While many Americans are still basking in the sun, others are seeking out lush woodlands ready to pop in fall colors any day now.
Some of us prefer to take the backroads through vibrant foliage-lined streets, but why not let the conductor take the wheel…or buttons…or whatever the heck they use to guide you through one of the prettiest regions of the U.S?
It’s safe to say Americans need to take a page out of Europe’s playbook and travel by train more often, whereas this time of year is absolutely spectacular to hit the rails!
One such region is New York, both the iconic city and upstate all the way to the Canadian border and beyond.
In fact, the Big Apple is where you should begin your scenic journey on Amtrak’s Adirondack Train this fall as you zoom through the East Coast’s fall splendor to Canada’s most cultural city.
Pack Your Passport For New York’s Best Fall Adventure!
Any excuse to visit New York City is okay with me, and it makes for the perfect starting point for an epic fall excursion.
Departing the famous Penn Station, get ready to leave behind the bright lights of the city and embrace all that fall has to offer.
Central Park is cool and all, but wait ’til you see what Amtrak’s ‘Adirondack’ route has in store!
You’ll head north aboard a comfy train equipped with free wifi and offering meals, snacks, and beverages no matter which seat class you choose.
After passing Yonkers and Poughkeepsie, the scenery noticeably shifts once you arrive at the ‘Hudson’ stop.
The famed Hudson Valley showcases a rush of autumnal hues and serves as a gateway to the mesmerizing Catskills, too.
Lake Champlain: New York & Vermont’s Shared Shining Star This Fall
If you’re aboard for the whole ride, you’ll want to snag a window seat as early as possible!
Once you pass Hudson Station, your next stop is Albany, New York’s capital city. Here, many opt for neighboring Vermont, as few places are more gorgeous this season than the Green Mountain State.
Both New York and Vermont share one of the most Instagram-able sites for “leaf peepers” and that is beautiful Lake Champlain.
While the train stays on the New York side never crossing into Vermont, if there was ever a time to depart before Canada, this is it!
Amtrak’s ‘Adirondack’ route lives up to the hype as a “Top 10 Most Scenic Train Ride in the World”, as their website claims, largely in part to this stunning region brimming with a glowing lake surrounded by abundant kaleidoscopic trees.
Beyond the lake lies a set of historic towns, such as Saratoga Springs and Ticonderoga, before reaching the border town of Plattsburgh.
The latter beholds one of America’s most underrated historical sites, all while enjoying the sweeping views of Lake Champlain.
Fort Ticonderoga is a former French fort holding a tumultuous timeline throughout multiple wars but ultimately captured by the British in the late 1700s.
But hey, is anyone mad about fish & chips?
Last Stop: Montreal, Canada’s Most Cultural City
Once you’ve reached Plattsburgh, it’s time to reach for your passport. Crossing into Canada should be a breeze, especially visiting a popular city like Montreal.
Upon crossing our northern neighbor’s border, there are 2 stops left on the docket before your trip comes to an end:
- St-Lambert, QC
- Montreal, QC – Gare Centrale / Central Station
Both stops are in Montreal but on two different sides of the tracks. Okay, enough puns…
If you’re looking for a central location, it’s best to get off at Gare Centrale. You’ll be smack dab in Montreal’s bustling city center, which has great eats (like Joe Beef), beautiful architecture, and beaming parks with bright foliage.
The Adirondack Train departs New York’s Penn Station at 8:35 am, arriving at Montreal’s Gare Central at 10:15pm just in time to check into your hotel and recharge to explore all the wonders of this French-inspired city.
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