Great American Railroad Journeys

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Michael Portillo crosses the Atlantic to ride the railroads of America.

Michael Portillo crosses the Atlantic to ride the railroads of America, armed with Appleton's General Guide to the United States, published in 1879.

Series 3

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Michael Portillo

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Great American Railroad Journeys: Series 3: Episode 9: Thousand Islands to Oshawa, Ontario

Thousand Islands to Oshawa, Ontario

Episode 9

Episode 9: Thousand Islands to Oshawa, Ontario

BBC Two - Great American Railroad Journeys, Series 3, Thousand Islands to Oshawa, Ontario

Michael Portillo's rail odyssey through Canada continues along the Grand Trunk railway.

Michael Portillo's rail odyssey through eastern Canada continues along the Grand Trunk railway, following the route of the St Lawrence River.

Using his 1899 Appleton's guide, Michael Portillo's rail odyssey through eastern Canada continues along the Grand Trunk railway, following the route of the St Lawrence River.

At Brockville, he leaves the tracks for a nautical pilgrimage through the beautiful Thousand Islands. In the port city of Kingston, Ontario, Michael visits Fort Henry and, dressed for the occasion, is entrusted to fire the naval guns that protected the nation's southern border during the 19th century.

Travelling west to Port Hope, he learns of the antics of a celebrated 19th-century high-wire walker known as The Great Farini. And, in the spirit of showmanship, Michael tests his balance with the modern sport of slack lining.

This leg of the journey ends in Oshawa at the opulent home of the McLaughlin family, who helped build a new economy for Canada when they switched from manufacturing carriages to motor cars.

Great American Railroad Journeys: Series 3

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Michael Portillo embarks on a rail journey from Boston, Massachusetts, to Toronto, Ontario

Armed with his 19th-century Appleton's guidebook to the United States and Canada, Michael Portillo embarks on a 1,100-mile railroad journey from Boston, Massachusetts, to Toronto, Ontario.

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Great American Railroad Journeys

Series 3

Episode 9: Thousand Islands to Oshawa, Ontario

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