Arriving in Montreal aboard the Empress of England

by Michael Hill
(Vancouver Canada)

Photo of the Empress of England arriving in the Port of Montreal from the Archives de la Ville de Montreal on Flickr.  (Navire «Empress of England» escorté par un remorqueur, 1963, VM94-AD-5-056)

Photo of the Empress of England arriving in the Port of Montreal from the Archives de la Ville de Montreal on Flickr. (Navire «Empress of England» escorté par un remorqueur, 1963, VM94-AD-5-056)

I emigrated to Canada in the spring of 1964, arriving in Montreal on May 6 after a voyage of seven days. Although I never did find out all the salient details, I was informed around Christmas 1963 that we were moving to Canada. At this point I was halfway into my first year of secondary school in Yorkshire, in the north of England. My father apparently had tired of rainy England and procured a job in Toronto, and he flew out in February 1964, to stay with the sister of a neighbour of my maternal grandmother. Mum was left with the job of selling the house and most of the contents, car, etc. By mid-April this was accomplished and we left the house for the last time in a taxi to the station on our way to Derby to stay with my grandmother until our sailing on April 28. This was very interesting and exciting for a twelve year old boy. The only thing I regretted was leaving my school and friends. Mum must have felt sorry for me and acquired tickets for a special steam train excursion from Derby to Crewe, including tours of the railway shops.

On the morning of April 28 we boarded a train for Liverpool, and found our way to the big CP ship, which was at the time, I believe, berthed at Gladstone dock. The ship was very impressive, and loomed large at the dock as we were processed through the ticket agents and customs inspection, then walking the gangway onto the huge vessel, then finding our way to the tiny cabin on B deck. As mum unpacked and then took a nap before dinner I set out on an exploratory mission of the ship, picking up a few friends here and there, mostly emigrating to Canada as I was.

The first night was smooth and peaceful, and we awoke next morning anchored in the Firth of Clyde to pick up more passengers. The rest of the day was spent on deck watching the passing scenery, and then watching the land recede as we made our way toward open ocean.

The next five days were spent exploring all the ship's amenities, including the small theatre, deck games, and of course many hours just walking the decks with my friends. I can still see hear and smell the ocean spray from the stern of the ship.

Finally we encountered land as we passed PEI, the Gaspe peninsula, and entered the St Lawrence Seaway. I remember it was hot and sunny, a distinct contrast to cold rainy Liverpool, and was marvellous sitting on the deck watching the scenery drift by on either side of the ship.

On May 5 we docked in Quebec City, where we disembarked to process through Canadian Customs and Immigration. I was now a landed immigrant. After this we had most of the day to explore, and conveniently a hoard of taxis arrived to take us on tours. Then back on the ship one final night, waking up in Montreal. We had booked train travel to Toronto, leaving that afternoon, so in the meantime we hopped on a scenic tour bus to see Montreal. It was at the top of Mount Royale that I experienced my first real hotdog, priced ten cents. It was so good I must have eaten at least six. Then to the train station and onto the train. It was slow but comfortable, the onboard sandwiches were expensive but we didn't have much of an idea how much things cost.

After what seemed like many hours we arrived in Toronto very late at night, to be met by dad and Elsie and Ray. Dad had found a modern apartment in the west end, and I collapsed into bed, my head spinning trying to comprehend that I had just travelled about one third way around the globe.

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Jan 20, 2024
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Empress of England May 1967
by: Anonymous

My mother, my sister and I sailed to Montreal from Liverpool, arriving May 2, 1967. I was not quite 2 years old and my sister was 4. Don’t remember much obviously, but still have my yellow immigration identification card from that voyage. From Montreal we took the train to Saskatchewan, where we reunited with my father who had flown over earlier. I lived in Saskatchewan until 1987, when I moved to Alberta, my current home. My parents passed away in 2008 and 2009 so I can’t ask about the voyage.

Jan 15, 2024
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1966 trip from Cardiff Wales
by: Darryl ( a Gal)

Hi i saw We arrived in July 1966 to Montreal on Empress of Canada and then we went on to Vancouver, BC by train
I was 6 yrs old .I had 3 more sisters and our Mom& Dad Pamela& Graham Watts
It was a seasick journey the whole way . Fun but went to go swimming till we saw the waves on indoor pool hitting the ceiling! Lol
Cple my Mum and Dad befriended they went back to Wales after landing
We stayed and have been here ever since .
This ship eventually was turned into a Carnival Ship & more
Memories of the Dining Room and the little round port windows. In our Cabin
Oh well .. we made it!!

