The 2024 CPKC Holiday Train will roll through BC this month

It’s that time of year again.

A pair of Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Trains started their journeys across parts of Canada and the United States in late November.

The began in Montreal on Nov. 21 and are in the process of visiting dozens of North American communities in the lead-up to the holiday season.

British Columbia is one of the last stages of the journey, with Golden being the first stop in Canada’s westernmost province on Dec. 16.

It will then stop in Revelstoke, Sicamous, Canoe, Salmon Arm, Notch Hill, Chase, Kamloops, Savona, Ashcroft and Lytton before leaving the BC Interior for the Lower Mainland on Dec. 19.

If you’re unfamiliar with the CPKC Holiday Train, it’s a festive annual initiative centered around community spirit and raising much-needed food and funds for community food banks.

The trains stop at 167 communities across seven provinces and 13 states, with a live musical performance appearance from Santa Clause and his elves at each free local event.

The musical acts coming to BC this year are MAGIC!, best known for their smash hit “Rude,” and Sofia Camara, whose song “Never Be Yours” received plenty of radio play.

CPKC president and CEO, Keith Creel says the Holiday Train unites people in the spirit of the season while generating critical support for people in need.

“We are pleased to again send this magical train on a four-week trip across our network spreading holiday joy as we collect food and raise money to fight food insecurity,” he said.

“We look forward to again seeing all the smiles and cheers from people young and old coming together in the spirit of giving.”

While each community event is free to attend, people are encouraged to make a monetary or heart-healthy food donation to ease hunger needs in their town.

For more information on the 2024 CPKC Holiday Train, click this link.