First through train on Canadian Pacific Railway

On September 7, 1883, the Canadian Pacific Railway operated its inaugural through passenger train from Montreal to Winnipeg, a critical step toward completing Canada's transcontinental link. Led by president William Cornelius Van Horne, the service used 4-4-0 locomotives and featured early sleeping cars. The journey highlighted engineering feats like crossing the Canadian Shield. This event boosted national unity post-Confederation and facilitated immigration and trade. It set the stage for the full Pacific connection in 1885, transforming Canada's economy and connectivity while competing with American lines.