Dec 29, 2023
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Arrival Montreal July 2 1969
by: Graham Sweet

I have been monitoring this page for years and have not yet had anyone comment on the trip arriving in Montreal July 2 1969. Obviously that's when I arrived. I along with my wife and 4 year old son got into a taxi to the station and was joined by a guy with skis. Normal I supposed!! We went to Toronto.
So, there were two families we befriended. A Hungarian couple (husband was nick-named Erki by his wife) and a Finish couple (Sirpa & Tapani Kirenan). My wife & I went our separate ways after a while and she is now dying. Very sad, we stayed friends. The 4 year old is now approaching his 59th birthday. He lives in Tororto while I am in Winnipeg. Where have the years gone? If anyone remembers this trip please comment. Thank you!

Dec 29, 2023
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Reply to Olwyn
by: Amanda Wall

How interesting, we were on the same crossing.
Yes, perhaps we crossed paths in the dining room!
Do you remember the oversized menus. I could barely
hold them.
The sea was rough and the waves were huge.
But I don’t remember being frightened.
Then your family travelling all that way to Vancouver….
you probably thought,
How big can Canada really be!


Dec 27, 2023
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New Start
by: Donald Cameron

I served my apprenticeship in New Haven Scotland utill I was 21. A fellow apprentice had emigrated to Canada in 1966 and we exchanged letters after reading his letters. So in 1967 I decided it was time for me to move it was a sad day when I told my mother that I was going to Canada but she understood, she had moved to Edinburgh from Wales, she met my father while he was stationed there after the war. It must have been a real cultural shock for her moving to Scotland from Wales. She grew up on a farm and spoke Welsh, The day I left Leith Edinburgh with my mother and sister my uncle Bob and Anutie Cathie drove us to Waverlay station to catch the train to Glasgow and we stayed over night at my cousins in Clydebank, the next day we travelled to Greenock. I remember standing on the tender which would take me the Empress of England and waving good by to my sister and my Mother. I shared a cabin on the Empress two boys of my age and and younger boy. It was a great trip. I stayed friends with one of them Jim Lockwood in Toronto. Jim ended up going back to Liverpool he was a good friend. Has anyone got the ships manifest for July 1967

Nov 15, 2023
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Me too!
by: Olwyn Rutter

I was on the exact same trip as you. After arriving in Canada my family took the train across Canada to settle in West Vancouver. I was 11 at the time. I must have seen you on board.

Oct 16, 2023
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Crossing the Atlantic on the Empress of England
by: Amanda Wall

My mother, father, brother and I sailed on the Empress of England and immigrated to Canada . We left Liverpool and arrived in Quebec on October 28, 1968.
I was only 4, but I remember the kids fancy dress party. I dressed up as Carmen Miranda including whole fruit piled high on my head.
The seas were rough and my father took us kids on deck to see all the water sloshing out of the pool. I was seasick the rest of the voyage and stayed in my bed. I have no other memories except us sitting on a bench outside the train station with the family trunk beside us, while my father left in a taxi to find us a place to live.
After living on Ontario for many years, we headed out West.

Apr 20, 2023
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Adventurous Young Woman
by: Deborah

Thank you for sharing your story Angela. What an adventure that must have been for you, coming to Canada by yourself at a young age! What did you really know about what you had gotten yourself into? Would you and your penpal continue to get along? What if you didn't like it here? Would you be able to pay for a trip back?
Did you get a job in Montreal?
What did your parents think about their daughter moving so far away?
I guess living where you did in the UK, you would have seen many people coming and going to distant destinations.
It's always an adventure moving to a new country, but by yourself as a young woman is another level.

