Amtrak Resumes Cascades Route Service – Cruise Maven

I’m delighted to report that after a two-calendar year suspension on a single of Amtrak’s most scenic trains, the Amtrak Cascades route company will resume in time for fall journey period.  

Amtrak Cascades route concerning Portland or Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. is very attractive and maybe even much more scenic in the slide and wintertime. 

I have been on The Cascades quite a few situations in all seasons and this route is always amazing.  This submit explains why this is these a lovely prepare experience, where it travels and what to assume onboard. 

Amtrak Cascades Route Resumes Support to Canada

The to start with prepare to depart on Amtrak’s Cascades route departs on September 26, 2022 at 7:45 a.m. from Seattle to Vancouver, British Columbia. 

Together the way, the practice has 5 station stops, and arrives into Vancouver at 11:45 a.m.  Tickets are available for buy. 

Hugging the shoreline for most of the route, Amtrak stations stops in Washington incorporate Edmonds, Everett, Stanwood, Mount Vernon and Bellingham, just before crossing the Canadian border.

Heading south with the very same itinerary, the Cascades teach departs from Vancouver at 5:45 p.m. and pulls into Seattle’s Union Station at 10:10 p.m. 

For ease, there is an Embassy Suites lodge adjacent to Seattle’s wonderfully restored Union Station. 

Pre-pandemic, Amtrak Cascades route started in Eugene, Oregon, with numerous stops deep in Oregon, then onto Portland and continued up the lovely Pacific coastline to Vancouver, B.C.  

For now, Amtrak only provides the Cascades route from Seattle to Canada and back after a working day.  A 2nd departure will be scheduled when extra teach crew and products are additional. 

Amtrak provider concerning Seattle and Portland will also resume, with a few everyday roundtrips furthermore two daily roundtrips amongst Eugene and Portland.

For Amtrak travellers arriving into Seattle on the Empire Builder or for individuals who want not to push, Amtrak has 4 day by day buses that run concerning Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. 

Though coach fans love the California Zephyr for its magnificent vistas, Amtrak Cascades route can hold its possess when it arrives to breathtaking landscapes.

Why is the Cascades Route So Scenic?

The Cascades route parallels the ocean for substantially of the 200-mile route, equivalent to the Coast Starlight.  When touring inland from Eugene, Oregon, the Cascades train crosses the vast Columbia River Gorge close to Portland, with sights of Mount Hood in the length.

Snow-capped mountain peaks, towering pine forests and numerous scenic switchbacks make this trip even extra exclusive. Primarily when viewed from the convenience of Amtrak’s outsized seats, entire with drop-down snack table and electrical outlets.  

Amtrak provides complimentary Wi-Fi on the Washington leg of the Cascades route.  There will be a couple places wherever there’s no cell provider, but that doesn’t previous as well extensive. 

Onboard the teach, passengers can mosey over to the Café Car or truck for snacks or meals.  Be certain to attempt the regional Pacific Northwest food and beverages provided on the Bistro Menu. 

What Paperwork Do I Have to have to Enter Canada or the U.S?

When crossing the border amongst the U.S. and Canada, for U.S. citizens over 16 many years outdated, a passport is the encouraged identification to enter Canada and back again into the U.S.  Other acceptable varieties of identification include: 

• United States Passport Card
• Trustworthy Traveler Card (NEXUS, Rapid or SENTRI)
• Enhanced Driver’s License (issued only by Washington Point out, Minnesota, Michigan, New York and Vermont)

Make sure you study Amtrak’s comprehensive checklist of demanded documents for crossing the U.S. and Canada border aboard the Cascades coach. 

Obligatory Heath Specifications to Cross the Borders

In addition to the previously mentioned entry documentation requirements, the Canadian and United States Governments have particular health requirements.  To cross the border, you should meet up with these overall health necessities. 

Maintain in brain that well being and safety requirement are subject matter to improve about time.  Know ahead of you go.

• Travel into United States: Non-U.S. citizen travellers must be entirely vaccinated with an permitted COVID-19 vaccine. 
• Vacation into Canada: All passengers ought to add distinct paperwork into the ArriveCAN application right before travel.  Masks are essential in Canada’s prepare stations and on board trains touring as a result of Canada.
• Non-Canadian citizens ought to be absolutely vaccinated and carry the vaccination history that was uploaded into ArriveCAN.

If you are getting Amtrak’s Cantrail thruway bus service between Seattle and Vancouver, there are also journey necessities. Cantrail’s web page has a record of what you will need to have.

The restart of Amtrak Cascades route to Canada is another move towards complete resumption of Amtrak train support in two a long time. 

Next up, Amtrak will restart their Silver Assistance Silver Meteor in between Miami and New York on Oct 4.

When the Silver Meteor resumes, passengers with a westbound relationship in Chicago won’t have to overnight in New York Metropolis.

Amtrak Restarts Maple Leaf Route Concerning New York and Toronto

Symbolizing the second of 3 Amtrak expert services touring to Canada, service resumption to Vancouver, B.C. follows the to start with Amtrak teach to restart company to Toronto considering the fact that 2020.  Traveling involving New York Metropolis and Toronto, the Maple Leaf departed Toronto for NYC on June 28, 2022.

How Do I Acquire Tickets for an Amtrak U.S. and Canada Practice?

Tickets for Amtrak Cascades or Maple Leaf to Canada can ordered at Amtrak.com, AmtrakCascades.com, the Amtrak application, Amtrak ticket desks and Amtrak kiosks.  Or phone 1-800-United states-RAIL.  Canadians can also reserve their tickets at ViaRail.ca, and as a result of 1-888-Through-RAIL.