The "Alouette"/"Red Wing": CP's Boston-Montreal Service
Last revised: September 15, 2024
By: Adam Burns
While the Montreal/Boston-New York-Washington market was dominated by the Boston & Maine, Pennsy, Canadian National, and Central Vermont with trains such as the Montrealer/Washingtonian and Ambassador/New Englander there were also others in this once lucrative market.
Not to be outdone by its long-time competitor, the Canadian Pacific offered its Alouette/Red Wing; the former running during the daylight hours and the latter hosting an overnight schedule. To reach Boston the CP worked with B&M via its downtown North Station.
Originally launched in the 1920s as separate trains the service remained on the timetable until the 1950s when the Red Wing was dropped and the Alouette lost its name. The final remnant survived until the mid-1960s when it was discontinued altogether.
Photos
Canadian Pacific E8A #1801, one of only three the railroad owned, arrives in Westmount, Quebec with the "Alouette" from Boston during the 1950's. J. Norman Lowe photo.History
The Alouette was inaugurated on April 26, 1926 providing a schedule of just over 10 hours to complete the nearly 340-mile trip. The northbound run left Boston around mid-morning and arrived at CP's beautiful Windsor Station in Montreal by mid-evening later that day.
Its southbound counterpart left Montreal just minutes earlier that evening and returned back to North Station by mid-morning the next day. As a daytime train it provided passengers with parlor or coach seating and during the 1940s added the popular, buffet-parlor-observation.
This car featured the classic open-air platform so common with heavyweight observations from that era and even showcased its own, illuminated drumhead.
Streamlined Era
During the streamlined years it wasn't uncommon to see a B&M "American Flyer" or CP 2100-series lightweight coach within the consist. Before diesels took over the Alouette was normally led by one of CP's handsome Class G Pacific's north of Woodsville, New Hampshire, which could still be found heading the train on occasion through the late 1940s.
After steam service ended, new E8As wearing the road's classic maroon and grey livery were common power. According to Kevin Holland's book, "Passenger Trains Of Northern New England, In The Streamline Era," the CP's line through Vermont was one of its first dieselized in 1949 when RS2s, equipped with steam boilers for passenger service, began handling local branch operations.
Timetable and Consist (1952)
Canadian Pacific
Of note were Canadian Pacific's three E8As, #1800-1802; these were the only of their kind purchased by the road, intended to operate in conjunction with the B&M's fleet of E7As (and a single E8A) that were regularly given passenger assignments from the mid-1940s forward. The original routing of the Alouette and Red Wing over the B&M saw the trains running via Woodsville, Plymouth, and Concord.
However, after this line was truncated in late 1954 interchange with CP took place at White River Junction, Vermont (coincidentally, the same location that B&M interchanged with CV and their rival Ambassador/New Englander and Montrealer/Washingtonian). By then, disenchantment with passenger trains was growing rife with all parties involved.
Alouette Timetable (September 28, 1941)
| Read Down Time/Leave (Train #5/Boston & Maine) | Milepost | Location | Read Up Time/Arrive (Train #20/Boston & Maine) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM (Dp) | 0.0 | 7:30 PM (Ar) | |
| 9:35 AM | 25.6 | 6:52 PM | |
| 9:56 AM | 39.0 | 6:30 PM | |
| 10:20 AM | 55.7 | 6:06 PM | |
| 11:00 AM | 73.3 | 5:30 PM | |
| 12:32 PM | 124.6 | 3:59 PM | |
