CP Canada 150 special en-route to Ottawa

Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
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Canadian Pacific Railway played an important role in shaping Canada into the nation it is today, a nation celebrating its 150th anniversary. CP’s Canada 150 special, a rolling celebration of Canadian history and culture, will wind up a three-week tour on Aug. 20 in Ottawa, the country’s capital city.

Iconic EMD F-unit diesel-electric locomotive CP 1401 (built in 1958) is leading the train, powering more than 10 beautifully restored Royal Canadian Pacific heritage cars. “These cars are historical treasures and have hosted some of Canada’s—and the world’s—most influential minds including Canadian author Pierre Berton; Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip (pre-coronation); and Sir Winston Churchill,” CP notes on its website.

CP said a highlight at each stop is the opportunity to take part in decorating a special railcar named the Spirit of Tomorrow: “Children are invited to write their hopes for the Canada of tomorrow on a commemorative card. Each will be affixed upon the railcar and as the CP Canada 150 Train makes its journey across the country, the Spirit of Tomorrow will come alive.”

The CP 150 journey began in late July in Port Moody, B.C. From there, it worked its way eastward on CP main lines, stopping in Revelstoke, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Hamilton, Toronto, Montreal, and finally, Ottawa.

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