Between 1896 and the outbreak of the Great War in 1914, about two million settlers from Europe and the United States poured into the Canadian Prairies in the greatest single wave of immigration in Canada’s history.
This comprehensive exhibition was created to mark the centennials of Saskatchewan and Alberta, both of which gained provincial status in 1905 thanks largely to the people and events depicted in Acres of Dreams.
The exhibition highlights the dazzling array of posters, pamphlets, slogans, contests, travelling displays and lecture tours used in the marketing campaign led by the government, railway companies, steamship lines and other business interests. The invitation to settle the Canadian Prairies — touted with slogans such as "Free Farms for the Millions," "The Land of Opportunity," and "The Last Best West" — was embraced by individuals and families from as far away as Russia.
Although most of the settlers came from the United States, Britain and Continental Europe, some emigrated from Central and Eastern Canada. The exhibition underscores the efforts of religious and cultural leaders in French Canada who sought to establish a French Roman-Catholic stronghold in West Communities such as St. Albert, Alberta, which today remain important places Western francophone culture. Massive immigration crested in 1913, when 400,870 newcomers came to Canada, setting a one-year record that remains unchallenged. The wave ended abruptly in 1914 with the start of the Great War. The immigrants’ contribution to their new homeland — culturally and economically — was profound. A concrete measure of their impact was the amount of cultivated land in Canada before and after their arrival. In 1871, the entire country had 17 million acres of improved farmland. By 1916, Saskatchewan alone had close to 20 million cultivated acres, most of them broken by immigrant settlers. A travelling exhibition produced by the Canadian Museum of Civilization in collaboration with Library and Archives Canada. It will be presented at Exporail from April 28th to October 12th 2008.
Now that it's winter, Exporail has opened up the cab of its rotary snowplow to visitors during weekends in January and February. This huge vehicle was used by Canadian National from 1930 to 1960.
Visitors can also wander through the great hall of the Angus Pavilion, where more than 40 railway vehicles are on display:
streetcars, steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars. The interiors of some of these vehicles are also open to the public. Guided tours are offered at 10:30 A.M. and 1:30 P.M. and offer an excellent way to get to know the railway history of Canada.
Museums Day
Sunday May 25
Take advantage of Museums Day to visit Exporail. It is open-house so come and enjoy one of the most beautiful railway museums in North America. Spend an unforgettable day on our vast site either alone or with friends and family. During this special day you will be welcomed by our tour guides, motormen and conductors and discover the Museum’s many treasures.
You will be impressed by our fabulous collection comprised of 164 vehicles, including:
▪ 43 streetcars and electric cars 23 passenger cars
▪ 33 steam locomotives ▪ 39 freight cars of different types
▪ 17 diesel locomotives ▪ 3 business-class cars
You can view the stars of our collection in EXPORAIL’s Angus Pavilion plus see: 1 observation pit, 6 operating signals and 3 hands-on activities as a bonus.
View a showing of “The Rocky Mountain Express”
A selection of breathtaking scenes unfolds as you follow CPR’s steam locomotive No.2816 deep into the Canadian Rockies. Produced by Stephen Low, internationally renowned IMAX film maker, you will marvel at the dazzling views and sound effects presented for your viewing pleasure.
Go for a miniature train ride with the kids
Imagine a perfect replica of a 1960’s train with its open passenger cars but on a smaller scale: just the perfect size for adults and children. Great fun!
Conveniences available on this special day:
Free Parking and outdoor picnic areas, a coffee shop and many stops on the site where you can sit and rest. Enjoy your day!