| 1:45 PM (Ar) | 166.9 | 2:45 PM (Dp) | |
| Time/Leave (Canadian Pacific) | Milepost | Location | Time/Arrive (Canadian Pacific) |
| 2:00 PM (Dp) | 166.9 | 2:33 PM (Ar) | |
| 2:41 PM | 187.4 | 1:50 PM | |
| 3:05 PM | 196.1 | 1:31 PM | |
| 3:47 PM | 216.7 | 12:52 PM | |
| 4:15 PM (Ar) | 230.9 | 12:25 PM (Dp) | |
| 4:25 PM (Dp) | 230.9 | 12:20 PM (Ar) | |
| 4:50 PM | 245.2 | 11:52 AM | |
| 5:17 PM | 261.9 | 11:24 AM | |
| 6:13 PM | 295.6 | 10:28 AM | |
| 6:35 PM | 309.3 | 10:11 AM | |
| 7:35 PM (Ar) | 338.7 | 9:30 AM (Dp) |
Red Wing Timetable (September 28, 1941)
| Read Down Time/Leave (Train #325/Boston & Maine) | Milepost | Location | Read Up Time/Arrive (Train #302/Boston & Maine) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:45 PM (Dp) | 0.0 | 8:03 AM (Ar) | |
| 9:23 PM | 25.6 | 7:28 AM | |
| 9:45 PM | 39.0 | 7:05 AM | |
| 10:12 PM | 55.7 | 6:32 AM | |
| 10:48 PM | 73.3 | 5:59 AM | |
| 12:50 AM (Ar) | 4:00 AM (Dp) | ||
| 1:30 AM (Dp) | 3:30 AM (Ar) | ||
| 2:40 AM (Ar) | 2:20 AM (Dp) | ||
| Time/Leave (Canadian Pacific) | Milepost | Location | Time/Arrive (Canadian Pacific) |
| 2:50 AM (Dp) | 2:10 AM (Ar) | ||
| 3:23 AM | 187.4 | 1:28 AM | |
| 3:50 AM | 196.1 | 1:12 AM | |
| 4:39 AM | 216.7 | 12:30 AM | |
| 5:05 AM (Ar) | 230.9 | 12:01 AM (Dp) | |
| Time/Leave (Quebec Central Railway/Quebec City Connection) | Milepost | Location | Time/Arrive (Quebec Central Railway/Quebec City Connection) |
| 5:15 AM (Dp) | 230.9 | 11:45 PM (Ar) | |
| 7:00 AM | 270.9 | 9:10 PM | |
| 12:25 PM (Ar) | 417.9 | 3:40 PM | |
| Time/Leave (Canadian Pacific) | Milepost | Location | Time/Arrive (Canadian Pacific) |
| 5:20 AM (Dp) | 230.9 | 11:50 PM (Ar) | |
| F 5:47 AM | 245.2 | F 11:22 PM | |
| 6:11 AM | 261.9 | 10:55 PM | |
| 7:05 AM | 295.6 | 9:58 PM | |
| 7:23 AM | 309.3 | 9:41 PM | |
| 8:10 AM (Ar) | 338.7 | 9:00 PM (Dp) |
Decline
During October of 1956 the Alouette lost its name becoming a diminutive service provided by Rail Diesel Cars (RDCs). The B&M was especially fond of these Budd-built designs and came to own more than 100 examples under the leadership of Patrick McGinnis who believed they could provide quality service while significantly cutting costs in the process.
The now unnamed trains #5 and #20 continued to provide service until 1965 when they were finally discontinued. The accompanying Red Wing would not live to see the 1960s. The train's schedule was a bit slower than the Alouette, requiring close to twelve hours; the northbound run left Boston late in the evening and reached Montreal by breakfast the next morning.
Final Years
Its southbound companion departed Windsor Station late in the evening as well and returned to Boston at nearly the same time the next morning.
Mr. Holland's book notes that by the streamlined era the B&M began combining the Red Wing and the New Englander south of White River Junction. In addition, prior to World War II the railroad had even offered through sleeper service between Boston and Quebec City, twice weekly.
As ridership declined through the 1950s - a result of highways and more reliable automobiles - there was no need for so many trains serving such a compact and declining market base. With such growing disinterest in rail travel, especially overnight trains, CP and B&M discontinued the Red Wing during October of 1959.
Sources
- Holland, Kevin J. Passenger Trains Of Northern New England, In The Streamline Era. Lynchburg: TLC Publishing, 2004.
- Lamb, Kaye W. History Of The Canadian Pacific Railway. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1977.
- Murray, Tom. Canadian Pacific Railway. St. Paul: Voyageur Press, 2006.
- Schafer, Mike. Classic American Railroads. Osceola: MBI Publishing, 1996.
