Canadian Pacific Reaches Vancouver

On August 15, 1885, Canadian Pacific Railway train No. 1 pulled into Vancouver after a journey from Montreal, marking the operational start of Canada's first transcontinental passenger service. Construction had overcome immense engineering challenges including the Selkirk Mountains and Fraser Canyon. William Van Horne, CPR general manager, oversaw the final push. The arrival transformed Vancouver from a small settlement into a major Pacific port and symbolized national unity following Confederation. The route featured powerful 4-4-0 locomotives and established lasting patterns for Canadian freight and passenger travel.