When leaving Vancouver, going to Seattle by Amtrak...Is VAC the entry and is it SEA or SVF the destination. I am assuming we will go to Port 69 but all of these northwestern ports are confusing...especially with some having more than one. I am wanting to make sure I enter the correct ENTRY and DESTINATION codes when getting my ticket. Thanks much.

VAC - SEA.

No idea what exactly SVF refers to, but the Seattle train station where the Cascade stops is SEA.

Is "Cascades" another name for Amtrak train? I know I sound clueless and I am...

Victoria...here we come.

I have taken the Empress "high tea" off my things to do in Victoria. Reviews talked like it was a tourist trap...staying with the Gardens, Harbour Tour, and just blunder around the rest of the time. Only staying overnight, so that will be about all we will have time to do. Do you know of anything that I have not found in my searching? Thanks so much for your voice.

All of AMTRAK's trains have names. "Cascade" is the Eugene, OR - Vancouver, BC train that you'll be taking between Vacnouver, BC and Seattle, WA.

When is this trip?

Although the Empress tea is overpriced, there is nowhere else in town like it for atmosphere. It can be quite lovely. If I'd never been, I would want to go once but in the off-season when the prices are a bit better.

The tea is $47. The Blethering Place Tea Room is 17.95. Empress is worth the difference? I certainly appreciate all of these responses.

As a Victoria resident I always recommend Murchies Tea on Government St for the very best afternoon tea in Victoria. The Empress is NOT worth the difference. Murchies charges I believe $24.95 and is far better than the Blethering Place for quality of food. You can walk through the Empress and when tea is not being served certainly sit in the room where tea is served just for the atmosphere. Yes, it is a beautiful hotel but the price can not be justified. You do not get any better service and the tea and food is certainly not as good as Murchies. The White Heather has an excellent tea but it is cramped and not in the downtown area. We usually go out for tea at least twice during the summer because of visiting friends etc and the fact that we really enjoy it. I keep trying the different restaurants but still have not found one as good as Murchies. Just going into their store is an experience. They do recommend reservations. You can check their website at www.murchies.com

and if you want to enjoy the ambiance of the Empress - go to the Bengal Room at night for some drinks .

Willies Bakery is a great place for breakfast- they have an outdoor courtyard with fireplace and heat lamps and they even give you a blanket to put over you legs and the food was great!!

I have now added Murchie's to our itinerary and will check the Empress out after the tea hours. I certainly appreciate your input. Maybe when you need a Southern fix, I can help you out in Nashville, Tn.

Sunburn - great suggestion. If you like curry dishes the Bengal room has a wonderful curry buffet at lunch and it is certainly not anywhere close to the price of the "tea". The food is excellent but you do have to like curry. The Bengal is a beautiful room - you really get the British feel in there.

Traveller69, maybe we could meet you for a quick intro. There is nothing like meeting local people to get the full feel of the area. It is so neat to be able to communicate with you. My email is [email protected] if you ever want to sent me an email.