Why was the Canadian Pacific Railway built?

When British Columbia joined the Confederation in 1871, they requested a transcontinental railway. They wanted it to be built within 10 years.

Who built the Canadian Pacific Railway?

Sir William Van Horne oversaw the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Thousands of immigrant workers helped to build the tracks.

What did the Canadian Pacific Railway symbolize?

The Canadian Pacific Railway symbolized national unity. This is because it connected Western Canada with Eastern Canada.

Where does the Canadian Pacific Railway start and end?

The Canadian Pacific Railway runs between Montreal, Quebec, and Vancouver, British Columbia.

How long is the Canadian Pacific Railway?

The Canadian Pacific Railway owns 20,100 kilometres (12,500 miles) of track across Canada and the United States.

How much does it cost to ride the Canadian Pacific Railway?

Canadian Pacific Railway holidays vary in price. The cost to ride the Canadian Pacific Railway depends on the length of the trip, train service, desired destinations, and more. Please speak to one of our Canadian Travel Advisors to find out more.

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Canadian Pacific Railway

Published Oct 15, 2025

9 min read

The historic Canadian Pacific Railway is more than 130 years old. This iconic train line traverses the Canadian Rockies and sweeping prairie fields. Built between 1881 and 1886, the railway connects Canada from coast to coast.

Today, there are several ways to experience Canadian Pacific Railway routes. Travel through Canada's varied landscapes, enjoy gourmet meals and watch for wildlife. It's a once-in-a-lifetime train journey that's as unspoiled and timeless as it was in 1886.

The corridor inside a VIA rail train car

Table of contents

Best-selling Canadian Pacific Railway Tours
Canadian Pacific Railway History and Timeline
Quick Facts about the Canadian Pacific Railway
Canadian Pacific Railway Routes and Maps
Train Experiences on the Canadian Pacific Railway
Luxury Options
Accessibility
Popular Canadian Pacific Railway Hotels
Places to Visit Along The Canadian Pacific Railway
Frequently Asked Questions

Since 1996, Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada have been sending travellers on memorable train trips. We specialize in train tours in Canada and only in Canada. We work with you to create the perfect itinerary, where you decide on tours, hotels, train service, and more. Schedule a call with one of our travel experts and let us help you plan your Canadian Pacific Railway vacation.

Best-selling Canadian Pacific Railway Tours

Canada Coast to Coast

Five rail journeys are in this itinerary, making it the ultimate trans-Canada vacation! Spend 19 days travelling from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast, and stop to enjoy authentic local experiences along the way.

Miles covered on train: 3,240

Days on train: 5

Nights on train: 4

Essential Rockies by Train

Our Essential Rockies itinerary is perfect for those with limited vacation time. Ride the Rocky Mountaineer from the city of Vancouver to beautiful Lake Louise, and spend time in the mountain town of Banff.

Miles covered on train: 594

Days on train: 2

Nights on train: N/A

Across Canada by Train

Follow the Canadian Pacific Railway across Canada on this 13-day train tour. This is one of our Canadian Pacific Railway vacations that features both a VIA Rail sleeper train and a Rocky Mountaineer sightseeing train.

Miles covered on train: 2,458

Days on train: 5

Nights on train: 3

Canadian Pacific Railway History and Timeline

Canada's growth was guided by these steel tracks laid almost a century and a half ago. Moments in Canadian Pacific Railroad history include:
1871: British Columbia enters Confederation and requests a transcontinental railway. It would not be cheap, but Prime Minister John A. Macdonald sees the value in connecting the nation from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
1873: Production stalls after Alexander Mackenzie takes power. He believes the railway is a waste of money, but BC threatens to succeed if it's not built.
1873-1878: This time is known as the 'Battle of the Routes'. There were arguments over what the best route would be through the mountainous terrain of Alberta and British Columbia.
1878: John A. Macdonald is back in power, and the Canadian Pacific Railway is now a top priority for the country.
1882: William Van Horne is appointed as the leader of the CPR project. He would complete the project in five years — much faster than planned.
1885: This massive cross-country construction project was completed. The historic Last Spike was driven in by Donald Smith.

