Inauguration of the Canadian Pacific Railway transcontinental service

September 6, 1885, saw the Canadian Pacific Railway launch regular transcontinental passenger service across Canada, linking Montreal to Port Moody on the Pacific. Led by William Cornelius Van Horne, the project overcame immense challenges like the Rocky Mountains and harsh winters using innovative engineering such as spiral tunnels and snow sheds. The railway played a pivotal role in Canadian confederation by binding the nation together economically and politically. Notable for its use of 4-4-0 locomotives initially, it spurred immigration and resource development in the west. Its completion symbolized the end of an era of isolated colonies and the beginning of modern continental rail travel.