Overview

Ontario is bringing back passenger rail service to Northeastern Ontario. Northern Ontario has unique transportation needs, and people and businesses rely on a safe, convenient transportation network.

The Northlander will span 740 km between Toronto and Timmins, with a rail connection to Cochrane, for a total of 16 stops.

Northlander train

Route

The Northlander will provide service from Toronto to Timmins with a rail connection to Cochrane.

Service for the route will:

  • be offered based on seasonal travel demands
  • range from four to seven days a week
  • provide more safe and reliable transportation options between Northern Ontario and Toronto
  • provide better access to essential services like health care and education while supporting economic prosperity and tourism

A map of the proposed route for Northeast passenger rail

A map of the route for northeast passenger rail showing stops at Union Station (Toronto), Langstaff, Gormley, Washago, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, South River, North Bay, Temagami, Timiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake (Swastika) Matheson and Timmins (South Porcupine) with a rail connection to Cochrane.

Northland rideshare pilot

Ontario is planning to engage with rideshare operators, the taxi sector and municipalities to explore the standardization of rideshare guidelines across the province, starting with a proposed pilot rideshare framework along the Northlander corridor to support opportunities in Northlander communities.

The initial focus on Northlander communities is intended to improve passenger access as the Northlander resumes service later this year and support a future provincewide rollout.

The province is consulting on potential approaches to a framework and gathering feedback that could inform any future, broader application beyond the pilot. Through these initiatives, the government continues to support an integrated and efficient transportation network that will improve access for everyone, including rural and remote communities such as those along the Northlander route.