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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Portland, Seattle & Vancouver with Victoria

Pacific Northwest rail loop: Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria by Amtrak and ferry

Illustration of Portland, Seattle & Vancouver with Victoria

Vacations By Rail's 8-day Pacific Northwest vacation is an independent journey through four cities linked by two Amtrak rail segments and a ferry crossing. You begin in Portland with two days to explore the city's neighborhoods, rose gardens, and Mount Hood views on a guided tour. On Day 3, you board Amtrak's Cascades to Seattle, where you have time to visit Pike Place Market and the Space Needle; Day 4 includes a guided excursion to Snoqualmie Falls in the Cascade foothills. On Day 5, the Cascades carries you onward to Vancouver for two nights. A guided city tour covers Stanley Park, Canada Place, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge; you also have free time at Granville Island. Day 7 features a ferry journey through the Gulf Islands to Victoria, where a guide leads you through the city and to the 55-acre Butchart Gardens before you return by ferry to Vancouver for your final night. This package suits independent travelers who want the structure of booked accommodations and key rail segments without a full-time group escort, and those seeking a mix of city culture and Pacific Northwest natural attractions.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are listed as 'or similar,' so your final accommodation may differ from the named properties.
  • The tour begins in Portland with unguided arrival on Day 1; you arrange your own transport to the hotel.
  • Train travel covers only two segments (Portland-Seattle, Seattle-Vancouver); most days involve city exploration or coach excursions.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Portland

    Arrive Portland

    Arrive in Portland and spend the day touring the city on your own.

  2. Day 2overnight: Portland

    Portland City Tour

    Explore the Pearl District, Nob Hill and Pioneer Courthouse Square, then Washington Park and the International Rose Test Gardens with views of Mount Hood.

  3. Day 3overnight: Seattle

    Seattle Sightseeing

    Board Amtrak's Cascades to Seattle, then explore the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square and the Fremont Troll at your own pace.

  4. Day 4overnight: Seattle

    Snoqualmie Falls Tour

    An excursion into the Cascade foothills to view Snoqualmie Falls before returning to Seattle.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Vancouver

    Train to Vancouver

    Travel aboard the Cascades to Vancouver, with the rest of the day free to explore Canada's Pacific metropolis.

  6. Day 6overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver Sightseeing

    A Vancouver city tour including Stanley Park, Canada Place and the Capilano Suspension Bridge, with free time at Granville Island.

  7. Day 7overnight: Vancouver

    Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour

    A ferry ride through the Gulf Islands to Victoria for a guided city tour and a visit to the 55-acre Butchart Gardens, returning to Vancouver by ferry.

  8. Day 8

    End of tour

    The last day in Vancouver wraps up the tour of the Pacific Northwest.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided Portland tour includes the International Rose Test Gardens with views of Mount Hood.
  • Day 3Board Amtrak's Cascades to Seattle and explore Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.
  • Day 4Excursion to Snoqualmie Falls in the Cascade foothills.
  • Day 6Guided Vancouver city tour includes Stanley Park, Canada Place, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
  • Day 7Ferry ride through the Gulf Islands to Victoria, with guided tour and visit to the 55-acre Butchart Gardens.

Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 7 nights
  • Amtrak's Cascades from Portland to Seattle and Seattle to Vancouver

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. Vacations By Rail includes both Amtrak's Cascades journeys (Portland to Seattle and Seattle to Vancouver) in Coach or Business Class. Hotel accommodations for 7 nights are also included. Meals, optional activities, and tours in some cities are not included.
Will I be part of a group or traveling independently?
This is an independent vacation. You travel on your own following a planned itinerary, but guided city tours are included in Portland, Vancouver, and Victoria.
How much walking and physical activity is involved?
The tour includes city walking tours, an excursion to Snoqualmie Falls, a ferry journey, and a visit to Butchart Gardens with the Capilano Suspension Bridge, plus free time to explore cities at your own pace. Expect moderate daily walking.
What is not included in the price?
The from-price of USD 2,595 covers hotel accommodations and the two Amtrak train segments. Not included are meals (except those offered on the trains), optional city tours beyond those specified, attractions, and activities in free-time hours. Check with Vacations By Rail on what specific guided tours are part of the package.
When does this tour run?
Vacations By Rail has not published specific departure dates in the available information. Contact the operator to confirm current availability.
Can I extend the tour?
Yes. Optional extensions include additional nights or activities in Portland or Vancouver, a tour extension with the Empire Builder from Chicago or the Coast Starlight from San Francisco or Los Angeles, or continuing to explore more of Canada.

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