Book your ticket from Portland to Vancouver on Amtrak's Web site (see Resources) or by calling (800) USA-RAIL.
Order your ticket to be mailed to you or pick it up at the station on your day of departure.
Book a business class ticket to take advantage of priority boarding, larger seats and enhanced leg space.
Be prepared to provide a little more information when you book tickets to Vancouver, B.C. This includes your country of citizenship, birth date and other pertinent information.
Take advantage of group discounts, student discounts and promotional rates. Many travel agencies, auto clubs and other organizations offer very compelling discounts on Amtrak travel fares.
Bring your ID (driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport) with you, as you need to prove both your identity as well as your country of citizenship. A driver's license and passport are standard, although a driver's license or government issued ID card and birth certificate can also be used as identification. These documents will be inspected at the international border crossing.
Bring cash to convert to Canadian dollars when you arrive. There is a currency exchange in the Vancouver station as well as at any local bank in town.
Check the train's departure timetables on the day you plan to leave and return, as times may be delayed for weather or mechanical reasons.
Bring a camera. The scenery on the Cascades train route from Portland to Vancouver is breathtakingly beautiful at all times of year.
