Northwestern Ontario forest fires

Service updates

July 20, 2026

Moosonee Station operating hours will change on the following days

Moosonee station will open upon the arrival of the train on July 20th and 21st. If you have questions, reach out to passengercare@ontarionorthland.ca or call 1-800-461-8558. Thank you for your patience.


July 20, 2026

Notice of Construction Work at Cochrane Station Beginning in the Coming Weeks

Please be advised that construction work in the Cochrane Station parking area is expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Work will include the replacement of the drainage system, rehabilitation of pedestrian walkways, paving, and upgrades to all lighting in the station parking lot, to enhance safety and overall site functionality.

Work will be completed in phases and access to the station will remain available.

Throughout construction, there will be temporary changes to parking, pick-up and drop-off areas, and pedestrian routes. Both vehicle and pedestrian traffic are asked to follow the posted signage.

We thank you for your patience as these improvements are completed. If you have any questions, please contact info@ontarionorthland.ca or 1-800-461-8558.


July 17, 2026

Northwestern Ontario forest fires

Ontario Northland is closely monitoring forest fire activity in northwestern Ontario. Given the evolving situation, passengers are encouraged to examine their travel plans and prepare to make alternate arrangements should bus service be impacted


July 17, 2026

Possible Delays on Highway 11 between Gravenhurst and Severn Bridge

Please be aware that, due to planned highway construction occurring throughout the month of July, Ontario Northland motorcoaches may experience traffic delays while traveling on Highway 11 between Severn Bridge and Gravenhurst. Delays will impact both northbound and southbound trips. We appreciate your understanding.


July 10, 2026

Enhanced Safety Initiatives for Ontario Northland Travel

Please be advised, Ontario Northland is implementing enhanced boarding measures to help ensure the safety and security of all customers throughout our service territory. 

All passengers will now be required to present a valid ID displaying a name that matches their ticket in order to board all Ontario Northland buses and trains.* 

Passengers unable to present a valid ID that matches the name on their ticket risk being denied boarding. Ontario Northland employees will continue to educate passengers as we implement this policy. For a list of acceptable IDs, please visit the Ontario Northland website.

Ontario Northland is committed to providing a safe and secure travel experience for all passengers.

If you have any questions, please contact passengercare@ontarionorthland.ca or call 1-800-461-8558.

* Some exceptions may be provided for passengers 16 years of age or younger.


July 7, 2026

Additional Polar Bear Express service for Gathering of Our People

Ontario Northland is pleased to offer an additional Polar Bear Express service on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, to support community members travelling to and from Gathering of Our People in Moose Factory.

This additional Wednesday service is being added to the existing Polar Bear Express summer schedule and will operate during regular Polar Bear Express hours. The northbound train will leave Cochrane at 9:00 a.m. and arrive in Moosonee at 2:00 p.m. The southbound train will leave Moosonee at 5:00 p.m. and arrive in Cochrane at 10:00 p.m.

Tickets for this additional service date can now be purchased at ontarionorthland.ca.

If you have any questions, please contact passengercare@ontarionorthland.ca or 1-800-461-8558.


July 2, 2026

Englehart and Moosonee Station operating hours will change on the following days.

Englehart:

  • Reduced hours — the station will be closed from 1:00 AM to 9:00 AM Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4 and will be closed from 1:00 AM to 9:00 AM, every Wednesday through Sunday, from July 5 to July 18.

Moosonee:

  • The station will open upon the arrival of the train on July 5th.

If you have questions, reach out to passengercare@ontarionorthland.ca or call 1-800-461-8558. Thank you for your patience.


June 1, 2026

Moosonee, Cochrane and Englehart Station operating hours will change on the following days

Moosonee Station:

  • Monday, June 1 will open at train arrival
  • Sunday, June 7 will open at train arrival
  • Sunday, June 14 will open at train arrival
  • Friday, June 12 will stop selling tickets at 4:30 p.m.

Cochrane Station:

  • June 3 and 5 - reduced hours 7:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
  • Saturday, June 6 station will be closed
  • Sunday, June 7 - reduced hours 7:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Englehart Station:

  • May 30 to June 16 - reduced hours 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • June 1, 2, 8 and 9 – regular operating hours of 1:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

If you have questions, reach out to passengercare@ontarionorthland.ca or call 1-800-461-8558.

