THIS DAY IN HISTORY: MAY 23, 1887
One hundred and twenty- six years ago, the first Canadian Pacific Railway passenger train rolled into Vancouver. “The scene at the station was a very lively and enthusiastic one,” reported the Vancouver NewsAdvertiser. “The roadway, wharf, platform and the bank above were covered with people waiting the arrival of the train. “At 12: 45 p. m. while all were straining their eyes eastwards, the loud whistle of the train was heard. ‘ Here she comes! Here she comes!’ was heard on all sides, and at the same time a rush for the platform was made by those on the banks above. A minute later, amidst the cheers of the people, ringing of bells and the shrill cry of the locomotive whistle, the FIRST THROUGH PASSENGER TRAIN entered the station and pulled up to Vancouver.” The Victoria Colonist reported “the engine was a mass of verdure and mottoes and flags and was perhaps the prettiest sight ever seen on the coast. ‘ From ocean to ocean’ was conspicuous on the engine, and on the tender: ‘ Our National Highway’ on buffer beam: ‘ Montreal and Vancouver’ was the name on a shield joined by an evergreen wreath; on the smokestack, ‘ Montreal Greets the Terminal City’ was displayed on white letters on a dark ground.” The City Band and Fire Brigade played some celebratory music, then mayor Malcolm McLean
jumped up on a baggage truck and led three cheers for CPR superintendent Harry Abbott, who was on the train. “I take the greatest pleasure in congratulating you upon the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway,” responded Abbott. “We have been greatly oppressed by the property owners along the line between here
and Port Moody, but we have managed to overcome these obstacles, and here we are, and here we shall remain.” The waterfront looked a lot different when that first train arrived. The rail line was constructed on a trestle over the tidal flats that marked the original Gastown shoreline. ( The tidal flats were eventually filled in for today’s rail
yards.) The train came to rest at the bottom of a bluff at the foot of Howe Street, where a modest station had been erected. The engine that brought the first train to the coast was donated by the CPR to Vancouver in 1945, and is displayed at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown.