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.

This Week in Railway History

August 25, 1919

A Canadian Pacific special train carries the Prince of Wales from Montréal to Toronto. On the return trip to Montréal on November 2, the Prince operates the locomotive from Flavelle to Trenton, a distance of 20.9 miles. Locomotives No. 2225 and No. 2231 are used for the journey.

August 26, 1881

The first train arrives in Winnipeg via the Red River Bridge.

August 26, 1929

Canadian National Railways places its first road diesel-electric passenger locomotive, No. 9000, into service. The two-unit locomotive, weighing a total of 335 tons, hauls the second section of the International Limited between Montréal and Toronto.

August 26, 1951

Canadian railways adopt the Uniform Code of Operating Rules for train operations.

August 29, 1907

The Quebec Bridge, then under construction across the St. Lawrence River, collapses, killing 75 workers.

August 29, 1994

The Windsor and Hantsport Railway begins operations in Nova Scotia.