Apr 09, 2023
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My trip to Montreal June 1965
by: Angela

I was 22 years old, and had a pen pal who lived in Montreal. Upon writing and telling her of my two coworkers who had just emigrated to Toronto, she said why didn’t I come. So I did, on my own. I just lived across the River Mersey in Birkenhead so nothing different for me going over to Liverpool, except this time in a taxi with my sister and my parents and a couple of friends. Corsage was worn, and telegrams arrived. I met a few young girls also emigrating, some returning home. The ship sat out in the Mersey waiting for the tide, the off we sailed. I was in ‘steerage’ (third class) sharing a cabin with three old (probably much younger than me now, I’m 80!) ladies. Very dreary crossing, not much to see mid-Atlantic, then as we sailed into the Antigonish Straits gale force 7 seas!! The entire ship, including crew, were seasick. There were ropes in the halls and on the stairs. I woke up early in the morning, went to brush my teeth, and then thought ‘I’m not feeling good’ went back to my top bunk and laid there until about 4 in the afternoon. But the three ladies were out for their ‘constitutional’ on the deck!! Later that evening as the ship entered the St.Lawrence it got smoother, and we had the fancy dress competition- for which I and a bunch of returning college students, Americans I think, had been preparing, I was Lady Godiva and ‘rode’ into the ballroom on a six legged horse (three of the students. Wore my bikini with black hair (made out of crepe paper) wound around my body - we won 1st prize!! A bottle of champagne between about 6 of us!! Fun night. Arriving in Quebec City in early July it was hot!! Then on to Montreal where my pen pal and her dad were waiting for me, picked up my trunk and then off to St.Laurent (northern end of Montreal) where she and I were to share an apartment.

Feb 10, 2023
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Mat 1st 1967
by: Anonymous

Empress of England. I sailed with my two young children by my self to Canada, from Liverpool. We met my husband , who had sailed one month earlier, and started our new life in Canada. No regrets avout sailing away from cold damp England.

Jan 06, 2023
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First boat trip
by: DK

I I was 7 when we landed in Quebec Sept 18 1963. My two younger sisters 6 and 3, so I don't remember much but the rocking,swaying of the boat, apple juice, the kids spot to play and mom and susters being sea sick. My dad and I seemed ok, at least most if the time. Lots if soup, walking to get fresh air before sleep.Soon we were on board a train for TO, with a box lunch, and apple juice. Amazing, wish I could remember..

Dec 11, 2022
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Empress of England
by: Ann Tazey

Empress of England.
I was also on this very voyage and remember it well.
how many times did you see James Bond from Russia with love?

Nov 19, 2022
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1966 Arrival to Canada
by: Liz

I also travelled to Canada during July 1966 aboard the Empress of England! I was travel sick the entire way, and turned 6 years of age mid-Atlantic!

Jun 16, 2022
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Emigrated 1968
by: Bob M

I also emigrated to canada as a 13 year old in april 1968 aboard the Empress. sometimes we were the only family in the dining room as we did not get seasick. I remember it being a great voyage!

May 11, 2021
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How I got to Canada
by: Susan Jones

I have no recollection of my first sea voyage. I was almost 3 years old at the time. My father was in the RCAF and has just completed a five year posting in France and England. He and my Mom and my two siblings were now heading to Canada for the next posting. Of course for me, it would be my fist time in Canada. We sailed on November 15, 1957 heading to Montreal. It was apparently a rough crossing and my sisters were sea sick. Story is that my Mom and I were up on deck watching the waves splash on the deck. I don't think I got seasick! My only regret is not having any clear memory of this crossing!

May 09, 2021
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Liverpool to Montreal June 1962
by: Sharon

At age 5 I remember boarding a train with my Mom and Dad from London to Liverpool for our 7 day crossing to Canada. We arrived in Montreal June 25 1962 where we were met by my Aunt and Uncle who drove from Toronto to pick us up. I remember a lot from the ship journey including the Fancy dress ball. Funny, but to this day, I associate the taste of Apple Juice with the ship as it was likely the first time I tried it. I still have a few of the ship menus/activities. Settled initially in Hamilton and then Burlington where I still live.
Wish I had photos of the trip 🙂🚢

May 03, 2021
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We sailed on the same ship, same dates!
by: Isabel Bliss

Hello, how fun to read of your voyage as I was only 3 when I sailed with my family of six on this same ship, same dates, boarding at Liverpool having taken a taxi, I believe, from Weston-super-Mare. We disembarked in Montréal as well, and apart from a short stint in Toronto, made Montréal area our home until most of us drifted west: Calgary, White Rock, Piers Island. Do you have any photos you could share?

Apr 18, 2021
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11 Months later.
by: Colin B

Hi. We followed you 11 months later and experienced the same fall Atlantic weather, see my comments under Rough Ride April 24, 2019. Our plan was two years here and if it did not work out we were off to Western Australia, and we are still here. Regards.

