Canadian Pacific Railway

Canadian Pacific Railway was Canada's first transcontinental railroad, completed in 1885. The railway was built to fulfill a promise made to British Columbia when it joined Confederation—a railroad linking it to the rest of Canada. Construction through the Rocky Mountains was one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century.

CP became famous for its passenger trains, particularly the Canadian, which offered dome car service across the country. The railroad's steam fleet included the distinctive Royal Hudson 4-6-4 locomotives. CP also developed a network of grand railway hotels, including the Banff Springs Hotel and Chateau Frontenac.

In 2023, CP merged with Kansas City Southern to form Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), creating the first single-line railroad connecting Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This transformed CP from a primarily Canadian carrier to a truly North American railroad.

Modelers are drawn to CP's mountain operations, historic passenger trains, and distinctive red and white livery. The KCS merger adds even more modeling possibilities with connections through America's heartland to Mexico.