The last spike is driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Quick Facts about the Canadian Pacific Railway

This route was not easy to build. Railway workers had to face many hardships. Obstacles included forest fires, grizzly bears and swathes of seemingly impenetrable forests.
Several elegant hotels were built, including Banff Springs Hotel and the Jasper Park Lodge, along the railway route during the late 19th and early 20th century to promote tourism.
The railway played an important part in the Northwest Rebellion of 1885. It allowed soldiers to get from Ontario and Quebec to the Prairies in only ten days.
The railway was also to thank for the discovery of natural gas in Alberta. In 1886, gas was found when construction crews were digging a well to get water for the steam locomotives in Alderson, Alberta.

Canadian Pacific Railway Routes and Maps

Glide down the rails on a Canadian Pacific Railway train and travel along the same route as the early settlers of Canada. Our Canadian Pacific rail maps show you where you can go.

Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver to the Rockies

The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only train running between British Columbia and Alberta. From Vancouver, the train follows three different routes. It stops at the towns in the Rockies: Jasper, Banff or Lake Louise. Journeys include an overnight stay in Kamloops, Quesnel or Whistler, depending on the route.

Rocky Mountaineer runs from mid-April to mid-October.

Explore: Rocky Mountaineer Train Trips

Map of Rocky Mountaineer’s three train routes

#1 Travel tip: Enrich your vacation with themed reading
There are many great non-fiction books and novels about the Canadian Railway. Pierre Berton's The National Dream is an option for history buffs, while Suzanne Mayr's The Sleeping Car Porter is perfect for fans of literary fiction.

Athena McKenzie
Content Manager

The Canadian Train, Vancouver to Toronto

The Canadian train was the flagship of the Canadian Pacific Rail line when it began service in 1955. The train operates between Toronto and Vancouver, making stops at major cities and small towns. Travellers can enjoy the entire four-night train ride or choose a section of this route. Jasper and Winnipeg are popular stops.

The Canadian train runs year-round.

For any of your train vacations, speak to our travel experts about customizing your trip. Our travel experts can work with you on personalizing your itinerary by choosing hotels, dining options, tours, and excursions, all based around your needs and interests. This also includes class upgrades on the train.

Route map of VIA Rail’s Canadian train from Vancouver to Toronto

Train Experiences on the Canadian Pacific Railway

If you’re looking to explore Canada by train, each season offers something unique. While the Rocky Mountaineer train runs from mid-April to mid-October, VIA Rail runs year-round, so you’ll have the opportunity to experience all seasons. Spring and fall showcase vibrant colors and mild weather, while summer offers longer days perfect for sightseeing and wildlife viewing. Winter brings its own magic, with snow-blanketed peaks and an enchanting landscape during your train journey. These are some suggested train experiences for your Canadian adventure.

Rocky Mountaineer, daylight train

The Rocky Mountaineer Train offers a luxury sightseeing experience through the Canadian Rockies. Since the train only moves during daylight, you won't miss any scenery. The train has glass-dome coaches, an outdoor viewing area, and large windows. While travelling aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, hosts provide historic storytelling of the rail route, scenery and key landmarks.

A senior couple enjoys the view from Rocky Mountaineer’s outdoor platform in GoldLeaf service

VIA Rail Train

VIA Rail is Canada's national passenger rail service. There are different train routes, including The Canadian, The Ocean, and The Corridor. You can travel from the west coast to the east coast on VIA Rail and pass through the prairie provinces. Some trains have overnight sleeper cabins.

Sleeper Train

The Canadian (Toronto <> Vancouver) is one of the VIA Rail routes with sleeper class. In Sleeper Plus Class, you can fall asleep easily in your own berth or private cabin. The Canadian train has a variety of services, including meals served in the dining car. Some Sleeper trains have panoramic viewing cars and lounge areas, so you can enjoy the views as you travel across the country.

