In 1884, CPR began purchasing sailing ships as part of a railway supply service on the Great Lakes.
[1] In the 20th century, the company evolved into a transcontinental railroad which operated two transoceanic services which connected Canada with Europe and with Asia.
For example, in 1901 CPR built three sternwheelers for use on the Yukon River — the Tyrrell, the Duschesnay, and the Dawson.
Expansion required additional CPR station and terminal structures to be built.
[4] Despite many changes, including corporate mergers and restructuring, some elements of the lake service continue to operate.