Overview
Cochrane is a small Northern Ontario town of 5,400 people whose main draw is the Polar Bear Conservation and Educational Habitat, home to three polar bears (as of 2023) unable to survive in the wild. The town also serves as the departure point for the Polar Bear Express train to Moosonee, one of Canada's few remaining flag-stop train services, making it a destination for wildlife enthusiasts and rail fans alike.
Budget Travel · Nature · Wildlife
Before you go
Connectivity
WiFi available at Station Inn and Best Western. Limited mobile coverage typical of remote Northern Ontario.
Food
Kaylob's Kafe offers affordable diner meals $8-20. JR's Barbecue Ranch is famous for ribs. Fresh & Fancy Bakery highly recommended for pastries.
Money
Local currency is Canadian dollars (CAD). Major credit cards accepted at hotels and larger establishments; cash may be needed at smaller local restaurants.
Transport
The Polar Bear Express train runs 5 days per week between Cochrane and Moosonee. Book at Ontario Northland. No Saturday service. Canoe car available for $54+GST extra.
Weather
Cochrane has a transitional climate between subarctic and humid continental. Very cold winters with snowmobiling, warm summers. Pack layers year-round.