The Polar Bear Express

2001

A rail link to our past.

The very first time you board a train you can't help but feel you're stepping into the past. Back to a time when the train was the king of travel, romanticized in books and movies because of the intimacy, the mystery and the exciting destinations that lie at the end of the line. The Polar Bear Express upholds this time-honoured tradition.

During the fascinating 186-mile, four and a half-hour trip, passengers both young and old will witness some of the most rugged and stunning landscape in the entire country. You will travel past great rivers which were used as water highways by European fur traders and the native Cree people. You'll travel through areas once covered by warm tropical seas and over land rich with untapped mineral deposits, until you reach your final destination at the edge of the Arctic. It will be a journey through our country's history and a history-making journey for your entire family.

The History

Today the trip north is made in comfort and with ease. But in the beginning reaching Moosonee and Moose Factory was truly an arduous process. In fact, before the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway (now Ontario Northland) reached Moosonee in 1932, the trip from Cochrane by snowshoe or canoe took anywhere from 8 to 10 days. Although the first aircraft reached the area in the 20s, it was the railroad which truly spurred on the development of the area.

In the summer of 1964, the Polar Bear Express made its inaugural run to the Arctic tidewater communities of Moosonee and Moose Factory. Although the combined population of these two frontier communities is less than 3,000 people, the area that they call home is steeped in Canadian history.

The town of Moosonee is Ontario's only salt-water port. It's unique name comes from the Cree word "Moosoneek" which means "at the Moose". Moosonee was established in 1903 by the Revillon Freres Trading Company of Paris, who set up a fur trading post designed to compete directly with the powerful Hudson's Bay Company, which was located just across the river in Moose Factory.

Today, the Revillon Freres company still exists, and has become quite successful. But not because of fur trading. today make-up is their most important product. In fact, Revlon, as they're known today, has become one of the world leaders in the fashion industry.

The first white man reached Moose Factory Island in the late 1600s, when the European explorers Radisson and Des Grosilliers established charles Fort, which was later renamed Rupert House and is known today as Waskaganish. In 1673 the newly formed Hudson's Bay Company built Moose Fort. This fort was the first permanent English-speaking settlement in Ontario. In 1686 it was captured by the French and then later returned to the Hudson's Bay Company in 1713. today this island community is only accessible by water taxi and is the oldest English settlement in Ontario.

Explore the edge of the Arctic.

Once you arrive in Moosonee, you'll find there are many unique and interesting things to do here. You can take a relaxing salt-water cruise down the Moose River aboard the "Polar Princess", where lucky travellers have actually spotted white Beluga Whales. How about becoming a paleontologist for the day? Scour the ancient shoreline of Fossil Island for 300 million-year-old fossils preserved in stone from an age when the entire area was covered by a warm tropical sea. You can experience a portion of the Cree way of life, by enjoying the traditional Cree favourite Bannock bread, made over an open campfire in the shelter of a real teepee. Have you ever taken a taxi? Have you ever taken one on the water? Here they use water taxis to get to and from the island of Moose Factory. While exploring the island you'll be able to learn about the Hudson's Bay Company and relive one of the most important chapters in Canadian history, the fur trade.

Polar Bear Express Packages.

In order to truly appreciate your journey to the edge of the Arctic, book a vacation with Ontario Northland. With three, four and and five-day packages available to choose from, you can select an adventure designed to include as many or as few of the unique attractions available to see and do.

Package Tour Information.

  • All rates subject to 7% GST.
  • Rates do not include transportation to and from Cochrane.
  • No senior discounts applicable on package tours.
  • 25% Northlander discount may only be used in conjunction with the package tours. Discounted tickets are non-refundable. Not applicable with any other discount (e.g. Family Plan).
  • Reservations are required at least two weeks prior to departure, subject to availability.
  • Deposit - A $50.00 non-refundable deposit per person is required at time of booking. Reservations will be confirmed. Receipt of balance of payment is required in minimum of two weeks (Canadian), three weeks (USA/Overseas) prior to departure to allow for sufficient time to return tickets and itineraries to you.
  • Package Tour Accommodation Coupons are not interchangeable.
  • Refunds allowed only if cancelled two weeks prior to departure date less th $50.00 non-refundable deposit per person.
  • Payments may be made by cheque, money order or major credit card in Canadian funds only.

General Information.

Note: Schedules/Rates subject to change without notice.

