A Scenic Ride on the Cascades Train from Seattle to Vancouver

One of the best coastal train journeys in North America

The Amtrak Cascades train from Seattle to Vancouver is among the most scenic train rides I have ever taken. The route hugs the coastline for most of its 5-hour journey and, if you’re lucky, you can even get a glimpse of both the Olympic and Cascades Mountains rising in the distance. With its stunning views of the Pacific Northwest and slow pace, this journey is for those who loves trains, nature, or just wants to unwind instead of sitting in traffic on the Interstate 5.

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I took this round-trip journey in early April 2025, a time when the Pacific Northwest truly begins to bloom. Cherry and apple trees were bursting with colour, and tulip fields - yes, actual tulip fields - were visible from the train as we rolled through the Skagit Valley countryside. It felt like I was somewhere in the Netherlands.

The onboard experience was cozy and relaxed. I rode in a coach class, which was surprisingly comfortable despite not being the original branded Cascades cars. Those were retired just a week before my trip due to corrosion issues discovered during inspections. The replacement Siemens AIRO cars are expected to enter service as soon as in 2026, but for now, the regular Amtrak coaches do the job just fine. The only drawback is that there were fewer coaches so the train was pretty full.

I especially enjoyed having breakfast and coffee in the dining car: there’s something timeless about sipping coffee while watching the coastline pass by.

One of the more amusing characters on the trip was Tim, a train conductor with a strong voice and a talent for announcements. He made sure every passenger in the car knew exactly where everyone was going, even if it meant mispronouncing “Seattle” as “Seettle” with a long “ee.” His sense of humour added some charm to the otherwise ordinary train ride.

The train made only brief stops, but one of the highlights was passing through Bellingham, where I caught a glimpse of the Alaska ferry docked in the harbour. That ferry is part of the Alaska Marine Highway System and runs weekly to Ketchikan. One day I hope to take it and explore Alaska not on a cruise ship, but using ferries and trains (yes, there are some cool trains in Alaska!).

Seattle’s King Street Station is a gem restored to its original grandeur. It’s filled with history and architectural beauty.

Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station is equally impressive, and it felt familiar since my wife and I had taken a cross-Canada train from there to Toronto earlier in the year.

The Canadian: A Journey of a Lifetime

But the real magic of the Cascades route lies in the long stretch where the tracks run right along the coast. Beaches, rugged cliffs, and people walking their dogs or strolling along the shore - it was like watching a living postcard.

White Rock, BC, with its long pier (the longest in Canada), was especially memorable.

Did you know that the white rock isn’t naturally white? Historically, it was white-ish due to seabird guano that acted as a natural beacon for sailors. The city keeps it white now through regular painting by the city’s parks department.

Crossing the border was surprisingly smooth. On the way into the U.S., the process was quick and efficient, you just need to stay in your seat and refrain from using a bathroom. Returning to Canada was even easier thanks to border patrol being handled right at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station.

And finally, one moment that still makes me smile: while lining up to board the train in Seattle, a station officer announced, “I will say it once and won’t repeat again: the ocean views will be on the left. Good luck.” It was the perfect blend of dry humor and practical advice - and yes, I made sure to sit on the left and enjoyed the views ∎.