By Railfan & Railroad Staff

BIG VALLEY, Alberta — Members of the Canadian Northern Railway Society and the public will gather in Big Valley, Alberta, on July 9, to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Canada’s second transcontinental railroad that would eventually become part of today’s Canadian National. 

The event will feature bands, reenactors, and tours at the historic Canadian Northern depot and roundhouse in Big Valley, now the southern terminal for Alberta Prairie Railway excursions operated out of Stettler. Festivities will run from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

On December 15, 1896, the first revenue train on the Lake Manitoba Railway & Canal Company (later renamed Canadian Northern) departed Gladstone, Manitoba. The following year, the railroad continued to expand west and eventually became a 9500-mile transcontinental system. The railroad is also responsible for more than 550 communities across Canada. The Canadian Northern Society has a number of events scheduled throughout the year, but the July 9 one is expected to be the biggest celebration. 

For more information, visit canadiannorthern.ca.