Ontario Northland Passenger Rail
Regional And Remote Rail · Ontario Northland Transportation Commission
1 line · 15 stations
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Lines
Service information checked . Check the operator before travel because schedules can change at short notice.
Quick facts
- Current passenger train
- The Polar Bear Express runs between Cochrane and Moosonee. It is Ontario Northland's only operating passenger rail line as of August 2026.
- Schedule
- The base trip takes about five hours. The 2026 summer schedule adds Sunday service from June 7 through October 24.
- Tickets
- Reservations are required. Bring the e-ticket or printed ticket and government-issued identification.
- Baggage and freight
- The passenger allowance includes one carry-on and three checked bags up to 23 kilograms each. The train also carries freight and can transport some vehicles by advance arrangement.
- Onboard
- The train has a dining car and Wi-Fi, although remote coverage can affect the connection.
- Accessibility
- Contact Ontario Northland before travel for boarding assistance or accessible seating, especially when using one of the small intermediate stops.
Mike’s notes
The Polar Bear Express links Cochrane with Moosonee on James Bay. It is both a passenger train and a supply route for communities that do not have an all-season road connection to the provincial highway network.
Ontario created the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway in 1902, and the organization later became Ontario Northland. The current passenger route is the northern section of that network. It serves Cochrane and Moosonee plus thirteen named intermediate stops.
Reservations matter at the small stops
The published trip takes about five hours in each direction. The train normally runs four days a week in winter, with an additional Sunday departure during the 2026 summer season. Check the dated schedule because operating days change by season.
Reservations are required. Several intermediate locations are flag stops, and the operator needs advance notice to arrange pickup. Bring the Polar Bear Express ticket and government-issued identification to board.
This is also a freight train
The Polar Bear Express carries checked baggage, supplies, and vehicles as well as seated passengers. The standard passenger allowance is one carry-on plus three checked bags, each weighing no more than 23 kilograms. Larger freight and vehicle movements use separate booking and loading procedures.
A dining car and Wi-Fi are available. Mobile and internet coverage can be inconsistent along the route, so keep the Polar Bear Express ticket and essential information available offline.
Northlander is not shown yet
Ontario Northland is working toward restoring Northlander passenger service between Toronto and Timmins. It is not carrying passengers as of this verification date, so it is not presented as a current line in this atlas. The catalog can add it once scheduled public service begins.
Accessibility depends on the boarding point and equipment. Cochrane and Moosonee have more substantial station facilities than the remote stops. Contact the operator before travel when boarding assistance, accessible seating, or handling for a mobility device is required.