Via Rail offers rail trips across Canada. (Tony Caldwell/QMI Agency)

Q: Are there tour packages for rail trips in Canada?

-- G. Hawkes, Toronto

A: Many people dream of riding the rails across Canada -- or at least a part of it -- and more tour companies are offering packages.

Tauck (tauck.com) has a 10-day "Grand Canadian Rockies" VIA Rail journey aboard the Canadian.

Tom Armstrong, Tauck's corporate communications manager said the popular route from Vancouver to Jasper, Alta. is the company's fastest growing itinerary.

"Western Canada has been a strong market for us ever since Arthur Tauck, Jr. first pioneered guided tours in the region in the early 1960s."

Prices start at $4,390 per person based on double occupancy (not including airfare). For reservations, visit tauck.com/tours/canada-tours/western-canada-tours/canada-tour-rre-2010.

Another company, Vantage Deluxe World Travel (vantagetravel.com/), says its 11-day Canada TransCanada Rail Odyssey is one of its most popular Canadian tours.

"VIA Rail offers a great opportunity to see Western Canada. ... This specific package is our best seller within our Canada inventory and always receives positive reviews and repeat customers," says Suzy Frangoli, Vantage's v-p of product development.

The unforgettable rail journey includes Vancouver, Niagara Falls, Banff and Jasper National Parks and offers a chance to walk on the Athabasca Glacier before boarding VIA Rail's renowned Canadian from Jasper to Toronto. Prices start at $3,499. For reservations, visit vantagetravel.com/Trip/Trips_872.

For a shorter rail experience, Vacations By Rail (vacationsbyrail.com) has a seven-day journey with stays in Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff, and a 15-minute Summit Helicopter ride over the Rockies. Prices start at $2,469 per person based on double occupancy. For reservations, visit vacationsbyrail.com/canada.

Q: Is it possible to take a "sustainable" safari? Any tips on what to look for?

-- B. Lefebvre, Mississauga

A: The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (maasaitrust.org/) runs conservation, education and health programs in a Maasai reserve on the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. President Edward Norton recently offered these tips on sustainable safaris to Conde Nast Traveler:

-- Check for community investment. Looks for tour operators or foundations that donate $75-$100 per person into a local conservation trust.

-- Avoid places with plunge pools as these use a lot of precious resources.

-- Inquire about general energy use. Ask your lodge how it heats its water. If it's not using solar power, the place is probably running on diesel generators and creating pollution.

-- Norton's top picks for sustainable safaris: Campi ya Kanzi (maasai.com) in southern Kenya for its conscientious staff and Elephant-Watch Safaris (elephantwatchsafaris.com) for its low footprint safaris in northern Kenya.

Q: I'm interested in a one week getaway to a sun destination in September and am thinking of taking the kids. Do you know of any specials? I'm a single parent.

-- A. Kearnes, Etobicoke

A: I Recently heard of two deals.

Beaches Resorts has Single Parent Fun (SPF) Months continuing through Oct. 31. With a three-night stay, Beaches will waive the single supplement (up to $190 US per night) at four resorts in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica. In addition to included fun such as watersports, scuba diving and waterparks, single parent families who book the SPF program will enjoy extras such as tennis lessons, sandcastle building, and an adult "meet and greet" reception.

Bookings must be made before Oct. 24. For details, see your travel agent, call toll-free 1-800-545-8283 or visit Beaches online at beaches.com.

Another all-inclusive family friendly company -- Real Resorts -- recently introduced a Single with Kids Program. The adult pays a single rate and one child under 12 stays and eats free at select resorts. And up to four additional children can share the adult's room for $59 US per day per child.

Single with Kids is valid through Dec. 23 at Gran Caribe Real in Cancun and until Oct. 31 at Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen. The program includes membership in the Oki Kids Club and babysitting for $10 US per hour. For details, see your travel agent or contact Real Resorts at toll-free 1-800-760-0944, or realresorts.com.

Q: I don't have a clue on how to find a travel agent near me. Can you could provide some advice?

-- F. Boyle, Toronto

A: Travel agencies seem to be everywhere in both the real world and the cyber world. A good place to start is the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors (CITC), which has a fabulous tool on their website -- citc.ca -- that will help you find a Certified Travel Professional near you. The travel agent locator allows you to look for agents who specialize in different areas of travel such as certain destinations, gay travel, accessible travel or sustainable travel, etc.

ilona@mycompass.ca