ISIC Card

The international student identity card is out there for anyone 12 years old and up, in elementary, high school, college, university, or any type of post secondary. If you’re a student somewhere, you’re eligible. This card can be used in over 120 different countries around the world, including Canada. Discounts include anything from restaurants, accommodations, flights, tours, and shopping. The cost of ISIC card varies depending on which country you purchase it in, some schools give them away for free, others charge upwards of $20. Regardless of the cost of the card, the savings can be immense. One of the most popular places to save money with the ISIC Card is Via Rail, they offer some great student discounts for anyone considering traveling Canada by train. Visit ISIC for more information. Not a student? No problem, if you’re 26 years old or under, you’re eligible for the IYTC (International Youth Travel Card), which gives you the same great savings.

HI / YHA Card

The HI / YHA Card can come in handy anywhere there’s a hostel that is part of the HI or YHA Network, which as luck has it, is just about anywhere in the world. In Canada there is over 400 different places that accept the card, including every HI Hostel in Canada. On average you save $4 everytime you book a night in an HI Hostel. You might be thinking, couple toonies saved per night, not bad. But here’s when the big savings come in. When you travel by Greyhound with your HI/YHA card you can save 25% off one way and round trip tickets anywhere in Canada. You can also get 5% off any bookings made with Moose Travel Network. Big savings abound, and with a yearly cost of only $35, the card pays for itself after the first couple weeks. Visit HI-Canada Card for more information.

I’m sure there are a few other cards out there worth trying as well, but these are the only two I’ve ever personally had experience with. They’ve treated me well thus far and saved me a bit of coin on travel and accommodation and such, hopefully they can help you out too.

Train Travel in Canada is still very much a part of this country’s heritage. There are many ways to see Canada, but the to see the Great North by train is easily one of the most memorable. With countless different routes you can choose from, such as long haul coast to coast trains, to just city to city rides. Each of them provide a unique look into the Canadian landscape.  Below are some of my favourite train trips in Canada.

The Canadian

Easily one of the greatest train journeys in Canada, VIA Rail’s “The Canadian” runs thrice a week, 365 days a year. The Canadian links Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Jasper, and Vancouver. This scenic journey takes 4 nights from start to finish. VIA Rail still uses the original 1955 built stainless-steel coaches to get you from point A to point B. There are two classes to choose from.

Economy Class – Comfy seats with plenty of room to stretch and relax, along with full-coarse meals, snacks, hot and cold drinks, and booze is available for purchase. Pillows and blankets are also provided during the night.

Sleeper Class – Cosy accommodations in a berth, a cabin for one, two, three, or four people, or go all out and get a suite. Delicious meals which highlight regional specialties. Exclusive access to the Park Car, with lounges, and the famous 360-degree panoramic views.

Click here for more information on “The Canadian”

The Rocky Mountaineer

For one of the most majestic train travel experiences, look into The Rocky Mountaineer Train. It’s a unique experience, considered by most to be a trip of a lifetime. The Rocky Mountaineer follows the historic route which was constructed over 100 years ago, uniting the East with the West. The journey will take two days from start to finish. The Rocky Mountaineer only travels during the day, which is probably a good thing, as you don’t want to miss a sight on this ride. Stops include Vancouver, Whistler, Jasper, Banff, and Calgary. Expect to see plenty of wildlife, and some of the most beautiful scenery you can imagine.

Click here for booking information on The Rocky Mountaineer

“The Ocean”

This train departs from Montreal in the evening and arrives in Halifax roughly 20 hours later. The Ocean is an overnight journey which follows the St. Lawrence River, before crossing into New Brunswick, followed by Nova Scotia. Take a peak out into the Atlantic ocean, and on a calm night reflections of the train can put any insomniac to sleep. The Ocean is a year round train, which offers plenty of room. Stops include Montreal, Halifax, and Moncton. The Ocean is one of the best ways to view the East coast of Canada.

Click here for booking information on The Ocean

Winnipeg – Churchill

Finding your way to the Arctic can be difficult, one of the best alternatives to flying up North, is grabbing VIA Rail’s Winnipeg to Churchill train. Watch as the prairies cross into boreal forest, and view what so few have seen before. The Arctic Tundra. This train journey is 1,700 km (1, 000 miles), in two days you could find yourself in Northern Manitoba. The perfect location to spot polar bears, balugas, and the Northern Lights. To top it all off, it’s a relatively cheap ride too.

Click here for booking information on The Winnipeg – Churchill

Train travel however can be expensive. In order to cut as many costs as possible, be sure to take advantage of their youth and student promotions. Students and Adults (18-25) with an ISIC card are eligible for a discount on regular adult economy class fare. Or try the VIA 6 Pak, which gives you 6 voucher for one way travel between any two pre-selected cities on VIA Rail.

Click here for more booking information with VIA Rail