The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is a well-loved, festive tradition that has captured the hearts of many across Canada and the United States. Traveling through towns and cities, this brightly decorated train brings the spirit of the holiday season to communities with its festive lights, music, and charitable contributions. Every year, it embarks on a route that spans thousands of miles, and its journey is something many eagerly anticipate. Where Does the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Go? In this article, we will take a deep dive into the route of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, examining where it goes, the significance of its stops, and the impact it has on the communities it visits.
What Is the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train?
Before delving into the details of the train’s route, it’s important to understand what the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is all about. The Holiday Train was launched by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) in 1999 as a way to spread holiday cheer and raise funds for food banks. The train is decorated with thousands of festive lights and features a holiday-themed concert performed by local artists and musicians. The spirit of the event is rooted in charitable giving, and the train’s stops in various communities serve to highlight the importance of supporting local food banks during the holiday season.
The train’s route is carefully planned each year to maximize the number of people it can reach while also raising funds and food donations for the communities it visits. The event is free to attend, but attendees are encouraged to bring food donations or make monetary contributions to help those in need during the holiday season.
Where Does the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Go?
The route of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is expansive, covering both Canada and the United States. The train travels across multiple provinces and states, bringing holiday cheer to countless towns and cities. Typically, the journey begins in the eastern parts of Canada and then winds its way westward, eventually crossing into the United States before looping back around to return to Canada. The train’s route varies slightly from year to year, but it generally follows a similar path, with some stops becoming staples due to their historical significance or the high demand from local residents.
The Canadian Portion of the Route
The Canadian portion of the Holiday Train’s route begins in the eastern part of the country and makes its way westward across several provinces. The train’s journey typically begins in the Montreal area in early December. From there, it travels across Quebec, Ontario, and the Prairie provinces, stopping in several major cities and towns along the way.
Montreal, Quebec
As the starting point for the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, Montreal is an essential stop for the festivities. This vibrant city is known for its winter charm and is a perfect setting for the first leg of the journey. In Montreal, the train kicks off its season with a grand celebration, complete with local musicians, dancers, and a crowd of excited onlookers. The train’s arrival in Montreal is a major event, and it’s the first chance for the public to see the dazzling display of lights that will continue throughout the tour.
Quebec City, Quebec
After departing Montreal, the Holiday Train makes its way to Quebec City, a place known for its historic charm and stunning winter landscapes. The stop in Quebec City is another highlight of the journey, drawing large crowds of people eager to see the festive train and participate in the holiday cheer. Here, the train stops to perform a concert for the community, while local food banks benefit from the donations gathered during the stop.
Ottawa, Ontario
From Quebec City, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train travels to Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. Ottawa’s picturesque winter setting and historic landmarks, such as Parliament Hill, provide a stunning backdrop for the holiday festivities. The train stops in Ottawa for a special performance and continues to raise awareness for food security issues across Canada.
Toronto, Ontario
As one of Canada’s largest and most diverse cities, Toronto is an important stop on the Holiday Train route. Here, the train’s arrival is marked with a festive event featuring music and food bank collections. Toronto residents look forward to the train’s visit, as it provides an opportunity for the community to come together in support of a good cause.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Next, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train makes its way westward to Winnipeg, Manitoba. This prairie city has been an essential stop for many years due to its strong ties to the railway industry and its commitment to supporting local food banks. In Winnipeg, the train’s arrival is celebrated with music, food, and the chance to donate to the local food bank.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
As the train continues westward, it makes its way to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This stop is known for its passionate community support and the large crowds that gather to witness the Holiday Train’s spectacular light show and performance. The spirit of giving is strong here, and Saskatoon has become a well-loved stop for both locals and visitors alike.
Calgary, Alberta
Calgary, Alberta, is another key stop along the Canadian portion of the Holiday Train route. As a city known for its western heritage, Calgary’s celebration of the train brings a unique charm to the journey. The Holiday Train arrives in the city with a festive spirit, and the concert features local performers alongside the chance to make a contribution to Calgary’s food banks.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Finally, the Holiday Train’s journey across Canada culminates in Vancouver, British Columbia, the westernmost major city on the route. Vancouver’s wintery landscape, with snow-capped mountains in the background, offers the perfect setting for the Holiday Train’s festive conclusion. The train’s arrival in Vancouver marks the end of the Canadian portion of its journey, and it draws a large crowd each year to celebrate the season.
The United States Portion of the Route
Once the train has completed its Canadian stops, it crosses the border into the United States to continue its journey. The American portion of the route covers several states and major cities in the northern part of the country. Similar to the Canadian leg, the U.S. route is designed to maximize the train’s impact on communities and raise funds for local food banks.
Chicago, Illinois
One of the first stops in the United States is Chicago, Illinois, a city with a rich history in the railway industry. Chicago is a bustling metropolis, and the Holiday Train’s arrival is an exciting event for local residents. The city’s holiday spirit is contagious, and the concert and food bank drive are always well-received.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
After Chicago, the Holiday Train travels to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Known for its winter wonderland vibe and outdoor beauty, Minneapolis is a natural fit for the Holiday Train’s festive atmosphere. The stop here includes a celebration with live music and food bank collections, where generous residents contribute to a good cause.
Other Key U.S. Stops
Throughout its U.S. journey, the Holiday Train makes additional stops in various cities and towns across northern states such as Wisconsin, Michigan, and North Dakota. These stops, though not always as large as those in major cities, are equally important in raising awareness for food insecurity and spreading the holiday cheer.
The Impact of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is more than just a seasonal spectacle; it plays a vital role in supporting local food banks across the regions it visits. Since its inception, the event has raised millions of dollars and provided tons of food for communities in need. The Holiday Train brings people together, reminding everyone that the holiday season is a time for generosity and giving back.
In addition to the direct benefits to food banks, the event helps foster a sense of community spirit. People from all walks of life come together to enjoy the train’s festive display, listen to music, and support their local food banks. This collective effort is what makes the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train such a beloved tradition.
Conclusion
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train’s route is a journey that spans two countries and thousands of miles, bringing joy, music, and generosity to communities across Canada and the United States. From the sparkling lights and festive concerts to the crucial food donations and awareness raised for local food banks, the Holiday Train is an essential part of the holiday season for many people. Whether it’s the stunning landscapes of Quebec, the historical charm of Ottawa, or the bustling energy of Chicago, each stop along the way is a reminder of the importance of coming together as a community to support those in need during the holidays.
