Does Amtrak go to British Columbia?

No, Amtrak Doesn’t Go to British Columbia… But Almost!

The simple answer is no, Amtrak, the national passenger rail system of the United States, does not directly serve British Columbia, Canada. However, the question deserves a more nuanced response, as the reality is far more interesting than a simple “no.”

While Amtrak’s trains don’t physically cross the border into British Columbia, they offer a crucial connection to British Columbia via Seattle, Washington. This makes it possible to enjoy a seamless journey between the two Pacific Northwest hubs, albeit with a change of transportation at the border.

The popular route in question involves Amtrak Cascades, a joint venture between Amtrak and the Washington State Department of Transportation. Amtrak Cascades offers daily train service between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. While this isn’t technically “Amtrak going to British Columbia,” it provides a practical and convenient rail option for travelers wishing to avoid a long drive.

Passengers take an Amtrak Cascades train to Seattle, then seamlessly connect to a different mode of transportation – often a bus or another rail service – to complete the journey to Vancouver. This integrated system allows for a relatively smooth transition, offering a compelling alternative to solely driving or flying.

The experience offers a compelling blend of rail travel and border-crossing logistics. While not a single, uninterrupted Amtrak journey, it leverages the network’s reach to extend convenient rail travel across the international border. This interconnected system highlights the potential for future expansion of true cross-border Amtrak service, a prospect eagerly awaited by many in the Pacific Northwest. For now, however, the experience is one of seamless integration rather than a direct Amtrak presence in British Columbia. Therefore, while Amtrak doesn’t technically go to British Columbia, it provides a very practical and appealing route to British Columbia for many travellers.