Continuing their support for GLBT events and closely following the success of their dedicated PRIDE Toronto train, VIA Rail Canada — a Proud partner of Montréal Pride - invites travelers to discover this exciting historic city during the Pride Celebrations.in Montréal. From August 8 to 18, VIA Rail is offering a 10% discount on the best available fares valid on one-way or round trip travel to Montréal, QC, from anywhere on the VIA network.
The promotion is available on any class of service, except in Economy — special fare or Business — supersaver fare. Interested travelers can book online by visiting www.viarail.ca/en/pridepromo and entering the discount code 11928, or by calling 1 888 VIA-RAIL. This offer cannot be combined with any other coupon, discount or promotion which requires a discount code to qualify.
GLBT travelers can take advantage of VIA Rail's convenient routes and services year round and enjoy multi-city events at diverse GLBT-friendly cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Kingston, Ottawa,Montréal and Halifax, that offer a plethora of events throughout the year. For more information, or to plan a trip with VIA Rail, visit them on the web atwww.viarail.ca.
History of VIA Rail and GLBT:
A longtime supporter of the GLBT market, VIA Rail Canada has been involved with many different GLBT events and organizations. In addition to Toronto Pride, VIA Rail sponsors several GLBT specific events, including: Montréal Pride; Inside Out - Toronto's GLBT film festival; Pride events throughout Ontario; and is a long time sponsor of events that have a large impact with the gay community, such as the Toronto's People With AIDS Foundation annual Bike Rally. They were a major sponsor of the first World Out Games held in Montréal in 2006 and aid smaller GLBT organizations with donations, including Eagle and Youth Line.
Currently, the national rail service is a member of the Ontario and Quebec Gay & Lesbian Chambers of Commerce, as well as IGLTA and Travel Gay Canada, in which VIA Rail's Manager, Market Development; Darrell Shuurman is the chair. Shuurman is also the co-founder of the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce ( CGLCC ) , a not-for-profit organization established in 2003 that is responsible for improving economic opportunities for gay and gay-friendly businesses within Canada.
Shuurman joined VIA Rail in 2004 and has been serving as the company's in-house GLBT advocate to this date. "All of these affiliations and partnerships/sponsorships allow us to '"walk the talk,' ensuring that we are active within the local communities, while showcasing our support to the market" he said.