Holiday Train Returns To Banff And Canmore This December: Here's Where To Catch It

The CPKC Holiday Train is returning to the Bow Valley this December, bringing thousands of festive lights, live music and an opportunity to support local food banks.

The annual holiday tradition will make stops in Cochrane, Stoney Nakoda, Canmore and Banff on Tuesday, Dec. 15, with free performances by Canadian rock group Sam Roberts Band and country artist Owen Riegling.

Now in its 28th year, the Holiday Train travels across Canada and the United States each November and December, raising food, money and awareness for local food banks.

Where And When To Catch The Holiday Train

According to CPKC's newly released 2026 schedule, the train will make four stops in and around the Bow Valley on Dec. 15.

• Cochrane: 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., behind the Provincial Building between 4th Avenue and 2nd Avenue.

• Stoney Nakoda: 4:25 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., Morley Trading Post Station.

• Canmore: 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the railway pedestrian crossing behind Save-On-Foods.

• Banff: 7:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., at the CPKC Train Station on Railway Avenue.

Each stop features a roughly 20- to 30-minute outdoor concert performed from a stage built into one of the train's boxcars.

When the train arrives, the stage door lowers, musicians perform a selection of holiday favourites and original songs, and local food bank representatives collect donations before the train continues to its next destination.

Who's Performing?

This year's Bow Valley performances will feature the Sam Roberts Band, known for Canadian rock hits including Brother Down, Don't Walk Away Eileen and Where Have All the Good People Gone?

Joining them is Ontario country singer Owen Riegling, known for songs including Old Dirt Roads and Love (The Sweater Song).

The two acts will perform at all four local stops, giving residents several opportunities to catch the show.

Free To Attend, With Donations Encouraged

All CPKC Holiday Train concerts are free, although attendees are encouraged to bring a monetary donation or non-perishable food item to support their local food bank.

Every donation collected stays in the community where it was given.

Since launching in 1999, the Holiday Train program has raised more than $28.3 million and collected 5.6 million pounds of food for North American food banks.

CPKC recommends monetary donations when possible, allowing food banks to purchase the supplies they need most.

Attendees are also reminded to remain at least 15 metres from the railway tracks and never stand on the tracks to take photos.

The 2026 Holiday Train program begins Nov. 19, with the Canadian route running from Nov. 21 to Dec. 20.

Residents can find the full schedule and additional information through the official CPKC Holiday Train website.