Join Us in Nelson!

The CPHA is hosting its first ever membership convention September 16th to 21st, 2022 in Nelson, British Columbia.

We are excited to be partnering with the Great Northern Railway Historical Society. This will be their first joint event, and their first convention in Canada. Nelson and the surrounding Kootenay region host a fascinating railway and cultural history, where the CPR and GNR feature front and centre. The region also boasts beautiful scenery, fantastic restaurants and attractions, and entertainment for the entire family.

New: Nelson Convention Update

We are getting excited as the Nelson 2022 Convention is getting close: September 17th-21st, 2022 inclusive!!

• We encourage you to get registered if you haven't already done so; we prefer online registrations this close to convention
  • GNRHS - https://gnrhs.myshopify.com/collections/conventions
  • CPHA - https://www.cptracks.ca/nelson2022.html
• If you're already registered, you can still book a space for these activities:
  • Touchstones Museum - for the official opening ceremony of their new Kootenay Railways exhibit
  • Nelson Heritage Tramshops (reception & tour of their shop and streetcars)
  • Ainsworth Hot Springs for a relaxing and enjoyable time in their outdoor pools, followed by self-pay lunch at the Indigenous inspired Ktunaxa Grill overlooking Kootenay Lake
  • Banquet with Keynote speaker Robert Turner
  • Spokane - Nelson Shuttle bus, before and/or after the convention
• Ainsworth Hot Springs activity - we had to change the meal to lunch as they aren't open for breakfast on Wednesdays
• Currently all international travellers coming to Canada must:
  • be fully vaccinated for COVID - they ask about your first and second vaccines
  • have a valid passport
  • create an online account with ArriveCan beforehand - involves scanning your passport and COVID vaccination documents ahead of time (digital photos accepted)
  • the free website is - https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/services/arrivecan.html
  • You must also register via your account within 72 hours of your planned border crossing - you might need to update the version of ArriveCan you are using before registering for your upcoming visit
  • Smartphone - register via your ArriveCan Mobile App so you can show your receipt that way at the border
  • Computer - register online then print off your registration receipt to show at the border - have someone help you if this is challenging for you.
• Please consider bringing something for the Model and Photo display (occurring Sun & Mon). We'd like to see your work-in-progress or completed models and photos to display. Admire the great skills of fellow members. Talk with others to get tips, problem solve, and share ideas.
• Jim Betz is offering layout planning help during convention - contact him at jimbetz@jimbetz.com to arrange a time with him
• Review the updated Aug 16th timecard - there may have been some small changes to start/stop times of some activities
• Burger Buffet - there will be 2 seatings due to the large number of attendees who have paid for this activity
  • 1st seating - 4-6pm
  • 2nd seating - 6-8pm
  • Please let us know which seating you prefer - either by e-mail to fjcarr2022@shaw.ca or when you arrive at the Convention Registration desk in Nelson
  • Tickets indicating your seating choice will be given out at the Convention registration desk
  • there is a simultaneous craft-beer tasting occurring via the adjoining Prestige Port701 Lounge

Looking forward to seeing you in Nelson,
Francina Carr, GNRHS
Nelson 2022 Convention Planner & Registrar

Download the complete Nelson 2022 brochure (PDF).

New Updated Convention Time Card (PDF updated August 25th).

Registration & Hotels | Tours | Banquet | Getting to Nelson

The Venue

Nelson is located in southern British Columbia along the CPR "southern main line", and was home to CPR divisional offices and a major yard for many years. At milepost 0.0 of the Boundary Subdivision, situated on the west arm of Kootenay Lake and on highway #3, Nelson is centrally located in the Boundary/Kootenay area of B.C.

We are extremely pleased to report that noted author and historian Robert D. Turner will be joining us as the banquet keynote speaker and guide for the K&S circle prototype tour. The program will also include:

• Historic and community tours
• Clinics and presentations: There will be dozens of presentations on all kinds of topics relating to the GNR and CPR. Clinics are scheduled from Saturday evening through to Wednesday morning. Details on topics and presenters will be finalized and communicated closer to the event.
• Monday BBQ Social: Join us on the hotel restaurant patio overlooking Kootenay Lake. Build your own beef and vegetarian burgers, salads, beverage and dessert. $29.50 - tax and gratuity included Optional Craft Beer Tasting: $10 for a flight of your choice of 4 local craft beers.
• CPR models and photo displays: Bring your work-in-progress or completed models and photos to display. Admire the great skills of fellow members. Talk with others to get tips, problem solve, and share ideas. For inquiries or special requests for model and photo displays contact Rob Kirkham at rdkirkham@live.ca.
• Model railroad layouts
• Opportunities to socialize with like-minded people
• Events for non-rail partners

With so much to enjoy, we are confident this convention will provide a great time for our members.

For more information, contact Scott Calvert, Co-Chair, Nelson 2022.