A CANRAIL Pass offers access to the whole VIA Rail train system in Canada, giving 12 days coach travel within a 30-day period. Up to a maximum of three extra days may be purchased within those 30 days, either in advance or during the 30-day validity period. You can start at any point on the network and make as many VIA Rail train stops as you choose.

CANRAIL passes are available both inside and outside Canada but are not valid for other Canadian railways. Tickets must be obtained before boarding. Senior citizens (those aged 60 or more), students with an ISIC card and anyone aged up to 24 may qualify for Senior/Youth rates. The following prices (in Canadian dollars) apply for the year 2000, high season being from June to mid-October.

Adult CANRAIL Pass   $741 (high season) $461 (low). Extra days $63 and $40

Youth/Senior Pass   $667 (high season) $415 (low). Extra days $57 and $36

The North America Rail Pass covers any Amtrak or VIA Rail train (except Amtrak's Auto Train), giving 28,000 route miles and 900 destinations. Travel is limited to four one way journeys over the same route. The pass is valid for 30 days travel in economy class and upgrades to sleeping car accommodation, Custom and Club Class, Metroliner and VIA 1 Class may be purchased at the station. Prices (in Canadian dollars) are $1004 peak (June until mid-October) and $711 off peak (mid-October to May). Youth/Senior prices are $926 (peak) and $652 (off peak).

The Northeastern America Rail Pass is valid between Halifax (NS) and Virginia Beach (VA) in the east, and Windsor (ON) and Chicago (IL) in the west. The pass allows 15 days economy class travel for $597 at peak period (July-August) or $450 off peak (September-June). Youth/Senior prices are $904 (peak) and $640 (off peak). The Northeastern America Rail Pass is only available outside North America so you must have an international passport to prove offshore residence. See also Amtrak passes.

VIA Rail’s sales agent in the UK is 1st Rail, Trafford House, Chester Road, Old Trafford, Manchester, England M32 ORS; tel: 0845 644 3553 (local call); fax : 0845 644 3552 (local call); web: www.1strail.com