Amtrak Cascades service to Vancouver is back, which means easier Canadian getaways
A key section of an iconic train route is once again available for those looking to travel through the Pacific Northwest. For the first time in years, you can ride Amtrak’s Cascades Train beyond the northern border of the U.S. all the way to Vancouver, British Columbia.
On Sept. 26, Amtrak resumed the northernmost portion of its Cascades Train for the first time since the start of the pandemic. The restoration of this 140-plus-mile portion of the popular route means train enthusiasts and other travelers looking for a scenic trip through Oregon, Washington and British Columbia can finally enjoy the entire trip again.
Canada just dropped its final remaining COVID-19 entry requirements at the start of October, so if you’re looking for a fall getaway, you can ride the rails across the border without having to test, enter vaccination information or fill out health data on an app.
The change is the latest example of Amtrak restoring Canada service as demand for train travel has rebounded. The rail operator restored its service between New York City and Toronto earlier this year which had been suspended at the start of the pandemic.
Amtrak’s Cascades Train
Amtrak’s Cascades service — just one of its many iconic train routes nationwide — runs between Eugene, Oregon, and Vancouver if you catch a train that runs the length of the route. Take the Cascades train the whole way, and you’re looking at a 10-plus hour journey.
It’s one you’re sure to remember, though. Starting from Eugene, the full route includes stops in Salem and Portland in Oregon, as well as Tacoma and Seattle in Washington. The northbound service terminated in Seattle during the pandemic.
A trip on the Cascades train will take you along the water and through river and mountain vistas. Have your camera ready, because you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of Mount St. Helens and the Columbia River Gorge along the way.
Service plans
For the newly reinstated portion of the trip between Seattle and Vancouver, a train will depart Seattle at 7:45 a.m. Pacific time each morning and arrive in Vancouver four hours later, at 11:45 a.m.
Southbound trips will include a 5:54 p.m. departure from Vancouver, with arrival in Seattle at 10:10 p.m.
This portion of the service will include just one round trip each day, though Amtrak noted it is hoping to add a second daily round trip between Seattle and Vancouver as staffing and equipment allow.
In addition to the Canada portion of the service, there are three daily round trips available between Portland and Seattle.
Booking a trip
The simpler entry process to Canada and reinstated Amtrak rail access to Vancouver could be a great excuse for a fall weekend getaway.
Looking at the weekend of Oct. 15-16, you could leave Seattle early Saturday morning, arriving in at Vancouver’s Pacific Coast Station just before noon. The northbound trip goes for $64; note that business class is sold out, a testament to the immediate popularity of this route now that it’s been relaunched.
The Sunday evening return trip allows you pretty much a full day in the city before a leisurely train ride back to Seattle.
With the return ride priced at $82, that brings the round-trip total to $164. It’s not out of the question that you could find comparably-priced airfare and a quicker trip by plane, but of course, part of the allure here is the incredible sights you’ll see along your journey on the northbound trip, at least; as the sun sets earlier and earlier, it will get dark fairly quickly into your ride back.
Where to stay
For your stay in Vancouver that weekend, one of the better options we found for one night was the Hyatt Regency, which is right in the heart of downtown and, at about a mile and a half from Vancouver’s Pacific Coast station, a short Uber ride from the station once you arrive in town. The one-night stay goes for $264. Or, you can get the stay for 9,000 World of Hyatt points — which is worth about $153 according to TPG’s points and miles valuations.
If you’re looking to book within the Marriott portfolio, one of the better cash deals you can find is at the Metropolitan Hotel downtown, which goes for just under $200 for the night. You could also book it for 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, but a quick check of TPG’s points vs. cash calculator suggests you’d be better off paying cash for this stay.
Bottom line
While there are lots of great sights to see on the U.S. portion of Amtrak’s Cascades train, the reinstatement of its service across the northern border to Vancouver makes it all the more appealing for journeys by rail. With fall foliage to be seen and easier access to Canada than at any point since early 2020, it could be just the excuse you need to book a trip to British Columbia.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.