Explore: Canadian Train Trips with Sleeper Accommodation

Luxury Options

VIA Rail

For those seeking a more luxurious travel experience, you can upgrade to Prestige Class on VIA Rail's The Canadian Train. Here you can enjoy attentive, personalized concierge service throughout your trip, complimentary drinks and delicious meals prepared by onboard chefs, and access to other viewing areas, such as the Skyline Car. Priority reservations for onboard dining and priority boarding at the train station also gives Prestige Class travellers complete peace of mind. Other features of Prestige Class include the Prestige Sleeper cabin, which is 50% larger than the cabin for two in Sleeper Plus class, for the duration of your train journey.

A couple looks at each other while sitting on the bed in the train cabin. — A couple in the Prestige cabin.

Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer has two levels of service — SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. While both offer delicious gourmet meals, complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, entertaining hosts and incredible views, there are a few differences. Seating in SilverLeaf is in a single-level dome car with meals served at your seat. There are small viewing areas in between cars, which are perfect for photo opportunities.

GoldLeaf differs with a bi-level dome car with lounge seating in the upper level and dining in the lower level. The lower-level car is where you can enjoy three-course meals, snacks and drinks. Another special element to GoldLeaf is access to the large and exclusive outdoor viewing platform.

Chef serving breakfast seat-side in the SilverLeaf coach of the Rocky Mountaineer train

Accessibility

At Canadian Train Vacations, we work closely with our partners to ensure our trips are accessible for our guests. Our travel experts can help coordinate with train companies in advance for any specific assistance required. This includes using the hydraulic lift to board the train, booking an accessible cabin, and having staff assist you to transfer between your passenger seat and your wheelchair.

Every VIA Rail train has a cabin that is wheelchair-accessible and is equipped with grab-bars in the washroom and tie-downs. SilverLeaf on the Rocky Mountaineer is a good option for mobility concerns, as there are no stairs and meals are served at your seat. Be sure to speak with our travel experts on accessibility, as we would be happy to discuss all the trip components to ensure they are able to accommodate your mobility needs.

Couple smile and look at each other, sitting next to a window onboard a VIA Rail train

Popular Canadian Pacific Railway Hotels

Fairmont Banff Springs

Built in 1888, the Banff Springs hotel was one of the grand Canadian Pacific railway hotels. This hotel helped put the Canadian Rockies on the map as a tourist destination. The elegant building, which has the grandeur of a castle, sits above Bow Falls and is only a short walk away from the resort town of Banff.

Banff Springs Golf Course: This luxury golf course is within one of the most spectacular locations in the world. Designed by Canadian architect Stanley Thompson, the golf course exists in harmony with the natural contours of the mountains. With such dazzling views of snow-capped peaks all around you, it might be hard to concentrate on the game!

Dining: The hotel has several excellent dining options with incredible views. Options include 1888 Chop House and Waldhaus Restaurant.

Luxury amenities:

A fitness centre with an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.
Massage services, ideal for post-hiking sore muscles.
Tennis courts, bowling, a skating rink, ski storage and a games room.
Coffee makers, hair dryers and stunning views in every room.

#2 Travel tip: Stay at a historic property
In addition to riding along the original tracks, you can stay at an iconic railway hotel, such as the Fairmont Banff Springs or the Fairmont Royal York.

Louise Weiss
Director of Legendary Hospitality

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

The elegant Jasper Park Lodge opened in 1922 as a challenger to the Banff Springs Hotel. The lodge has hosted many celebrities — including Marilyn Monroe and Bing Crosby — and is also well-loved by the Royal Family. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited in 1939, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip in 2005.

Jasper Park Golf Course: Stanley Thompson also designed the Jasper Park Golf Course. It is a challenging 18-hole par 71 course that meanders alongside glacial lakes through a wildlife corridor where elk and caribou roam. Considered Canada's number one Golf Resort, it's a must-play course for any golf enthusiast.

Dining: There are several restaurants, including Nook Smokehouse, Oka Sushi and ORSO Trattoria.