Recent Articles
-
Amtrak’s Maple Leaf – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 07:29 PM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the strongest scenic stretches, border practicalities, and tips for a smooth New York–Toronto trip. -
Leadville Railroad: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 21, 26 02:33 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main excursion, what to expect onboard, altitude considerations, and practical tips for a Leadville railroad day. -
Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 01:33 PM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the best scenic stretches, practical travel notes, and tips for foliage and shoulder-season rides. -
East Broad Top Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 21, 26 01:05 PM
This guide covers the passenger experience, what makes EBT unique, practical planning notes, and how it fits into a broader Pennsylvania railroad trip. -
Best Steam-Powered Scenic Train Rides in the Eastern U.S. 2026
Jul 21, 26 11:25 AM
Discover the best steam-powered scenic train rides in the Eastern U.S. for 2026. From Cass Scenic Railroad Shays to Strasburg and other heritage steam operations — schedules, highlights, and tips. -
Best Steam Train Rides in America (2026): Top Scenic Steam Experiences
Jul 21, 26 11:23 AM
Looking for the best steam train rides in the United States for 2026? This guide ranks the highest-value scenic steam experiences—railroads where live steam is a core part of the product, not a once-a… -
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 21, 26 11:08 AM
This 2026 guide covers the main excursion, special trains, what to expect onboard, and practical tips for planning a Cumberland-area railroad day. -
Amtrak’s Sunset Limited – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 10:43 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the strongest scenic stretches, practical travel notes, and tips for a smooth multi-night trip. -
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 10:43 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the best coastal stretches, practical tips, and how to use the Surfliner as either a day trip or a link in a longer California rail itinerary. -
Ohio’s LM&M Bourbon Train: Whiskey Tasting on the Rails in Lebanon
Jul 20, 26 02:54 PM
Looking for a bourbon tasting that is not another distillery tour queue? The Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad (LM&M) in Lebanon, Ohio, runs adult-oriented Food & Drink trains—and its Bourbon Train is o… -
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train: Classic Dining on the Rails in Bardstown
Jul 20, 26 02:44 PM
For travelers who specifically search “dinner train” (not wine tasting, not murder mystery, not Polar Express), Bardstown is still one of the first names that comes up—and for good reason. -
New Hope Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 02:30 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main scenic product, special trains, what to expect, and how to pair the ride with a day in New Hope. -
Mount Washington Cog Railway: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 20, 26 02:08 PM
This 2026 guide covers summit and shorter trips, steam vs. biodiesel power, what to expect on the grade, and how to plan around New England’s short, intense peak season. -
Heber Valley Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 01:41 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main scenic products, special trains, and practical tips for planning a Heber outing. -
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 20, 26 01:25 PM
This 2026 guide covers full-line and shorter trip options, what you will see, classes of service, and how to plan a full day on one of America’s great scenic trains. -
Amtrak’s City of New Orleans – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 20, 26 11:25 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, what to watch for, practical travel information, and tips for a smooth one-night trip. -
Best Dinner Train Rides in America (2026): Top Scenic Experiences
Jul 20, 26 11:13 AM
Looking for the best dinner train rides in the United States for 2026? This guide ranks the highest-value scenic dining experiences—trains where the meal is the main event, not just a snack bar—and po… -
Amtrak’s Auto Train – Complete 2026 Passenger Guide
Jul 20, 26 10:59 AM
This 2026 guide covers how the service works, what the ride is like, practical tips for vehicle loading, and who should choose the Auto Train over flying or driving the whole way. -
Tennessee - Tea Tasting - Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 10:55 AM
If you’re looking for a Chattanooga outing that feels equal parts special occasion and time-travel, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) has a surprisingly elegant answer: The Homefront Tea Roo… -
Indiana -Ice Cream- Tasting Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 10:45 AM
The Indiana Rail Experience's "Indiana Ice Cream Train" is designed for everyone—families with young kids, casual visitors in town for the lake, and even adults who just want… -
Colorado *Wine Tasting* Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 10:43 AM
To truly savor these local flavors while soaking in the scenic beauty of Colorado, the concept of wine tasting trains has emerged, offering both locals and tourists a luxurious and immersive indulgenc… -
Georgia *Wine Tasting* Train Rides In Cordele
Jul 20, 26 10:22 AM
While the railroad offers a range of themed trips throughout the year, one of its most crowd-pleasing special events is the Wine & Cheese Train—a short, scenic round trip designed to feel like… -
Kansas * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Ride
Jul 20, 26 10:14 AM
Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains. -
New Hampshire * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 09:05 AM
The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel. -
