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While many Americans are still basking in the sun, others are looking for lush forests ready to dive in autumn colours every day now.
Some of us prefer to take the back roads through lively, tree-lined streets, but why not let the conductor take the wheel… or the buttons… or whatever they use to get you through one of the most beautiful regions of the US?
It’s safe to say that Americans need to take a page out of the European playbook and travel by train more often, while this time of year is absolutely spectacular for getting on the rails!
One such region is New York, both the iconic city and state all the way to the Canadian border and beyond.
In fact, the Big Apple is where you should start your scenic journey Amtrak’s Adirondack Train this fall as you navigate the The autumn splendor of the East Coast transforms into Canada’s most cultural city.
Pack your passport for New York’s best fall adventure!
Any excuse to visit New York City is fine by me, and it’s the perfect starting point for one epic fall excursion.
As you leave the famous Penn Station, get ready to leave the bright lights of the city behind and embrace all that fall has to offer.
Central Park is cool and all, but wait until you see what Amtrak’s ‘Adirondack’ route has in store!
You’ll travel north aboard a comfortable train equipped with free Wi-Fi and offering meals, snacks and drinks, regardless of which seat class you choose.
After passing Yonkers and Poughkeepsie, the scenery changes noticeably once you arrive at the ‘Hudson’ stop.
The famous Hudson Valley shows a rush of autumn tones and also serves as a gateway to the enchanting Catskills.
Lake Champlain: New York and Vermont’s shared shining star this fall
If you’re on board for the entire ride, you’ll definitely want to do that grab a seat by the window as early as possible!
Once you pass Hudson Station, your next stop is Albany, the capital of New York. Here, many choose neighboring Vermont, as few places are more beautiful this season than the Green Mountain State.
Both New York and Vermont share one of the most Instagrammable sites for leaf peepers and it’s beautiful Lake Champlain.
While the train stays on the New York side and never enters Vermont, if there was ever a time to leave before Canada, this is it!
Amtrak’s ‘Adirondack’ route lives up to the hype as a “Top 10 most beautiful train rides in the world,” as their website claims, largely due in part to this beautiful region filled with a glowing lake surrounded by abundant kaleidoscopic trees.
Beyond the lake lies a series of historic towns, such as Saratoga Resources And Ticonderogabefore we reach the border town Plattsburgh.
The latter sees one of America’s most underrated historic sites while enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Champlain.
Fort Ticonderoga is a former French fortress that endured a tumultuous timeline during multiple wars, but was ultimately conquered by the British in the late 18th century.
But hey, does anyone love fish & chips?
Last stop: MontrealCanada’s most cultural city
Once you reach Plattsburgh, it’s time to grab your passport. The crossing to Canada should be a piece of cakeespecially if you visit a popular city like Montreal.
When crossing the border of our northern neighbors, there are 2 more stops before your journey 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 traces. Okay, enough puns…
If you’re looking for a central location it is best to get off at Gare Centrale. You’ll be right in Montreal’s vibrant city center, where you can enjoy delicious food (like Joe Beef), beautiful architectureand radiant parks with bright leaves.
The Adirondack Train departs New York’s Penn Station at 8:35 AM and arrives at Montreal’s Gare Central at 10:15 PM, just in time to check into your hotel and recharge to explore all the wonders of this French-inspired city.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
