It’s a little early to start thinking about the holidays—especially since Halloween hasn’t even happened yet—but this news is just too delightful not to share. Late fall is going to be cold and sunny, and late at night on the streets of Montreal, you can already start to sense the snow.
Throughout November, the trees will be completely bare, and we’ll dig out our matching gloves and scarves, quickly finish knitting the hats we promised our friends and parents, and spend more time indoors, staying warm. We’ll say a prayer that the heating bill won’t be too high this winter.
And, fairly early in the month, there will also be the first holiday markets and, on November 19, 2026, a visit from the very magical Canadian Pacific Holiday Train.
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THE CANADIAN PACIFIC HOLIDAY TRAIN
For the past 27 years, Canadian Pacific Railway has been running its Holiday Train across Canada and the United States during the holiday season to bring concerts, magic, and the holiday spirit to children.
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will pass through Montreal on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at the Montreal West EXO station, and will stop for 30 minutes between 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. There will be performances by the bands MAGIC! and MARIS.
But above all, the Holiday Train is making its annual run to collect donations for local food banks. Because the holiday spirit is the perfect excuse to be generous. Especially in a country where we don’t always feel like the government is looking out for everyone.
Solidarity and mutual support are the best ways to give a little to nurture our community—we must tend to our own garden, as Voltaire said. That, too, is the magic of the holidays.
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DONATION DRIVES, FOOD BANKS, AND HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR GARDEN IN MONTREAL
The Train des Fêtes stops are a kind of free open-air concert, but donations—whether food or cash—to local food banks are strongly encouraged.
We’ll put together a basket with vegetables, bread, rice, and seasonal staples, because those who rely on food assistance deserve cranberries, squash, and turkey, too.
Before the Train arrives in Montreal, the participating food banks will be announced, and we recommend visiting their websites to check which food items they need most.
To learn more about Montreal’s food banks and assistance programs, click here!
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PRACTICAL INFO
Where? EXO Montreal West Station, at 7499 Harley Avenue, Montreal West
When? Thursday, November 19, 2026 / 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
What? Free admission / donations to local food banks recommended
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