This Week’s Historical Highlights

Explore significant moments from Canadian railway history and notable events from Canada’s past. This page features milestones and stories that helped shape the nation.

  • October 7, 1957

    Canadian National opens its railway line from Beattyville to Chibougamau, Quebec. goes here

  • October 7, 1966

    Nineteen people are killed when a train strikes a school bus at a grade crossing in Dorion, Quebec.

  • October 8, 2009

    The Last Mountain Railway begins operations over former Canadian National trackage between Regina and Davidson, Saskatchewan.

  • October 9, 1877

    The locomotive Countess of Dufferin arrives at St. Boniface aboard a barge towed by the steamer Selkirk. Brought in by contractor Joseph Whitehead to work on the Selkirk–Emerson line, it becomes the first locomotive in Manitoba and on the Canadian Prairies.

  • October 9, 2001

    Canadian National acquires the Wisconsin Central Railroad.