8 enchanting small towns in Ontario where you can see the CPKC Holiday Train this year
You can enjoy some small town magic and festive concerts at these spots.
The CPKC Holiday Train. Right: A small town in Ontario.
The iconic CPKC Holiday Train will soon be chugging its way into Ontario, spreading festive magic and cheer in its wake. The train, formerly known as the CP Holiday Train, will be making 38 stops in destinations across the province, including some enchanting small towns.
The dazzling locomotive will host free concerts at each stop in support of local food banks. If you're looking for some magical places to enjoy the train, you may want to head to some of these small towns in Ontario where you can experience dazzling streets, Christmas events and more.
While the concerts are free, the CPKC train accepts non-perishable food and monetary donations for local food banks.
Here are eight beautiful small towns in Ontario where the holiday train will be stopping these year.
Cambridge / Galt
When: November 24, 2024, 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Address: 10 Malcom St., Cambridge, ON
Why You Need To Go: Galt is an enchanting neighbourhood in Cambridge with some major small town feels. Beginning November 15, you can enjoy the Winterfest event complete with glowing lights and holiday charm.
The town is a magical spot to see the Christmas train and enjoy some extra festive fun.
Ayr
When: November 24, 2024, 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Address: Inglis St. & Willison St., Ayr, ON
Why You Need To Go: According to Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Services, this destination is "an exceptionally intact nineteenth-century village with numerous historic buildings and cultural heritage landscape features," making it a charming spot to enjoy some Christmas cheer. You'll be transported back in time as you explore the old-world streets and visit the glowing train.
Chatham
When: November 25, 2024, 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Address: Holiday Inn & Convention Center - 565 Richmond St., Chatham, ON
Why You Need To Go: Chatham-Kent is a holiday wonderland complete with Christmas tree farms, holiday markets, lights and boutique shopping.
You can have a festive day exploring the holiday activations and visiting the CPKC Train.
Visit Chatham-Kent Website
Merrickville
When: November 28, 2024, 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Address: 103 East Broadway & Country Road 2, Merrickville, ON
Why You Need To Go: Known as "Canada's most beautiful village," this town looks like a quaint slice of Europe with tiny shops and twinkly streets.
You can enjoy an old-world Christmas atmosphere while listening to tunes from the train.
Perth
When: November 28, 2024, 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Address: Wilson Street Railroad Crossing, Perth, ON
Why You Need To Go: You'll find markets, lights, and holiday events galore at this old-world town near Ottawa. You can spend the day exploring the quaint downtown and sipping warm beverages in the cozy cafes before heading to the train.
Brighton
When: November 29, 2024, 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Address: Prince Edward St., Brighton, ON
Why You Need To Go: Perched along the shores of Lake Ontario, Brighton features a charming downtown full of festive charm. The train will be making a mid-day stop in this destination to add an extra sprinkle of magic to the season.
Bowmanville
When: November 29, 2024, 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Address: Scugog Road & Wellington St., Bowmanville, Ontario
Why You Need To Go: Enjoy small town charm and Christmas cheer in Bowmanville, where you can see the CPKC Christmas train and enjoy twinkly streets and shops.
Parry Sound
When: November 30, 2024, 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Address: Festival Station - 1 Avenue Rd., Parry Sound, ON
Why You Need To Go: Parry Sound features a sparkling Christmas park, dazzling decor and more. This year, the Santa Claus Parade will take place on the same day as the CPKC Holiday Train, so you can enjoy lots of festive fun.
For a full list of the CPKC Holiday Train stops, visit the CPKC website.
Enjoy some holiday magic in these enchanting small towns!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.