Full steam ahead for CP's Canada 150 train tour

Canadian Pacific has launched its CP Canada 150 train tour, with federal and provincial government officials attending the ceremony at CP’s Calgary headquarters alongside members of the Tsuut’ina Nation.

The first event takes place on July 28 in Port Moody, B.C., with the train set to travel across Canada over the next three weeks and bring a cross-country, Canada 150 block party to 13 cities.

“It is my honour and privilege to represent CP and its employees – past and present – in officially kicking off the CP Canada 150 train,” said Keith Creel, president and CEO. “I encourage all Canadians to come out and see the train, enjoy the family show and activities, and celebrate this great railroad and this great country.”

The CP Canada 150 Train will honour the country’s past, acknowledge the leaders of the present, and look toward the future as it ventures through the country. The opening ceremony also saw the unveiling of the Spirit of Tomorrow railcar, which will be decorated with thousands of handwritten cards from children outlining their dreams for the future as it moves across Canada.

Each three-hour event will see community members participate in a variety of activities including performances by country singer Dean Brody, Aboriginal entertainer and world champion hoop dancer Dallas Arcand and house band, the Rail Road Ramblers. Eagle and Hawk will also bring their fusion of traditional Indigenous themes with roots rock to events in Edmonton and Winnipeg.

Members of the Tsuut’ina Nation performed a traditional blessing ceremony to commemorate the beginning of the journey, asking for safe journey and protection while acknowledging the traditional lands of Canada’s communities and CP’s history with Indigenous Peoples.