Apr 18, 2021
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Empress of England
by: Valerie Brown

Married for 10 months we travelled to Liverpool and boarded the Empress of England on November 12, 1968. It was a rough crossing and the ship’s doctor was doing a roaring trade, with me at the head of the queue. We sailed via Greenock, arriving in Quebec on November 18th 1968. We went through immigration on the ship and the following morning we awoke in Montreal. Everyone was speaking French and we thought that we had arrived in the wrong country. ( we were 22 and 23 respectively). We had booked the train to Edmonton. The majority were going to Toronto, a handful going to Vancouver, one to Lethbridge and us going to Edmonton. To say we were worried about this is an understatement. After 3 days and 2 nights travelling across northern Canada we arrived in Edmonton and was met by a guy from Canada immigration., We came for 2 years!! Here we are, over 50 years later, living in Calgary. I guess that says it all.

Feb 18, 2021
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Photos?
by: Deborah

Do any of you have photos of the crossing or experiences on board?

It would be fantastic to share them.

If you like, you can contact me through my "contact me" page and I'll share anything you want on this topic.

Feb 18, 2021
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Empress of EnglandVeronica Sparks
by: Dorothy

Veronica: Didn't you dress up as Alice in Wonderland for the fancy dress night on board the Empress of England? I'm not sure if you're that person or not, but your name rings a bell.

Jan 26, 2021
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Anyone remember?
by: Ann

My dad was purser /chief purser on the Empresses in the 60s and up until the end of the Canada. I know it's a long shot but I wondered if anyone remembers him. His name was Reg Pitt-Brooke. He was Canadian but lived in England. Sadly he died in 1973, when I was too young to ask him all the questions I would now love to ask him.

Jan 01, 2021
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Emigration from England
by: Veronica Sparks (Summerton)

I traveled from England in April/May of 1964 to emigrate to Canada. What a journey! Gale force winds, 30' to 40' waves. Finally let up when we reached the mouth of the St. Laurence River. Best wishes to anyone who traveled with me that year!

Dec 23, 2020
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Empress England June/July 1969
by: Anonymous

My wife and also travelled on this great lady, arriving in Montreal on July 2; 1969. I remember the band leader asking me if I knew the tune O Canada, which I did not, but enjoyed the Canada Day festivities. I do remember it being the first voyage to transverse north of Belle Ille. And we saw ice bergs, wonderful ship and amazing start to 20 years in Canada before returning to Australia.

Nov 13, 2020
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60th anniversary
by: AnonymEric Warburtonous

This has been our 60th anniversary of sailing to Canada.We arrived on the Empress of Britain, docking in Montreal early evening of 11th November 1960. My wife of 8 months was bringing me to meet her family, and that's when I met them. We'd docked in Quebec City the day before and that's where my Landed Immigrant Stays started, sailing up the St.lawrence and seeing the vastness of Canada. Trees upon tress, with church spires every so often and log booms at Trois Riviera. The trip over was bit rough, especially for my wife being 3 months pregnant. I enjoyed it, especially the food. We got up to Gale Force 8 halfway across and I went swimming in the ship's pool. One minute I was in 3 feet of water, the next 6 feet. The next day or so we saw our sister ship, the Empress of Englandsailing to England. Quite a sight, in effect seeing yourself, and we looked good. I can't remember how much our fares were, they seem to have been 72 pounds for my wife, and 69 for me as an immigrant. An old friend from school and his wife went to Australia, for 10 pounds each.

Oct 17, 2020
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Empress of canada
by: Linda Corbeil Pelletier

My husband and I emigrated to Canada in October 1970 on the empress of Canada. Leaving Liverpool arriving in Montreal. Rough weather all the way,it was horrible. We stayed one year and returned to England. We stayed there till 1974 and returned by air to Winnipeg mb where we still are today. No regrets.

Sep 05, 2020
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Empress of England
by: Nadine Thompsonymous

we arrived in Montreal on the Emoress of England on Noveber 21st 1969. I wish I could Remer more of the voyage. I was 12.

Aug 01, 2020
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My voyage
by: Richard Hornsby

I arrived on the Empress of England in 1966

Aug 01, 2020
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2nd Class fare
by: Lee

I travelled on the Empress of England leaving Liverpool May 31, 1957 I think it was her fifth voyage.
Can anyone tell me what the 2nd class fare would have been?

