CN is Canada's largest railway, in terms of both revenue and the physical size of its rail network, spanning Canada from the Atlantic coast in Nova Scotia to the Pacific coast in British Columbia across approximately 20,400 route miles (32,831 km) of track.

As of early 2026, Canadian National (CN) Rail remains the larger of the two in terms of total track mileage and domestic Canadian reach, though the gap in regional influence has narrowed. CN operates the most extensive rail network in Canada, with approximately 33,000 kilometers (20,000 miles) of track that spans from the Atlantic to the Pacific and down to the Gulf of Mexico. This unique "tri-coastal" network makes it the primary artery for moving retail goods and natural resources across North America. However, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC)—the result of the 2023 merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern—is now a formidable competitor. While its total track length is slightly less than CN's, CPKC owns the only "single-line" rail network that connects Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This allows CPKC to move freight across all three countries without handing off cars to other railroads, offering a significant advantage in efficiency for international trade. While CN is the "indispensable partner" for internal Canadian logistics, CPKC has become the dominant player for cross-border North American trade corridors.