Transcontinental Tour: Description

The National Library's collection of railway advertising, dating from approximately 1883 to 1952, represents the work of over forty companies. While few railways were built to serve passengers alone, most attempted to attract passengers in addition to freight traffic. To do this, they advertised their services and schedules, and promoted their regions as attractive destinations.

Examples of these promotions comprise the brochures, timetables and posters exhibited here. While their often sunny images evoke relaxation and prosperity, most railways shared a common pattern of chronic debt, fierce competition, and bankruptcy or absorption by a larger railway.

This section is arranged geographically, by province. Only railways for which the National Library holds an item are listed. Railway company names that are highlighted have a brief company summary attached.