Vancouver, BC
We recently enjoyed a short – but packed – train trip along the Pacific Northwest coast, from Seattle to Vancouver, BC and back.
Day 1 - Seattle to Vancouver
We began the adventure, arriving at Seattle’s King Street Station in advance of the 7 a.m. departure of the Amtrak Cascades train north to Vancouver.
King Street Station, Seattle, Washington
The historic station is cavernous. Shouted out announcements, echoing against the high and ornate ceilings and walls, were difficult to understand so we just followed the lead of more veteran travelers. After glancing at our tickets, the station employees directed us to a waiting car with lots of empty unassigned seats. We chose the left side facing in the direction of our northerly travel; the better to view the anticipated coastline.
Spawning Salmon, Chuckanut Creek, Bellingham, Washington
The Puget Sound and water views along the way were gorgeous. As we approached the Chuckanut Park shoreline south of Bellingham, the engineer slowed the train so we could have a great view of salmon spawning up a creek.
This was definitely a place to visit on foot and spend more time exploring.
After crossing the international border, the train continued along the coastline, providing great views and plenty of photo opportunities. One surprising - and unexpected - view near White Rock, Canada was a man standing on a remote beach (facing away from the train) looking like he was about to dive into the chilly water. Oh, I should mention, he was nude. No photo of that; just a memory.
Pacific Central Station, Vancouver BC
Upon arrival at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station we joined the other passengers in a long queue for a B.C. customs inspection (complete with the officer’s suspicious looks and grilling questions). We thought about walking 1.3 miles to the hotel but opted for four-wheeled transportation. But which type: Lyft, Uber or taxi? Choices, choices. Eventually decided on a taxi (less expensive and readily available) which whisked us to our Opus boutique hotel in the heart of the vibrant Yaletown District. Once an industrial area dominated by warehouses and rail yards, the 1986 World’s Fair launched its transformation into today’s modern densely populated area.
We were greeted by the hotel staff with smiles and a complementary glass of champagne.
View from Opus Hotel, Yaletown, Vancouver BC
Our suite provided a spectacular view of the residential high rises and the waterfront.
Small Victory, Bread & Coffee, Yaletown, Vancouver BC
It was early afternoon, so time to refuel and replenish at nearby Small Victory Bread & Coffee.
A few hours later we had an excellent delicious Thai meal at Zab Zaab. The popular restaurant became steadily busier as the evening wore on.
Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver
I started off day 2 with an inspection of the hotel’s fitness center and then walked across the street to the Yaletown subway station.
Descending a series of escalators, I was challenged by the automated ticket terminals. Unfortunately, my credit card kept being declined (note to self: inform Citibank in advance of an international trip) but a short work-around allowed me to board. I rode the subway to the waterfront and back just to see the sights.
false creek ferry, Yaletown, Vancouver BC
Later in the morning we journeyed “overseas” (across False Creek aboard a small ferry) for a pleasant and scenic passage to Granville Island.
Granville Island Public Market exterior sign, Vancouver BC
Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver BC
Wandering through the lively Public Market, we took in the sights, sounds and aromas of its many bakeries, produce stands, coffee shops, soup kitchens, pot pies, art, and more.
Fishing boat “Relief” under Granville Island Bridge, Vancouver BC
The 1929 Canadian vessel “Relief” is prominently displayed under the Granville Street Bridge. The ship has quite a history. Initially a rum runner during the Prohibition, after a few warning shots across the bow from the U.S. Coast Guard it took on a second and extended life as a line trawler fishing boat along the Western Pacific Coast.
There was a woman soloist standing alone in the chill of the morning, singing a lovely rendition of Joan Baez to a sparse audience.
Yaletown high rises by False Creek, Vancouver BC
Took the False Creek ferry back to Yaletown. Along the way the skipper described the urban landscape, commenting on how it was more expensive than his winter getaway in Bali.
Opus Hotel e-bikes, Stanley Park, Vancouver BC
Stanley Park, Vancouver BC
Girl in Wetsuit. 1972 bronze sculpture. Artist: Elek Imredy. Stanley Park, Vancouver BC
We accepted the hotel’s free e-bike offer and leisurely pedaled along the seawall to and around beautiful Stanley Park, enjoying the views and mingling with other outdoor enthusiasts.
Upon our return we stopped at the O-Cha Tea Bar for a warm up beverage and then capped off the day with happy hour drinks and a meal at The Flying Pig (highly recommend!)
Opus Hotel, Yaletown, Vancouver BC
After a short walk from the restaurant, the Opus Hotel was easy to locate with its vibrant holiday light display.
Day 3 - Early train home
Last day. We rose early. I’d say at the “crack of dawn,” but 4:30 a.m. was about three hours before sunrise. Yawn! The hotel room offered coffee pods; not as good as Small Victory coffee, but sufficient to infuse us with a jolt of caffeine before the accelerated taxi ride – quick and inexpensive – along empty streets to the station. That was followed by an equally fast ticket and B.C. Custom check before boarding. We grabbed coffee in the dining car and settled in for the 4-hour ride back to Seattle, with multiple stops along the way. We passed some beautiful scenery and wildlife habitats too.
And that wrapped up our Pacific Northwest train adventure! It was such a fun experience getting to see the coast from the train and briefly explore Vancouver.
Want to know more about places to visit in Vancouver?
Check out our Vancouver Travel Guide!
