Canadian Pacific Railway’s Holiday Train, A Pan-Canadian Adventure

A forlorn horn of a locomotive sounds in the distance during a frigid winters night. From the darkness it emerges, piercing the fog of the great empty, finally pulling in to a derelict train station. A building that has likely seen little activity over the last decades. Now that the hulking behemoth has stopped, you can see a host of decorations adorning it. From nowhere, a railcar door opens, and strangely enough a band begins to play music. Pleasant scenario right?

If so, I have the perfect winter activity for you, and your family, this winter! If you are in the Christmas spirit, and also happen to enjoy trainspotting, pack your hot chocolate, dress warm and bring charitable donations, because this is a train worth spotting!

Table of Contents

• What in the World is a Holiday Train?
• Ho, Ho, Ho! (Why a Christmas Train?)
• Where Can You Catch the Train?
• What To Expect?

What in the World is a Holiday Train?

Well… it is a politically correct way to say Christmas Train! As I’m sure you can deduct from the title, it is a full length train that is decorated for Christmas time. The event is organized by Canadian Pacific Railways, a historic Canadian institution, and one of the largest rail enterprises in the world.

Ho, Ho, Ho! (Why a Christmas Train?)

Like most Christmas events, such as parades, the goal is to raise money and food for charity. Do make sure to bring donations of either non-perishable foods or money as they are collected along the length of the route, during the train’s stop.

Where Can You Catch the Train?

I usually catch the traveling train through the town of Smith Falls in Eastern Ontario. This was once an important transportation junction, and as such it suits this type of attraction. It is also possible to catch the train in the nearby towns of Merrickville and Perth. It should be noted that this is only one of many stops across Canada, with stops in most Canadian provinces with the exception of the Maritimes. Since the purchase of Kansas City Southern in 2021 by Canadian Pacific Railways, this train show has been extended south into the United States as well, as far down as the Gulf of Mexico.

Of course stops will be near the railways tracks, in the case of Smiths Falls beside the old train station.

What To Expect?

As the locomotive grinds to a halt at the station, loudspeakers will begin playing festive holiday music. Then, after a short wait, one of the carriages will open up to reveal a live band inside the car. Usually one of the performers will be of some renown, but even the lesser ones are pleasant to listen to.