Jul 30, 2020
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Coming to Canada
by: Lorna

My mum, sister and I immigrated to Canada in 1963. We arrived via Empress of England on June 10th in Greenock. I was very small at the time so I don’t remember it, but I do have a picture of my sister on board! My father was already in Canada.

Jul 04, 2020
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Leaving
by: Ernestine

I too left England June 1967. Arrived in Calgary to a new city and culture. the crossing was exciting, at 20 the world holds promise. the crossing had its moments, mostly I remember a group of young men heading for Toronto, they were originally from Jamaica, looking for new starts.
I hope they found and flourished in their new lives. The train trip from Montreal to Calgary was challenging, long and arduous, as it was Expo year, the train was a rattle trap but it was an adventure. Looking back, no regrets, Canada is a beautiful country, so to all the Empress of England passengers, happy memories.

May 08, 2020
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Empress of England
by: Kathleen

We (my mum, sister , brother and myself)left Liverpool, England on the maiden voyage of The Empress of England in April, 1957, to join my dad in Winnipeg.

Apr 09, 2020
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Just discovered this site
by: Anon J. Sharpe

We left Scarborough, Yorkshire to board the empress of Britain this day, April 9, 1963 from Liverpool. I was 15; my sister 10, along with with mum and dad. The trip was great till we hit the Atlantic and ran into a force 9 gale. Dad never missed a meal, Mum, my sister and I were sea sick.😫We arrived in Montreal on the 15th or 16th. The ship had quite a list due to the baggage shifting in the storm. Wouldn’t want to do it again. Have been on several cruises though.😊

Jan 13, 2020
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Passenger Records
by: Deborah

Canadian passenger lists are publicly accessible only up to 1935. For the UK both inbound and outbound passenger lists are available on Ancestry up to 1960. For example search their card catalogue for: "All UK, Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960". This won't help you, Diane.
Here is the information found at Library and Archives Canada regarding post 1935 records:
After 1935
Library and Archives Canada does not hold copies of post-1935 records. Records of immigrants arriving at Canadian land and seaports from January 1, 1936 onwards remain in the custody of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. To request a copy of another person's immigration record, you must mail a signed request to the under-noted office:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Access to Information and Privacy Division
Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1

The request should include the full name at time of entry into Canada, date of birth and year of entry. Additional information is helpful, such as country of birth, port of entry and names of accompanying family members.
The application for copies of records should indicate that it is being requested under Access to Information. It must be submitted by a Canadian citizen or an individual residing in Canada. For non-citizens, you can hire a free-lance researcher to make the request on your behalf. The request must be accompanied by a signed consent from the person concerned or proof that he or she has been deceased for 20 years. Please note that IRCC requires proof of death regardless of the person’s year of birth.
Fee: $5.00 (by cheque or money order made payable to the Receiver General for Canada)
Important Note: To obtain a copy of your own landing record, you must submit an Application for a Verification of Status (VOS) or Replacement of an Immigration Document to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Alternatively, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Card. Found here: http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/immigration/immigration-records/Pages/introduction.aspx#a

Jan 13, 2020
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me too!
by: BobM

I emigrated to Canada aboard Empress of England April 23rd 1968. Exciting for a 13 year old

Aug 31, 2019
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Empress of England 63 or 64
by: Diane (nee Bergman)

My late Mum, Sandra Bergman,and I sailed from the UK to join my Dad in Montreal in either 1963 or 64. She worked as a singer on board and I recall her long sequined dresses. Probably under the name Diane Hamilton which was her stage name. I just wondered whether anyone remembers her. Also does anyone know where I can find passenger lists? So I can check the year we travelled.
Thanks! :-)

Aug 08, 2019
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My experience Arriving in Montreal
by: Damian Petti

I am writing this on the 50th Anniversary of my family's emigration to Canada via The Empress of England. It was a courageous decision for my parent to accept the opportunity for a better life my Dad had taken a job as the Head of the English department at the University of Calgary. I was only 3 and a half but I remember some of it like it was yesterday. We were given a berth on the top deck and I recall I had a nanny who helped me win an art contests put on for the children by actually painting a picture and then claiming I had done it. When we arrived in the port of Montreal I was slightly traumatized as my mother made the mistake of pronouncing "Look Damian there's a bouy (pronounced boy) in the water". I screamed get the boy out of the water before he drowns.

