Amtrak Cascades, one of Amtrak’s most scenic routes, stretches through the Pacific Northwest running parallel with the Cascade mountain range.
Service for the leg running between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle has been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, however, Amtrak is set to resume service between Vancouver and Seattle on September 26 — just in time for leaf-peepers to enjoy the fall colors.
“Surround yourself with the natural wonders of majestic mountains, glacier blue bays, waterfalls, and volcanoes,” Amtrak explains. “Explore rain forests and alpine meadows, lava fields, and tulip fields. But leave time for lattes and microbrews, salmon, and king crab. Amtrak’s Cascades invites you to indulge your senses with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Pacific Northwest’s chic cities and magnificent landscapes.”
Vancouver To Seattle, And Beyond
The first Cascades train to Vancouver will leave Seattle at 7:45 a.m. on Monday, September 26, stopping at five cities in Washington along the way before crossing the border with Canada and arriving in Vancouver at 11:45 a.m., Amtrak has announced. The towns that Amtrak will stop at along the way are Edmonds, Everett, Stanwood, Mount Vernon, and Bellingham.
For the return trip, Amtrak Cascades will depart Vancouver at 5:45 p.m. and arrive in Seattle at 10:10 p.m.
The single round trip will be offered daily. Eventually, a second daily trip will be offered after Amtrak ramps up staff and equipment.
The route also offers three daily round trips between Seattle and Portland, Oregon, as well as two daily round trips between Portland and Eugene, Oregon. Travelers may also cross the scenic Columbia River Gorge and pass Mount Hood.
“Amtrak Cascades runs along the water from British Columbia, through river and mountain vistas in Washington and Oregon, offering customers views of some of the country’s most distinctive cities and spectacular natural attractions,” Amtrak explains. “While onboard, customers can enjoy the cafe car which features products grown and made in the Pacific Northwest on its current bistro menu.”
Know Before You Go
If you’re planning to travel aboard Amtrak Cascades to Vancouver, BC, you’ll need to keep in mind that all passengers must comply with Canada’s border measures before traveling using the ArriveCAN app, a digital platform operated by the government of Canada. Also, all non-Canadian citizens must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Finally, all travelers must wear a face mask while aboard trains traveling through Canada and in Canadian train stations.
You can find a map of the entire Amtrak Cascades route and learn more about the train’s amenities and accommodations here.
You can buy tickets here or by using the Amtrak app.
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