Canadian Pacific Railway Reaches Vancouver

The Canadian Pacific Railway's final spike was driven on July 5, 1883, near Vancouver, completing the transcontinental route from Montreal. This engineering feat overcame Rocky Mountain passes and vast prairies using thousands of laborers, including Chinese workers. Key figures included William Cornelius Van Horne and Donald Smith. The line featured innovative trestles and tunnels, connecting eastern Canada to the Pacific and fulfilling a confederation promise. It boosted immigration, trade, and tourism, with the famous 'Silk Trains' later using the route. Lasting impact endures in Via Rail services and the cultural identity of a coast-to-coast nation.