Thank you for your patience.


May 29, 2026

Improved Ticket Flexibility

Ontario Northland is pleased to announce that we are creating more flexibility for customers by simplifying our ticket offerings. Starting June 1, 2026, Firm and Flex tickets will be replaced with one option for the Polar Bear Express and Ontario Northland’s Motor Coach Services, allowing customers to cancel or change their tickets, for a modest fee, up to the time of departure.

Ontario Northland understands that unexpected events can force travelers to change or cancel their trips on short notice, and we heard your feedback asking for greater flexibility. This enhancement will provide a more seamless and convenient travel experience for passengers.

We work hard to ensure our fares and rates are fair and competitive. If you would like to speak to a Customer Service agent, call 1-800-461-8558 or email passengercare@ontarionorthland.ca.  


May 4, 2026

ONTC motor coach operations relocating to Englehart train station

Ontario Northland is excited to share that on Sunday, May 24, 2026, our motor coach services in Englehart will move to the Englehart Train Station located at 1 Railroad St.

We are proud to be returning service to the Station for the first time in 11 years, where passengers will enjoy enhanced amenities such as free Wi‑Fi and improved accessibility including spacious seating and washrooms.

The relocation of services will streamline access to Ontario Northland’s passenger operations in the area including train, bus and bus parcel express as well as future passenger rail.

Motor coach trips 1307 (Northbound: North Bay to Matheson) and 1304 (Southbound: Timmins to North Bay) will stop at this location starting May 24, 2026.

Changes to current motor coach schedules are not expected. The Northbound bus (North Bay to Matheson) will arrive in Englehart at 7:21 p.m. daily, and the Southbound bus (Timmins to North Bay) will arrive at 12:22 p.m. daily.

Ontario Northland will also continue to offer service to the Englehart and District Hospital location as part of these routes.

If you have any questions, please contact passengercare@ontarionorthland.ca or call 1-800-461-8558.


April 30, 2026

North Bay station pedestrian pathway closed for construction work

Please be advised that the pedestrian pathway connecting the North Bay station and Northgate Shopping Centre will be closed for construction work starting May 4, 2026, and will remain closed for several months. This construction is necessary to perform accessibility upgrades.

Ontario Northland encourages passengers to plan ahead and make alternative arrangements before and after your departure and/or arrival. We appreciate your understanding as we work to enhance our facilities.

If you have any questions, please contact passengercare@ontarionorthland.ca or call 1-800-461-8558. Our team is here to assist you with any concerns or inquiries.


April 15, 2026

Polar Bear Express summer schedule

We are happy to share that Ontario Northland will operate five (5) round trips per week as part of its regular summer season operations. Sunday service is being added to the existing Polar Bear Express schedule, beginning on Sunday June 7, 2026, with the last Sunday service for the season operating on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

Northbound Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Lv. Cochrane 9:00am 9:00am 9:00am - 9:00am 9:00am -
Arr. Moosonee 2:00pm 2:00pm 2:00pm - 2:00pm 2:00pm -
Southbound
Lv. Moosonee  5:00pm  5:00pm 5:00pm - 5:00pm 5:00pm -
Arr. Cochrane 10:00pm 10:00pm 10:00pm - 10:00pm 10:00pm -

For the best value, we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance at one of our station, agencies or online at www.ontarionorthland.ca.

Tickets for these dates can now be purchased at ontarionorthland.ca.

If you have any questions, please contact passengercare@ontarionorthland.ca or 1 800-363-7512.


February 19, 2026

Polar Bear Express Additional Service Dates

Please be advised that Ontario Northland will be offering an additional Polar Bear Express service on Sunday, March 22, 2026 to accommodate passengers travelling for the Little NHL Tournament as well as the March Break.

Tickets for these dates can now be purchased at ontarionorthland.ca.

Please note this additional service date is in addition to the existing Polar Bear Express winter schedule, which will still operate every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

If you have any questions, please contact passengercare@ontarionorthland.ca or 1 800-363-7512.


February 10, 2026

Construction Notice: North Bay Station

Effective Monday, February 2

Ontario Northland is pleased to share that North Bay Station is receiving an exciting upgrade to enhance safety, accessibility, and the overall travel experience for our passengers.