Luxury amenities:

The Fairmont Jasper Park Spa, where you can rejuvenate.
A ski shuttle takes you straight to the slopes.
An outdoor pool, perfect for those hot summer days.
An arcade and games room.
Ice skating, mountain biking, horse riding, snowshoeing and other activities.

Download our Brochures and Mini Guides

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. Our brochures are here to help.

Explore our brochures

Places to Visit Along The Canadian Pacific Railway

Since Canada was built along the country's rail system, most major cities and remote communities are accessible by train.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Endless mountain and ocean views. That's what you can expect from the west coast city of Vancouver. The city has a mild climate, making it the perfect year-round destination. You can go hiking in old-growth forests and cycling along the sea wall. During the winter, visit one of the three local ski hills that lie a short distance from the city centre.

Two people cycling on the sea wall in Vancouver on a summer’s day

Jasper, Alberta

Jasper is a charming small town within the Canadian Rockies' largest national park. There are many ways to explore the 11,000 square kilometres of Jasper National Park. You can try ice climbing, alpine hiking, or rafting. For a more laid-back experience, enjoy a wildlife viewing tour or spa treatment.

Two women hike through the forest in Jasper National Park with mountains in the background

Banff, Alberta

Established in 1885, the townsite of Banff is the hub of Banff National Park. Banff is a lively mountain town with plenty of restaurants, shops, nightlife venues and museums. Nearby, there are lakes, waterfalls and snow-capped peaks to explore.

Shops and restaurants on a street in Banff town, with snow-covered mountains behind

Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler is a resort town in the Coast Mountains, a two-hour drive from Vancouver. Whistler's incredible alpine terrain provides excellent winter and summer sports opportunities. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains is open throughout the year. Whistler has world-class restaurants, spas and golf courses, too.

The Peak 2 Peak gondola in Whistler high above green trees and mountains

Lake Louise, Alberta

In the heart of the Rockies lies the hamlet of Lake Louise. Millions of visitors come to the area to see the turquoise lake (of the same name) and the Victoria Glacier. When temperatures drop, the lake freezes and creates a beautiful ice rink.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits across from the turquoise lake, trees and mountains in Lake Louise

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg, a sophisticated metropolis rising out of the prairies, will surprise you. It has a thriving dining scene, excellent museums, theatre, comedy and music. Major tourist attractions include the Canadian Museum of Human Rights and The Forks National Historic Site.

The Forks National Historic Site on the bank of the Red River during summer in Winnipeg

Toronto, Ontario

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the capital of Ontario. It's one of the world's most multicultural cities, with over 200 ethnicities represented. You can see famous landmarks, including the CN Tower and Casa Loma, cruise past the Toronto Islands, and stroll through the vibrant neighbourhoods.

The Toronto skyline with the CN tower in the middle

What Our Customers Say

The trip was amazing

It's difficult to know where to start. The trip was amazing! The hosts on the Rocky Mountaineer, both upstairs and downstairs in the dining room, were wonderful! Very attentive and...

Milly and Tom

TX, USA

Your knowledge and guidance was invaluable

The Rocky Mountaineer was SPECTACULAR! We couldn't have been more pleased with everything and everyone associated with the Mountaineer. We are so delighted we selected the Silver S...

Ron and Joan

CA, USA

The trip was just what we wanted

The trip was just what we wanted. The perfect blend of leisure and activity time, all in a fantastic setting. The dog sledding was a highlight for us. Fresh Tracks were VERY helpfu...

Bill

CA, USA

See more customer testimonials

Why book with Canadian Train Vacations?

We take care of all the details

You want to relax and enjoy your trip, not get overwhelmed by the planning. Let us make all of the bookings for you, including rail tickets, hotels, excursions and activities, meals and transfers.

Independent travel with expert support

Enjoy local expertise and guidance with a personalized itinerary. Your preferences and needs are our priority. We take care of you from the moment you land until the moment you leave.

