Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Vancouver, Seattle, and Victoria Rail Journey

Independent rail and ferry loop through Vancouver, Seattle, and Victoria

Vancouver, Seattle, and Victoria Rail Journey, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 7-day independent journey that begins in Vancouver, travels south to Seattle, crosses by ferry to Victoria, and returns by ferry to Vancouver at the end. The first two days are spent in Vancouver, with a hop-on, hop-off loop through Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, and Granville Island, plus a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. On day 3, the Amtrak Cascades carries travelers to Seattle for two more nights, including a ride to the top of the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit. A ferry crossing then reaches Victoria, the self-described 'City of Gardens,' for a visit to Butchart Gardens and its Victorian architecture, before the return ferry to Vancouver. Because there is no guide and hotels are chosen from a list of options across tiers and cities, this suits independent travelers comfortable planning their own days in each stop.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only the Vancouver to Seattle leg of this journey is by train, on the Amtrak Cascades; the Seattle to Victoria and Victoria to Vancouver segments are ferry crossings, not rail.
  • The 16 listed hotels are accommodation options across price tiers and cities, not a fixed run of consecutive stays; the hotel you get depends on the tier and city option you choose.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Your Journey Begins in Vancouver

    Welcome to Vancouver! Check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and begin to discover the vibrant city.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver, BC

    Begin using your hop-on, hop-off loop sightseeing tour, covering Downtown, Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island and more. Also visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

  3. Day 3overnight: Seattle

    Vancouver to Seattle

    Sit back and relax on the scenic ride through the northwest to Seattle. Travel on your own to your centrally located hotel and start your exploration of the city.

  4. Day 4overnight: Seattle

    Seattle, WA

    Your second day in Seattle includes a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour, a ride to the top of the Space Needle and a visit to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, plus Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, Seattle's Waterfront, and Pier 66.

  5. Day 5overnight: Victoria

    Seattle to Victoria

    Depart on the ferry from Seattle to the beautiful city of Victoria, the "City of Gardens". Use your hop-on, hop-off pass to discover the city and explore the Victorian architecture.

  6. Day 6overnight: Victoria

    Victoria, BC

    Visit the famous Butchart Gardens, featuring over 55 acres of manicured grounds, blossoms and fragrances. This evening, explore the beauty of Victoria's streets, shops and restaurants.

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Vancouver

    After checking out of your hotel, take the ferry transfer from Victoria to Vancouver to continue with your travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A hop-on, hop-off loop covers Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, and Granville Island, and the day includes a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
  • Day 4A second day in Seattle includes a ride to the top of the Space Needle and a visit to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit.
  • Day 5The ferry from Seattle crosses to Victoria, the self-described 'City of Gardens,' where a hop-on, hop-off pass covers the city's Victorian architecture.
  • Day 6Butchart Gardens, more than 55 acres of manicured grounds, blossoms, and fragrances, is visited outside Victoria.

Included

  • 6 nights' hotel accommodations
  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Vancouver to Seattle on the Cascades®
  • One-way ferry service from Seattle to Victoria, and Victoria to Vancouver

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, one way. The package includes one-way Amtrak Coach travel from Vancouver to Seattle on the Cascades; the rest of the route, Seattle to Victoria and Victoria to Vancouver, is by included ferry service.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It's an independent rail and ferry journey. Travelers make their own way between hotels and explore each city using hop-on, hop-off passes, with no guide accompanying the group.
Which train is used?
The Amtrak Cascades, in Coach class, for the Vancouver to Seattle leg.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 16 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including the Fairmont Pacific Rim, Fairmont Waterfront, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Hilton Vancouver Downtown, Georgian Court Hotel, and Hampton Inn & Suites properties in Vancouver and Seattle.
What is included?
6 nights' hotel accommodations, hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tours in Vancouver, Seattle, and Victoria, and admission to the Vancouver Lookout, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Butchart Gardens.

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