White Pass & Yukon Route: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 12:29 AM
This 2026 guide covers the main Summit Excursion and longer options, what you will see, and how to book around the short, intense summer season. -
Verde Canyon Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 12:10 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, classes of service, the best times to ride, and practical tips for a full half-day outing in the Verde Valley. -
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 19, 26 11:55 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee River style excursions, classes of service, peak seasons, and tips for pairing the train with a Smokies vacation. -
Royal Gorge Route Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 19, 26 11:54 PM
This 2026 guide covers the route, classes of service, the best times to ride, and practical tips for a Cañon City / Colorado Springs / Pueblo area day trip. -
Strasburg Rail Road: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 19, 26 11:52 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main excursion product, what to expect onboard, special trains, and practical tips for a smooth family or railfan day trip. -
Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF): Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Jul 19, 26 08:12 PM
The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway was among the earliest and most influential American railroads to embrace diesel-electric motive power. -
America 250 Locomotive Celebration Set for August 28-30 at NCTM
Jul 19, 26 11:22 AM
The North Carolina Transportation Museum, Trains Magazine, and White River Productions have announced the America 250 Locomotive Celebration. -
West Virginia ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 11:08 AM
While D&GV is known for several different excursions across the region, one of the most entertaining rides on its calendar is the Greenbrier Express Wild West Special. -
Indiana ~ Whiskey Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:56 AM
Among IRE’s most talked-about offerings is the Wine & Whiskey Train—an adults-only, evening-style trip that leans into the best parts of classic rail travel: atmosphere, comfort, and a… -
Arizona ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:45 AM
For those who want to experience the charm of Arizona's wine scene while embracing the romance of rail travel, wine tasting train rides offer a memorable journey through the state's picturesque landsc… -
Iowa ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:39 AM
The state not only boasts a burgeoning wine industry but also offers unique experiences such as wine by rail aboard the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. -
Florida * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:34 AM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains. -
New York * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:19 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides!" -
Georgetown Loop Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 04:15 PM
This 2026 guide covers the ride experience, mine tour add-ons, best seasons, and how to plan a smooth Denver-area railroad outing. -
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 02:33 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main National Park Scenic experience, bike-and-rail options, special trains, and practical tips for Northeast Ohio visitors. -
Conway Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 01:57 PM
This 2026 guide explains the main trip types, when to book for fall color, and how to plan a North Conway railroad day that fits families and serious scenery hunters alike. -
Cass Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 01:30 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main trips, what makes Cass different from ordinary tourist railroads, and how to plan around weather, grades, and peak foliage season. -
Best Scenic Train Rides in America (2026): Top Routes & Day Trips
Jul 18, 26 12:43 PM
There is no single “best” train—only the best match for your region, season, budget, and whether you want multi-day sleepers or a same-day steam excursion. -
Pennsylvania ~ Beer Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:38 AM
Today, EBT’s rebirth has introduced a growing lineup of experiences, and one of the most enticing for adult visitors is the Broad Top Brews Train. -
North Carolina ~ Beer Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:33 AM
If you’re looking for the most “Bryson City” way to combine railroading and local flavor, the Smoky Mountain Beer Run is the one to circle on the calendar. -
California ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:30 AM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Arkansas ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:24 AM
This article takes you through the experience of wine tasting train rides in Arkansas, highlighting their offerings, routes, and the delightful blend of history, scenery, and flavor that makes them so… -
Pennsylvania ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:17 AM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
New Jersey ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:15 AM
There are currently no murder mystery dinner trains available in New Jersey although until 2023 the Cape May Seashore Lines offered this event. Perhaps they will again soon! -
USDOT Releases Phase I Penn Station Service Optimization Study
Jul 17, 26 05:56 PM
The U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration have released the Phase I report of the New York Penn Station Service Optimization Study. -
FRA Expands Automated Track Inspection Tests as CSX Begins Rollout
Jul 17, 26 05:48 PM
The Federal Railroad Administration has green-lighted a broader five-year waiver framework allowing freight railroads to expand Automated Track Inspection (ATI) technology on revenue track.