At this time, the only impact to customers is the temporary closure of the passenger washrooms. To support passengers during this work, a temporary washroom facility has been provided and is located outside, beside the main station entrance.

All other station services remain available as usual, and Ontario Northland staff continue to be on site to assist passengers as needed.

These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to providing safe, modern, and accessible station facilities. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this upgrade.

For questions or assistance, please contact Passenger Care at 1‑800‑461‑8558 or passengercare@ontarionorthland.ca.


January 19, 2026

Additional Polar Bear Express service dates

Please be advised Ontario Northland will be offering additional Polar Bear Express service on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, to accommodate increased travel demand to the Mushkegowuk Cup event in Timmins.

Tickets for this date can now be purchased at ontarionorthland.ca.

Please note this additional service date is in addition to the existing Polar Bear Express winter schedule, which will still operate every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

If you have any questions, please contact passengercare@ontarionorthland.ca or 1 (800) 363 7512.


January 19, 2026

Schedule Changes for Trip 402 Hearst - Timmins

Ontario Northland is updating the schedule for Trip 1404 Hearst – Timmins (Route 402). The changes will take effect on Monday, February 2, 2026. These changes are designed to provide additional time for passengers to make connections at the Timmins Terminal.

The changes are listed in this table below:

North Region: Schedule 402 Original Schedule 402 (Ends Feb 1) New Schedule 402 (Feb 2 onwards)  
Trip# 1404 1404 1412
Frequency MON,WED & FRI MON,WED & FRI SUN to FRI
Hearst 4:45 04:30 -
Val Coté Flag Stop Flag Stop -
Mattice Flag Stop Flag Stop -
Opasatika Flag Stop Flag Stop -
Harty Flag Stop Flag Stop -
Val Rita Flag Stop Flag Stop -
Kapuskasing 5:50 05:40 -
Kapuskasing 5:55 05:45 -
Moonbeam 6:10 06:04 -
Fauquier Flag Stop Flag Stop -
Strickland Flag Stop Flag Stop -
Smooth Rock Falls 6:45 06:38 -
Cochrane 7:20 07:20 -
Cochrane 7:30 07:25 -
Timmins - Timmins & District Hospital/l'Hôpital de Timmins et du District 8:35 08:35 -
Timmins 8:40 08:40 -
Timmins - - 09:10
Mattagami First Nation/Première Nation de Mattagami - - 10:15
Gogama - - 10:39
Watershed - - 11:06
Watershed - - 11:21
Half Way Lake - - Flag Stop
Cartier - - Flag Stop
Levack - - 12:31
Dowling - - Flag Stop
Chelmsford - - 12:52
Azilda - - Flag Stop
Sudbury - Health Sciences North/Horizon Santé-Nord - - 13:21
Sudbury - - 13:38

 

This adjustment supports Ontario Northland’s commitment to providing safe and reliable services while reducing opportunities for missed and delayed connections for passengers.

Please contact passengercare@ontarionorthland.ca or call 1 (800) 363 7512 with any questions or concerns.


January 7, 2026

ONTC relocating Motor Coach Operations in Sault Ste. Marie

Ontario Northland's motor coach services in Sault Ste. Marie will move to 218 Industrial Park Crescent, Unit 1, starting January 18, 2026. 

The new location will have a slight change in the scheduled arrival and departure times for trips 1501, 1500, 1625 and 1624. Please consult the schedules below for detailed information:

1501 (Sudbury- Sault Ste Marie) – https://www.ontarionorthland.ca/communications/schedules/011826/2026-01-18-SCHED-503-504-EN.PDF

1500 (Sudbury- Sault Ste Marie) - https://www.ontarionorthland.ca/communications/schedules/011826/2026-01-18-SCHED-503-504-EN.PDF

1625 (Thunder Bay – Sault Ste Marie) - https://www.ontarionorthland.ca/communications/schedules/011826/2026-01-18-SCHED-601-602-EN.PDF

1624 (Thunder Bay – Sault Ste Marie) - https://www.ontarionorthland.ca/communications/schedules/011826/2026-01-18-SCHED-601-602-EN.PDF 

Visit Ontario Northland’s website to learn how to access the On Board Entertainment system, prior to boarding. 

