Visitors Allowed in Camp Valcartier on Weekends

THIS DAY IN RMR HISTORY, 16 September 1914 – After the troops arrived at Valcartier, and as the time drew near for the Canadian Contingent to embark on their voyage to England, many citizens across the country wanted yet another chance to say goodbye.   The camp was open for visitors on weekends.  Canada Steamship Lines advertised the availability of their ships to convey citizens from Montreal to Quebec City for this purpose.  At the same time both the Canadian Pacific, and the Canadian Northern Railway companies put on special trains to give families, friends and the general public a chance to travel from Toronto and Montreal to Valcartier Camp, via Quebec City.  The return train fare from Montreal to Quebec City was $4.00 per adult, $2.00 per child.  Alternatively, Canada Steamship Lines offered overnight passage from Montreal to Quebec City with train connection to the camp. The return fare including berth and dinner was $7.50.  There, visitors had their last chance to see friends and loved ones and to bid, what in all too many cases, would be their final farewells. Many citizens took advantage of the opportunity to visit the camp on these September weekends and on some days the crowds of visitors were estimated at 15,000 to 20,000.