At the turn of the 20th century, Donald Mann and William MacKenzie began construction of the historic Canadian Northern Railway. Visitors with a passion for rail travel can take Canadian train vacations along this important former trade route, and experience the stunning natural beauty of the Canadian countryside by train.

The Canadian Northern Railway connected Edmonton to Winnipeg, and was built following a series of railway extensions through Manitoba in the 1890s. Mann and MacKenzie began establishing railway routes into the province's Interlake region, in addition to expanding routes heading south to the border of the United States at Pembina, North Dakota, and east towards Ontario. The two railway magnates further expanded their network of routes with the purchase of smaller branch lines into Nova Scotia, and Cape Breton Island, and also extended lines northward into the Saguenay area of Quebec. In 1908, lines were constructed between Capreol in Ontario, and Ottawa and Toronto, further establishing the lines as a significant trade network, while providing passengers with unprecedented access to travel opportunities. Following financial difficulties, Mann and MacKenzie sold the operating rights to the Canadian Northern Railway network to Canadian National Railways in 1916.

Train trips across Canada offer visitors an ideal way to experience the majesty and diversity of the landscape, and a fascinating glimpse into how trains and the railways enabled Canada to grow into the country it is today.