Get help when you need it

You’ll receive the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax during your vacation because we’re only a phone call away if you have any questions while you’re in Canada.

Schedule a call

Frequently Asked Questions

About the author: Athena McKenzie is the Content Manager at Fresh Tracks Canada. An experienced lifestyle journalist, she has written about travel, design, arts and entertainment. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Zoomer Magazine, Elle Canada and... Read more

Explore More Tours

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Tours for Seniors

Explore Rockies trains

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West Coast train trips

Useful Links

Train Trip Finder Where to go in Canada Journeys Across Canada Canadian Rockies and West Coast Eastern Canada and The Maritimes Canadian North and Arctic Summer Train Trips Winter Train Trips Fall Color Train Trips Tours for Seniors Road Trips and Self Drives Family Adventures Vacations for Active Seniors History and Culture Trips Wildlife Viewing Trips

Explore Canada

The Canadian Train Train Across Canada Canadian Sleeper Train Luxury Trains Across Canada VIA Rail Vacations Rocky Mountaineer Train Tours Canadian Rockies Train Tours Train Tours for Seniors Canadian Pacific Railway Best Train Trips in Canada National Park Train Tours Train Tours from Vancouver Canadian Snow Train Alaska Cruise and Train Tours Canadian East Coast Train Tours Canadian West Coast Train Tours

Popular Train Trips

Vancouver to Toronto Train Journey Across Canada by Train Complete Canadian Rockies by Train Canadian Cross-Country Journey Classic Eastern Canada by Train Trans Canada Rainforest Route Canadian Rockies Voyage by Train Canada Coast to Coast by Train Rockies Winter Wonderland by Train Discover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies by Train Montreal and Quebec City Getaway by Train Canadian Cross-Country Journey in Winter Lords of the Wilderness Bear Viewing Trans Canada by Train in Winter Essential Rockies with Alaska Cruise

Canadian Train Vacations

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Canadian Pacific Railway

Published Oct 15, 2025

9 min read

Table of contents

Best-selling Canadian Pacific Railway Tours
Canadian Pacific Railway History and Timeline
Quick Facts about the Canadian Pacific Railway
Canadian Pacific Railway Routes and Maps
Train Experiences on the Canadian Pacific Railway
Luxury Options
Accessibility
Popular Canadian Pacific Railway Hotels
Places to Visit Along The Canadian Pacific Railway
Frequently Asked Questions

Best-selling Canadian Pacific Railway Tours

Canada Coast to Coast

Miles covered on train: 3,240

Days on train: 5

Nights on train: 4

Essential Rockies by Train

Miles covered on train: 594

Days on train: 2

Nights on train: N/A

Across Canada by Train

Miles covered on train: 2,458

Days on train: 5

Nights on train: 3

Canadian Pacific Railway History and Timeline

Canada's growth was guided by these steel tracks laid almost a century and a half ago. Moments in Canadian Pacific Railroad history include:
1871: British Columbia enters Confederation and requests a transcontinental railway. It would not be cheap, but Prime Minister John A. Macdonald sees the value in connecting the nation from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
1873: Production stalls after Alexander Mackenzie takes power. He believes the railway is a waste of money, but BC threatens to succeed if it's not built.
1873-1878: This time is known as the 'Battle of the Routes'. There were arguments over what the best route would be through the mountainous terrain of Alberta and British Columbia.
1878: John A. Macdonald is back in power, and the Canadian Pacific Railway is now a top priority for the country.
1882: William Van Horne is appointed as the leader of the CPR project. He would complete the project in five years — much faster than planned.
1885: This massive cross-country construction project was completed. The historic Last Spike was driven in by Donald Smith.

Quick Facts about the Canadian Pacific Railway

This route was not easy to build. Railway workers had to face many hardships. Obstacles included forest fires, grizzly bears and swathes of seemingly impenetrable forests.
Several elegant hotels were built, including Banff Springs Hotel and the Jasper Park Lodge, along the railway route during the late 19th and early 20th century to promote tourism.
The railway played an important part in the Northwest Rebellion of 1885. It allowed soldiers to get from Ontario and Quebec to the Prairies in only ten days.
The railway was also to thank for the discovery of natural gas in Alberta. In 1886, gas was found when construction crews were digging a well to get water for the steam locomotives in Alderson, Alberta.

