Following in the footsteps of other holiday events, like the Cochrane Light Up, The CP Rail Holiday Train has been canceled this year due to COVID-19. 

In a news release, CP Rail said that a virtual concert benefit will be held in the holiday trains place, with all donations going towards food banks across the country. 

CP President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Creel says that they understand the need for food bank donations are bigger than ever. "COVID-19 has created many challenges for communities across our network and has only increased the need at local food banks and food shelves,”

“It is our honor to continue to donate to communities across our network this year, even if the train itself will not run. The spirit of the Holiday Train program and the Christmas spirit will carry on this year through our virtual concert. We will have the Holiday Train rolling again spreading Christmas cheer as soon as it’s safe to do so!”  

In years prior, the CP Holiday Train would draw a huge crowd in Historic Downtown Cochrane, and the event has featured big Canadian artists such as The Sam Roberts Band, Kelly Preston and Tracey Brown. The Cochrane Activettes would also be on-site accepting donations for the Cochrane Food Bank. 

CP Rail expects the holiday train to return in 2021.