Christmas Cheers brought by the CP Holiday Train

Some say it’s not the Holiday season until it snows. I say it starts officially when the CP Holiday Train rolls into town. For the past 20 years, Canadian Pacific has held this fantastic tradition of getting people together to gather donations for local community food banks while showcasing its beautifully decorated trains and hosting a festive concert at each stop.  You can actually track the train live by clicking here.

Every year, as the crowd builds around the track, people of all ages play in the snow, sing carols and share the anticipation of the CP Holiday train’s arrival. As the slow rumble and the horn starts to be heard from a distance, everyone huddles closer to get a better view. Suddenly, the Holiday season is here and it’s displayed with colourful lights and merry songs coming from the train.

As it comes to a stop in front of the excited crowd, a stage unfolds from one of the train cars, and the concert begins. For the next 30 minutes, everyone dances and sings along with their friends and family. This year’s concert featured Terri Clark, Sierra Noble and Kelly Prescott.

The Canadian Train departs Montreal on November 27 travelling west through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. Meanwhile, the U.S.-bound train departs Montreal on November 25 travelling south with stops in Quebec, New York and Southern Ontario before continuing it’s journey through the U.S. and into southern Saskatchewan.

Please visit CP Holiday Train’s website for more details and the full schedule and make sure you don’t miss next year’s event.

Here’s a playlist of all CP Holiday Train catches.

Check out some great photos taken from our past visits below.