Jun 18, 2019
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Arriving Montreal 50 years ago July 2 1969
by: Graham Sweet

Linda Cooper. I was on that voyage arriving in Montreal July 2 1969. I remember little but Canada Day has a whole new meaning for me since I saw Canada for the first time July 1. It was Belle Isle in the mouth of the St Lawrence Seaway. I remember we had a bit of a rough crossing at times and breakfast was poorly attended the next morning after a storm and icebergs drifted by.

May 26, 2019
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Emoress Boats
by: Joe Clague

I was working as a tourist waiter on the ship at that time, so we might well have met. a lovely ship,happy days.

Apr 24, 2019
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Rough ride
by: Colin B

As the last large net full of baggage was swung aboard and the lines thrown ashore, the Royal Liver building's clock showed 4:20 pm, it was Monday, October 12, 1969. Exciting! especially as we screamed that our portmanteau was being left as the only piece of luggage on the dock. Fortunately our shouts resulted in a seaman dragging the item up the gangplank. We did not stop in Scotland and the following morning found us out of sight of Ireland, sailing west. That day the seas became angry as we sailed through the remnants of a gale, or so we were told, some remnants. Huge waves, so that one minute the sky was visible through the lounge window, the next the horizon was just visible then next just the sea. The Dr. did a roaring trade with the command "drop your drawers" for a 15 shillings a jab. It did not help that the ships stabilizers were not working so the ship wallowed like a large rowing boat. Dinner plates slid to the floor so only sandwiches were severed, and drinks, if they made it to the table, survived due to being placed in what could have been called large inkwells. It was without doubt a memorable crossing. The seas became calmer and on Friday evening I picked up on my transistor radio that K-Mart (whatever that was) in St. Anthony were having a $1.25 day. We continued down the St. Lawrence passing Anticosti Isle in the rain and on to Quebec City. What a fantastic site as we passed under the high tension electricity lines there were the ramparts leading to The Plains of Abraham. Immigration and Customs checks on a sunny Sunday afternoon and then we were free to roam lower town Quebec City. Rue Champlain shops were interesting with frozen puddles in the street and my wife asking where had I brought her? It was 23 degrees F. We sailed overnight to Montreal and disembarkation. It seems just like yesterday not 50 years ago this coming October. I believe we were on the penultimate voyage of the Empress of England before it was sold for 5 million pounds to begin round-the-world-cruising. I trust they fixed the stabilizers.

Apr 21, 2019
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Life changing voyage
by: LORRAINE YOUNG

My mother, two younger sisters and I sailed on the Empress of England Sept 11, 1961. We set out from Belfast Northern Ireland and boarded the ship in Liverpool. My mother was only 23, I was 5 and my sisters were 2 and 8 Months. I can’t even imagine how hard and overwhelming it must have been. My mom had never been away from her family and now we were headed for a strange country where we knew only my aunt, my dads Sister. I wish I could remember more of the trip.

The only real memory I have is of the strong, sickly sweet and foreign smell of apple juice. It was not something we had ever had and to this day I can’t stand the smell of it. It was so strong because there was so much of. It prepoured into little glasses when we entered the dining room for breakfast.
At one point, my mom had sea sickness and had to be knocked out for 24 hours to recover. I have no idea who looked after us in the interim.

We travelled the ocean for a week and landed in Montreal, where my father and uncle met us and all 7 of us drive in a car to Dundas, Ontario. About an 8 hour drive.

My family really never left Dundas. I guess that one long journey was enough miles for my parents to travel.

L

Feb 18, 2019
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Empress of England to Montreal 1969
by: Linda Cooper

My husband Garry and I left Liverpool June 26, 1969 arriving in Montreal July 2, 1969. It was supposed to be an adventure for 2 years then go home and start a family. So, 50 years later here we are still in Montreal blessed with 3 children and 8 grandchildren. We love it and no regrets.
Would love to hear from anyone on that voyage as I hardly remember a thing. I did fancy dress and won a pearl necklace which I still own.
Bitter sweet memories we have.

Nov 20, 2018
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Empress of Canada 1963
by: Christine

In 1963 I was 11 years old when my family immigrated to Canada. My dad was already in Vancouver and my mum and four kids travelled by the Empress of Canada from Greenoch to Montreal. I can remember it being a very rough crossing and we spent most of our time in bed sick. We hit two hurricanes and most of the ship was roped off due to the high waves. When we hit the St. Lawrence we were finally able to get out and about. On May 10, 1963 we docked in Quebec City to go through immigration then back on ship to Montreal. From there we hopped on a train to Vancouver to meet up with my dad. The total trip was 10 days, quite a feat for my mum with four young kids.