Canadian Pacific Railway Routes and Maps

Glide down the rails on a Canadian Pacific Railway train and travel along the same route as the early settlers of Canada. Our Canadian Pacific rail maps show you where you can go.

Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver to the Rockies

Rocky Mountaineer runs from mid-April to mid-October.

Explore: Rocky Mountaineer Train Trips

#1 Travel tip: Enrich your vacation with themed reading
There are many great non-fiction books and novels about the Canadian Railway. Pierre Berton's The National Dream is an option for history buffs, while Suzanne Mayr's The Sleeping Car Porter is perfect for fans of literary fiction.

Athena McKenzie
Content Manager

The Canadian Train, Vancouver to Toronto

The Canadian train runs year-round.

Train Experiences on the Canadian Pacific Railway

Rocky Mountaineer, daylight train

VIA Rail Train

Sleeper Train

Explore: Canadian Train Trips with Sleeper Accommodation

Luxury Options

VIA Rail

Rocky Mountaineer

Accessibility

Popular Canadian Pacific Railway Hotels

Fairmont Banff Springs

Dining: The hotel has several excellent dining options with incredible views. Options include 1888 Chop House and Waldhaus Restaurant.

Luxury amenities:

A fitness centre with an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.
Massage services, ideal for post-hiking sore muscles.
Tennis courts, bowling, a skating rink, ski storage and a games room.
Coffee makers, hair dryers and stunning views in every room.

#2 Travel tip: Stay at a historic property
In addition to riding along the original tracks, you can stay at an iconic railway hotel, such as the Fairmont Banff Springs or the Fairmont Royal York.

Louise Weiss
Director of Legendary Hospitality

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Dining: There are several restaurants, including Nook Smokehouse, Oka Sushi and ORSO Trattoria.

Luxury amenities:

The Fairmont Jasper Park Spa, where you can rejuvenate.
A ski shuttle takes you straight to the slopes.
An outdoor pool, perfect for those hot summer days.
An arcade and games room.
Ice skating, mountain biking, horse riding, snowshoeing and other activities.

Download our Brochures and Mini Guides

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. Our brochures are here to help.

Explore our brochures

Places to Visit Along The Canadian Pacific Railway

Since Canada was built along the country's rail system, most major cities and remote communities are accessible by train.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Jasper, Alberta

Banff, Alberta

Whistler, British Columbia

Lake Louise, Alberta

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Toronto, Ontario

What Our Customers Say

The trip was amazing

It's difficult to know where to start. The trip was amazing! The hosts on the Rocky Mountaineer, both upstairs and downstairs in the dining room, were wonderful! Very attentive and...

Milly and Tom

TX, USA

Your knowledge and guidance was invaluable

The Rocky Mountaineer was SPECTACULAR! We couldn't have been more pleased with everything and everyone associated with the Mountaineer. We are so delighted we selected the Silver S...

Ron and Joan

CA, USA

The trip was just what we wanted

The trip was just what we wanted. The perfect blend of leisure and activity time, all in a fantastic setting. The dog sledding was a highlight for us. Fresh Tracks were VERY helpfu...

Bill

CA, USA

See more customer testimonials

Why book with Canadian Train Vacations?

We take care of all the details

You want to relax and enjoy your trip, not get overwhelmed by the planning. Let us make all of the bookings for you, including rail tickets, hotels, excursions and activities, meals and transfers.

Independent travel with expert support

Enjoy local expertise and guidance with a personalized itinerary. Your preferences and needs are our priority. We take care of you from the moment you land until the moment you leave.

Get help when you need it

You’ll receive the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax during your vacation because we’re only a phone call away if you have any questions while you’re in Canada.

Schedule a call