The 1939 Royal Tour and the “Royal Hudson” Locomotive No. 2850

This visit made history for the entire country. For the first time, the British monarch set foot on Canadian soil. He crossed the country from coast to coast, most of it aboard a train specially put together for the occasion. The two major Canadian railways, Canadian Pacific and Canadian National, will share the honour of pulling the royal train with their locomotives.

The trip was a suggestion made by Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King and Governor General Vincent Massey at the coronation of King George VI in London in 1937. The choice of train travel gives as many Canadians as possible the chance to see the King and Queen. It is also an excuse to seek the support of Canada and the United States in the face of the threat of war with Germany.

More information (.pdf with archive photos)