Oct 31, 2018
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1968
by: Christine

I was 10 years old when we emigrated to Canada 50 years ago. We left from Greenock Scotland June 6 1968. I remember the piper playing Yer no awa tae bide awa on the shore and my granma waving as we left on the tugboat to the ship. Her pink hat stood out in the crowd. Very emotional. The trip was fun for us kids....movie playing was the Lion in Winter one night, swimming in the pool but there was waves in the pool one day so maybe it was a rough day. On the deck we could see the icebergs and at the back of the ship the water chuning. Bot my parents were seasick and the doctor gave them a shot ...my sister and I had to have dinner in the dining room alone but our waiter took great care of us. There was a strike by the dockworkers in Montreal so it took some time to get our belongings. Wonderful memories!

Oct 29, 2018
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Stowed away
by: Ed Stonehouse

My buddy n I stowed away on empress of England from liverpool to Montreal. We got on board a day before she sailed. Hid for 24 hrs then once passengers boarded we mingled. First night slept in public washroom. Next day chatted up 2 gals who took us in. They got room service for us in order that we eat n couldn't eat in dinning room
We thought we'd swim ashore once I to st.lawrence
We chickened out but to this day the gals most likely believe we did jump. We managed to get off in Montreal at crew gangplank after a fight on shore started. We had given
Our passports to the. To mail to our homes which they did.
If either women read this kindly respond as we never did get your names
Regards
Ed Stonehouse

Oct 04, 2018
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A wonderful week
by: Brian Dunt

I sailed from Liverpool to Montreal on 26th June 1963 on my way home to Australia via Canada on the "Empress of England"
Life was full on with the 25 hour days . I only had 4 hours sleep per day as there was so much going on. There were 1000 senior Citizens returning from a tour so the 40 or so younger people all arranged to get together on the first night to meet each other and not waste what time we had together. There was a shortage of male dance partners so I was kept very busy on the dance floor. It was here I met a wonderful lady from Calgary who invited me to stay with her on my hitch hiking across to Vancouver. I was welcome with or with out notice and stayed 2 weeks.This friendship has survived 55 years and on a return trip to Canada in 2007 with my wife we were looked after by her daughter.
The ship was great and very comfortable and I felt it a pity when re named " The Ocean Monarch' and treated the way it was. That week is etched in my memories. I only hope that the immigrants fared well in their new land.

May 28, 2018
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50 years ago
by: Ellen Elizabeth

We sailed to Montreal from Liverpool (an early morning train from Lincoln) fifty years ago this week. I was nine. I remember it vividly...such an adventure, especially when I managed to get my little brother lost with me on an exploration of the lower decks. I was loudly disappointed on docking in Montreal because I could not hear anyone speaking in a "Canadian accent". A lovely francophone gentleman unloading luggage laughed out loud when he heard that.ARCA

Apr 30, 2018
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Motivation?
by: Deborah

I'm wondering what motivated your families to make such a big move to Canada.
Very interesting stories! Thank you for sharing.

Apr 30, 2018
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Emigrating to Canada
by: HilaryAnonymous

We emigrated to Canada in June 1964 - one month after you. I was 18. We were headed to Ottawa. I remember they were filming "Ferry Cross the Mersey" as we left, and we were shouting to Gerry Marsden from the deck. I loved Montreal but found Ottawa very boring after Liverpool, so returned six months later and married my boyfriend. We returned to Canada two years later. Ottawa is a vibrant, interesting city now and I am so glad I live here. My three children and eight grandchildren ate all here too. Nostalgic memories!


Apr 25, 2018
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Same crossing as you Micheal
by: Ronald Mackie

Hello Micheal
I was on the Empressof England same voyage as you I remember it well I was an 18 year old I got on at Greenock.It was quite an adventure I enjoyed every minute of it I remember going through immigration at Quebec.then onward to Montreal.I must have got on the same train to Torontoa as you The carriages were old but comfortable.I was met at union station by my cousin.Iam now retired and have no regrets about emigrating to Canada

Mar 31, 2018
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I wish I'd been older
by: Elaine Arthur

I was only 7 when my family left Watford to take the train to Liverpool to board the HMS Carinthia bound for Montréal.
I wasn't old enough to understand a lot of what was going on & couldn't write well enough to record our voyage.
I do have my memories though.

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