The history of the Canadian Pacific Railway through Western Canada’s mountain region is one about great changes in geography, industry and the movement of people, goods and ideas, all playing a pivotal role in the creation of Canada as a nation.
The Revelstoke Railway Museum plays a valuable and essential role in collecting, preserving and interpreting Canada’s mountain railway stories, objects and culture.
Established in 1988 the Revelstoke Heritage Railway Society pursued the dream of building a Railway Museum which would promote an interest in and develop awareness of the railway and transportation in the Revelstoke region. Construction of the museum was completed in 1992, opening its doors to the public in 1993.
The Museum, also operates the historic site of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s Last Spike at Craigellachie off of the Trans-Canada Highway, 45km west of Revelstoke, and 25 km east of Sicamous. This is the site where the final spike was driven by Donald A. Smith (later Lord Strathcona) on the Canadian Pacific Railway in November of 1885. This event signaled the completion of the CPR, Canada’s first transcontinental railway, connecting the country, unlocking new levels of autonomy, prosperity and pride for the nation.
The site is maintained by the Revelstoke Heritage Railway Society and includes a seasonal gift shop, picnic area and monument beside the main CPR line.
