We are also making the equipment we use for service in remote and northern communities more accessible.

The safest passenger service

We are committed to providing the safest passenger service in Canada.

All of our capital projects make the safety of our customers, and the communities we service, a top priority – from the design of our stations, to improved computerized traffic control and signalling, to upgrading track for safe operations at higher speeds.
As we upgrade track and infrastructure, we are taking measures to improve safety by installing new security fencing at key locations, improving rail-road crossings and, wherever possible, eliminating at-grade intersections between rail lines and roads.

The Bottom Line? Better Service, Better Value

The Capital Investment Projects are transforming virtually every aspect of VIA’s passenger rail service in Canada. Each project is making a difference that matters – delivering better service and more value to our customers, and to Canada.

About VIA Rail Canada

As Canada’s national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada’s (www.viarail.ca ) mandate is to provide efficient, more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation, in the country’s two official languages. Every week VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500 kilometers route network.

The demand for VIA services is growing as travelers increasingly turn to train travel as a safe, hassle-free and environmentally responsible alternative to congested roads and airports. Follow VIA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/via_rail.  Check out VIA’s new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/viarailcanada