For questions, contact passengercare@ontarionorthland.ca or call 1 800 363 7512. 


November 17, 2025

Additional service dates

Ontario Northland is pleased to offer three additional service dates in December 2025 to support higher-than-usual travel demands for residents of Moosonee and Moose River during the holiday season. Those dates are:

  • Wednesday, December 17
  • Sunday, December 21
  • Wednesday, December 24

The extended service will run at the same time as our regular service with the Polar Bear Express departing Cochrane at 9 am and arriving in Moosonee at 2 pm. The Polar Bear Express then departs Moosonee at 5 pm and arrives in Cochrane at 10 pm. Additional service dates support the existing Polar Bear Express winter schedule, which operates every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Visit ontarionorthland.ca to purchase your Polar Bear Express tickets. If you have any questions, please contact info@ontarionorthland.ca or 1 (800) 363-7512.


October 3, 2025

Construction Notice: Cochrane Station

Ontario Northland is pleased to share that our Cochrane Station is receiving an exciting upgrade to enhance safety, accessibility and the overall travel experience for passengers.

The interior of the station will be under construction starting October 4, 2025. During this time, passengers will have access to temporary indoor waiting areas adjacent to the stations. Waiting areas will be accessible and equipped with washrooms, seating and a counter for ticket purchase.

Ontario Northland employees will also be available for assistance during this time.

These upgrades are part of our commitment to deliver a seamless travel experience with modern, accessible and safe station facilities.

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Please contact 1-800-461-8558 or passengercare@ontarionorthland.ca with any questions or concerns. 


September 11, 2025

ONTC joins Barrie Transit at the new Allandale Terminal

Ontario Northland is excited to share that our motor coach services in Barrie are moving from 24 Maple Avenue to the new Allandale Transit Terminal located at 20 Essa Road.

Ontario Northland will service both locations, including pick up and drop off and ticket purchases from September 21-28, 2025. Arrival and departure times may be impacted during the transition. Our team will do our best to mitigate any delays.

We will begin providing service at the Allandale Transit Terminal exclusively on September 29, 2025.

Please contact passengercare@ontarionorthland.ca or call 1 (800) 363-7512 if you have any questions.

Thank you for choosing Ontario Northland.


July 22, 2025

Notice of Construction Work

Please be advised that platform construction is now underway at Cochrane Station.

During this time, access to coaches may be limited and Polar Bear Express passengers may not be able to access the station building from the platform.

If access is blocked at the platform, passengers can access the building by using the entrance closest to the parking lot. A dedicated customer service agent will be onsite to assist with directions and luggage.

This construction is necessary to perform accessibility upgrades and make platform improvements for the restoration of the Northlander.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions, please contact info@ontarionorthland.ca or 1 (800) 363 7512.

Thank you for choosing Ontario Northland.


July 14, 2025

Schedule updates for Trip 1412

Ontario Northland is updating the trip schedule on the daily motor coach service between Timmins and Sudbury (Trip 1412). The updated schedule will ensure passengers continue to experience safe and reliable transportation services.

Updated Schedule:

Southbound Trip 1412 Current Time As of August 11, 2025 Schedule Difference
Timmins 9:10 9:00 10-minute earlier departure  
Mattagami First Nation 10:25 10:15 10-minute earlier departure  
Gogama 10:47 10:39 8-minute earlier departure  
Watershed 11:29 11:21 8-minute earlier departure  
Half Way Lake   Flag Stop Flag Stop  
Cartier   Flag Stop Flag Stop  
Levack 12:37 12:31 6-minute earlier departure  
Dowling   Flag Stop Flag Stop  
Chelmsford 12:55 12:52 3-minute earlier departure  
Azilda   Flag Stop Flag Stop  
Sudbury – Health Sciences North   13:19 13:21 2-minute earlier departure
Sudbury 13:38 13:40 2-minute later arrival  

Please contact info@ontarionorthland.ca or 1 (800) 363-7512 if you have any questions.


June 20, 2025

Polar Bear Express Delays

Ontario Northland will be conducting critical work on the Polar Bear Express rail corridor over the next several weeks. This work may cause delays of up to 45 minutes. If you have any questions, please contact info@ontarionorthland.ca or 1 (800) 363-7512.