Canadian Pacific Railway was incorporated on February 16, 1881. Less than five years later a ribbon of steel united Canada when the line to the Pacific coast was completed with the driving of the 'Last Spike' at Craigellachie, British Columbia, on November 7, 1885.

We invite you to explore our Heritage section to discover more about Canadian Pacific's rich and varied history and its unique role in the formation of Canada. From A Brief History, to our historical Photo Gallery and Graphic Art Gallery, learn about immigration, railway construction, trains, locomotives, ships, war, tourism and the "bigger than life" characters that helped to shape the railway and the nation.

Canadian Pacific Archives Canadian Pacific Archives contains documentation, images and artifacts pertaining to the history of the company from its incorporation to recent years. While the railway is the primary focus, the collection also contains material documenting CP's interests in ships, hotels, natural resources, promotion of tourism and immigration, war efforts and much more. Employee records are not held at the Archives and are not available for research. Although it is a private collection with the primary function of serving the business requirements of Canadian Pacific, special arrangements can be made for access to the Archives for research or commercial purposes, upon submission of a written request. Access is provided at the discretion of the company. For more information on the Archives collection, licensing opportunities, or to purchase reproductions, please send a detailed request to archives@cpr.ca or call (514) 395-5135