She was launched and christened at Nelson on October 22, 1898 and embarked on her maiden voyage on December 7,: connecting with a new line of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which ran from Lethbridge, Alberta and through the Crowsnest Pass to Nelson. The Moyie soon became a favourite with passengers, featuring a large and elegantly appointed dining saloon, a luxurious smoking lounge, private ladies' saloon and comfortable overnight cabins, all richly decorated in gold leaf.