Saskatchewan Rail Map

Description:
This map shows railways in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan Railways: A Historical Overview

The development of Saskatchewan's railway system began in the late 19th century with the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). Established in 1881, CPR made a significant decision to route its transcontinental line through the southern part of what would become Saskatchewan, traversing the arid Palliser Triangle rather than the more fertile northern regions. This strategic choice profoundly shaped settlement patterns across the province, as most major towns were established around railway stations.

By 1892, CPR expanded its network to communities like Weyburn, which quickly developed into an important railway hub. The town became a junction point between the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Soo Line running to the United States in 1893. This connection facilitated grain exports and stimulated economic growth throughout the region.

Canadian National Railways

In 1919, several bankrupt railways were consolidated to form Canadian National Railways (CNR), which became CPR's primary competitor. CN Rail developed an extensive network across Saskatchewan, connecting western and eastern parts of Canada. Today, CN Rail operates approximately 30,000 km of track across North America, with significant routes through Saskatchewan that are crucial for transporting the province's agricultural products, particularly grain, to national and international markets.

Railways played a vital role in Saskatchewan's economic and social development. The Better Farming Train, operated by CPR between 1914 and 1922, traveled throughout rural Saskatchewan disseminating agricultural research information to farmers. In modern times, both CN and CP continue to be essential for Saskatchewan's economy, with CN's Saskatoon line being particularly important for grain transportation. A notable incident occurred in January 2019 when a CN Rail freight train carrying wheat derailed near Saskatoon, highlighting the ongoing significance of rail transport in the province's agricultural sector.