  • Unscheduled Delays - Ontario Northland cannot be held responsible and we undertake to use reasonable effort to carry the passenger and baggage with reasonable dispatch.
  • Ontario Northland, may, without notice, substitute alternate carrier or means of transportation.
  • Wear casual clothes, comfortable walking shoes, and come prepared in case of cool or wet weather, mosquitos and black flies.
  • Baggage Allowance - Baggage handling is passengers' responsibility and limited to carry-on baggage only. Two (2) pieces of carry on baggage is permitted for each passenger ticket.
  • Parking - Free parking is available adjacent to the Cochrane Station.
  • Restaurant Facilities - Available within the Cochrane Station.
  • Pets - We regret that we cannot accommodate pets.
  • Additional Charges* - Water taxis/freighter canoes are available for transportation to Moose Factory Island departing daily from the public docks.
  • Water Taxi/Freighter Canoe Rates:

Children under 12 - $3.00 one-wayAdults - $6.00 one-way

Rates subject to change without notice.

* Ontario Northland in no way assumes any responsibility or liability for the performance and conduct of the Water Taxi/Freighter Canoe service, or of the private local tour operators. Ontario Northland cannot be held responsible for suppliers' acts or omissions.

Hudson Bay

James Bay

Moosonee

Moose Factory

Cochrane

Timmins

North Bay

Toronto

Ontario, Canada

Polar Bear Express

Northlander

Polar Bear Express

There are only a few great rail excursions left in the world and this is certainly one of them … the Polar Bear Express departs Cochrane for an incredible 186-mile journey to the Arctic Tidewater at Moosonee.

Travel along the “old highways” of the fur trade, historic rivers such as the Abitibi and the Moose. Your trip on the Polar Bear Express will take you to a sparsely poplulated land of forests, tranquil lakes and muskeg.

As you tour Moosonee, you will begin to understand the realities of this frontier community. Take a freighter canoe across the Moose River to Moose Factory, a relic of the history founded more than 300 years ago by the Hudson’s Bay Company. During your train trip, enjoy the on-board services including dinners, snacks and the entertainment/activity car.

2001 Excursion Schedule

Daily except Fridays, June 23 to September 3, 2001 inclusive.

Eastern Daylight Time

Depart Cochrane … 0830Depart Moosonee …1800

Arrive Moosonee … 1250Arrive Cochrane …2205

Fares (Canadian Funds)

Reservations Recommended

Adults $55.00 return

Seniors 60 years of age and over$$50.00 return

Students$47.00 return

Children 5 – 11 years$28.00 return

Children under 5 yearsfree

Family Plan: Mother/Father and a maximum of four (4) dependent children 21 years of age and under $137.00 return

(7% G.S.T. included)

Let Ontario Northland get you there in comfort ….

Book your travel arrangement to and from Cochrane through Ontario Northland or your local travel agent. Regular passenger train service is provided daily, except Saturdays, between Toronto and Cochrane, with our first class train called the Northlander.

Book a package tour and receive a 25% * discount on your Northalnder train or Ontario Northland motorcoach tickets. Regular daily motorcoach service is also available to and from Cochrane.

Polar Bear Express 2001 Packages

Explorer Package

3 days/2 nights

Commencing in Cochrane Daily (except Thursdays)

Itinerary

Day 1 Overnight stay in Cochrane

Day 2 After a hearty breakfast this morning, you will board the Polar Bear Express for Moosonee. Enjoy the afternoon on a Moosonee/Moose Factory bus tour, with a late afternoon departure from Moosonee. Enjoy dinner in our dining car prior to your arrival in Cochrane for an overnight stay.

Day 3 Enjoy breakfast with us prior to your departure from Cochrane.

Note: This package applicable from June 22 – September 2 inclusive. Schedule subject to change without notice.

Rates – Commencing from Cochrane

Single (per adult)$276.00Twin (per adult)$211.00

Triple (per adult)$186.00Quad (per adult)$176.00

Child (under 12 years) 85.00child (under 5 years) 37.00

(7% G.S.T. applicable to above rates)

Your Tour Includes:

  • Return Polar Bear Express train fare.
  • Two nights accommodations in Cochrane.
  • Moosonee/Moose Factory bus tour.
  • Two breakfasts – Cochrane.
  • One dinner onboard the Polar Bear Express.
  • Meal gratuities.
  • For passengers arriving in Cochrane via Ontario Northland services , taxi transportation will be provided from the station in place of accommodation, if applicable.