As part of its North American tour, the CPKC Final Spike Anniversary Tour steamed into Moose Jaw April 28 bringing with it the historic 4-6-4 Hudson-type steam locomotive The Empress 2816 for one of 11 planned stops along the route from Calgary, Alta., to Mexico City, Mexico.
Residents and train enthusiasts were able to view the impressive steam locomotive in person at the CPKC rail yards located at 3 Manitoba Street in Moose Jaw from 12 - 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Although tours onboard the train were not offered, younger guests were able to catch a ride on the scaled-down 'Puffer Belly Express' which is following the tour as it steams across North America.
The special cross-continental journey of the 2816 steam locomotive serves as a reminder of the past and serves as a celebration of the future of transportation in North America. On April 14, 2023, the newly amalgamated Canadian Pacific and Kansas City (CPKC) rail company drew a ceremonial final spike to complete the continental rail connection linking Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
To learn more and to track the historic train along its route, visit CPKCR.com.
