At Elliott Best, we’re inspired by the stories that helped shape Canada. And none was more grand or ambitious than the creation of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and its monumental hotels.
The Canadian Pacific Railway, completed in 1885, physically connected the country from east to west. But the CPR's leadership knew it had to be more than a transport line — it had to be a cultural artery. The solution? Grand hotels built along the route, offering not only luxurious rest stops but unforgettable views of the nation’s wild beauty.
The CP hotels helped bring the world to Canada. Tourists, dignitaries, and businesspeople could now cross the country in style, building east-west connections while also strengthening the north-south pull of American visitors. The hotels were cultural markers that embodied Canada’s aspirations as a nation.
It is also essential to acknowledge the darker side of this story. The CPR’s expansion, and by extension, the construction of these hotels often came at the expense of Indigenous communities. Lands were taken, treaties ignored or reinterpreted, and traditional ways of life were disrupted. Some hotels, including The Empress and Château Lake Louise, were built on or near lands historically occupied by Indigenous peoples without proper consultation or compensation.
Our work at Elliott Best aims to honour the full complexity of Canadian history. With our new series, we invite you to revisit Canada’s journey as a nation. Through rail and stone, ambition and artistry.
See the original collection of the Great Grand CP Hotels featured in Our Canada.
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