Northlander Passenger Train to Reopen, Making Access to Ontario Parks Easier

Doug Ford announced on April 10th, that the provincial government will be “investing $75 million to bring passenger rail service back to North Eastern Ontario.”

We’re delivering the connected infrastructure to accommodate our growing province.

Our government is saying YES to investing in the North while connecting all of Ontario to the opportunities of tomorrow.

Friends, let's get it done pic.twitter.com/kgHw1vViqy

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) April 10, 2022

When the Liberal government shut down the Northlander Passenger Train service in 2012, Ontarians’ access to the north became severely limited, with only a few buses being available. This got even worst when Grey Hound, a major bus operator, shut down its operations in Canada. The announcement of the resumption of rail transportation to the Northeastern Ontario brings good news to the residents of Northern Ontario, businesses and also leisure travelers such as campers like us.

As a backcountry camping enthusiast and the one usually responsible for budgeting and planning for these trips, I can vouch that cost of travel was a major expense. Many times, it would be the highest expenses, surpasses food, park permits or canoe rentals depending on the length of the trip as well as number of people carpooling to split the cost of gas and mileage. With passenger rail service, solo campers who reside in Toronto may find it affordable to spend time alone in Ontario’s beautiful provincial parks again.

From where and to where will the Northlander passenger service run?
As of now, the plan is from downtown Toronto (Union Station) to the city of Timmins with 14 stops in between for a total of 16 stops. However, there are discussions to expand the line to towns of Moosonee and Cochrane.

What are the 16 stops?
Toronto (Union Station), Langstaff, Gormley, Washago, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, South River, North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson, Timmins (Porcupine) and Cochrane.

When is the service coming into effect?
Although there are some work to be done, the aim is to be in service by the mid-2020s.

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