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the ecotraveller

Train travel looks increasingly attractive to eco-minded travellers.

Not since 9/11 has flying been so fraught with frustration. The Christmas Day terrorist incident on Northwest Airlines has made alternatives more appealing than ever - not because we fear terrorists, but because we dread long lineups at security and frustrating carry-on and luggage restrictions. Though driving or sailing to South America or Europe isn't much of an option, there are plenty of ways to travel a few hundred kilometres without stressing yourself or the atmosphere.

You can hit the road, get on a ferry (in some cases) or jump on a train to avoid the hassles that make a short flight seem interminably long. Short-haul flights of three hours or less are the easiest to replace - a good thing as they're one of the most wasteful sources of greenhouse gases, with a greater per-kilometre impact than long-haul flights (since the most fuel is burned during

takeoff and landing). Flying also has a bigger negative impact than driving - the warming effect of emissions in the clouds is about 2.7 times greater than on the ground.

But there are other bonuses to jumping on a train (besides the lighter footprint and price tag): more legroom, bigger bathrooms, Wi-Fi and a better view of the countryside. Though the train takes longer, you're spending more of your time sitting comfortably, reading, working or sleeping, instead of spending hours lining up to check in, going through security and passport control, and getting to and from airports on the outskirts of town as opposed to gliding into and out of the centre of the city.

VANCOUVER TO SEATTLE By air: From $267.73 return with Air Canada Duration: 3 hours, 50 minutes in the air, 2 hours pre-boarding By train: From $70 return with Amtrak Duration: 4 1/2 hours

VANCOUVER TO VICTORIA By air: From $183 return with Air Canada Duration: 11/2 hours: 25 minutes in the air; 1 hour pre-boarding By ferry: $13.50 each way; $45 each way for a vehicle; $2 for a bicycle Duration: 13/4 hours: 11/4 hours on water; 1/2 hour pre-boarding

TORONTO TO MONTREAL By air: From $398.83 return with Air Canada Duration: 2 1/4 hours: 1 hour 15 minutes in the air; 1 hour pre-boarding By train: From $144.90 with Via Rail Duration: 5 hours, give or take 20 minutes

(All fares leaving Friday, Jan. 15, and returning Sunday, Jan. 17.)

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