CBC Digital Archives

Sounds and sight of the 1939 Royal Tour train

In the spring of 1939, a new King and his gracious Queen captured the hearts of Canadians. As war loomed overseas, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth toured the country by train to meet their subjects and bolster the bonds of Empire. From small-town whistle stops to bustling cities, eager crowds cheered, sang and waited for hours, eager for a glimpse of royalty. CBC mobilized a crew of 100 to cover the tour, producing a rich radio archive of that royal spring.

A commentator describes the royal train as it pulls into the station at Montreal.
Medium: Radio
Program: CBC Radio Special: Royal Tour
Broadcast Date: May 18, 1939
Duration: 1:45
Photo Credit: William Lyon Mackenzie King / Library and Archives Canada / PA-203283

Last updated: May 9, 2013

Page consulted on May 9, 2013

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