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Deep Dive: Rocky Mountain Express (2011)

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Rocky Mountain Express
Rocky Mountain Express is a 45-minute IMAX film directed by Stephen Low, focusing on the Canadian Pacific Railway’s restored steam locomotive 2816. The film captures the historic route from Vancouver to Montreal, emphasizing the western mountain section. It combines stunning visuals shot in 15 perforation/70 mm film with archival photographs and CGI maps to present the story of the first transcontinental railway in Canada, constructed between 1881 and 1885. The narrative intertwines the train's eastbound journey with the historical timeline of the railway's construction, showcasing the immense effort required to connect a nation of fewer than five million people. The film shows significant geographical features and the difficulties faced by builders, including the granite cliffs of the Fraser Valley and the Selkirks. The sound design and editing were completed in Toronto, enhancing the immersive experience of the locomotive in action.

Why Watch

  • •See the stunning landscapes between Calgary and Vancouver.
  • •Meet the historic steam locomotive 2816 in action.
  • •Find out about the construction of Canada's first transcontinental railway.

Did You Know

•The film had its world premiere on September 30, 2011.
•Rocky Mountain Express made up to $20 million in the first 2 years.
•The primary construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway lasted from 1881 to 1885.
•The film was shot over five years, starting in 2006.
•It features the Canadian Pacific Railway’s 4-6-4 H1b Hudson steam locomotive 2816.

Perfect For

Railway enthusiastsCanadian history buffsIMAX film lovers