Update: The second train starts running August 19th.
Starting in August, two Amtrak Cascade trains a day will make the cross border journey to Vancouver, BC. This means that, finally, Vancouver bound Portlanders won’t have to transfer to a bus or wait until the next day for the final leg of the trip after Seattle.
The service was supposed to start last summer, but Amtrak wouldn’t agree to the additional fees the Canada Border Services Agency wanted to impose for the second train. The Canadian Government has agreed to waive the fees . . . until after the 2010 Winter Olympics, and which point they will be reconsidered.
This is so very awesome. I love visiting Vancouver, and Canadia MUST realize that this will make it easier and more likely for tourists to come up from the south and spend *plenty* of money in their country. Now if only we could have dedicated rail so the right-of-way for freight doesn’t slow down the passenger rail so much…
YEAH!! I’ve been waiting for this day.
Huzzah!!!
Sweet! I was thinking we might schedule a big family trip to the Olympics up in Vancouver next year. Maybe we’d drive to Portland and take the train up to BC? Might be fun!
I like the map designation for BC
devlyn, Ardman, GK107, Steve – Yeah, this will make vacation plans much easier. A long weekend in Vancouver, BC with no driving, no bus, and no overnight stay in Seattle!
Lendog – I’m glad someone noticed! I upgraded the map I snagged from the Amtrak Cascades site a couple years ago; also note the frosty beer mug by Portland. (hmm, maybe I should add a flounder near Seattle)
The way the CBSA and the Canadian federal government have handled this has been utterly moronic. The benefits of this are so patently obvious, it shouldn’t even be an issue.
Crossed the border this weekend and it isn’t a pleasant experience. I suspect the opportunity cost is staggering.
I look forward to the convenience of traveling to Seattle and Portland sans auto if it offers even a modicum of convenience a la European rail travel. Hopefully, Amtrak offers craft beer. Hell, they could even offer a West Coast craft beer travel package!
its been some weeks since the article was published-any news on when it will happen?
Grant – Just updated the post, looks like the new train starts running on August 19th!
Don’t forget to get your passport or equivalent travel document before boarding the train north.