by Stephen Johnson

Perhaps you remember taking the train across Canada as a child or experienced Europe by rail just after university. Wouldn’t it be great to relive the experience and recapture the romance and excitement of train travel?

The opportunity may be closer than you think.

Recently, I was fortunate enough to travel on two of Ontario Northland’s train excursions: the Polar Bear Express and Dream Catcher Express.

The Polar Bear Express is one of the great rail journeys in North America. The train runs from Cochrane to Moosonee, located on the shores of James Bay. No road leads to Moosonee, thus the train serves as a vital link to the outside world.

The four-hour ride to Moosonee can be described as travelling through splendid isolation. There are few signs the land has been touched by settlement. Lakes, rivers and trees act as the equivalent of road signs. It is possible to see the odd house used by trappers in the wintertime. The Polar Bear Express features a dome car, so everyone can enjoy the amazing scenery.

Once in Moosonee, visitors can choose from a wide range of activities. A bus tour will take you to a crafts centre run by First Nations Cree. It is possible to buy handmade dream catchers and necklaces while sampling bannock, traditional First Nations bread.

You can also take a boat on James Bay to the neighbouring community of Moose Factory. The town was established as a fur-trading post in 1673. Visitors can explore the Hudson’s Bay Post, Manager’s House and Staff House. Accommodations are provided at the Cree Village Ecolodge, which was designed and created by community members to emphasize traditional Cree values.

Once back on the train, the trip back to Cochrane passes by quickly as you can enjoy a meal in the dining car before heading to the entertainment car to sit back and enjoy the show.

You can reach Cochrane either by driving or by taking the Northlander, another Ontario Northland train travelling between Toronto and Cochrane, with stops along the way.

For those wanting an escape into nature, the Dream Catcher Express is the perfect experience. The Dream Catcher train travels between North Bay and Temagami and has a limited run each fall. Visitors will enjoy the vibrant fall colours along the route, as well as the train experience itself.

Once in Temagami, tourists can also take a scenic flight over the area or a houseboat cruise on Lake Temagami. Those seeking to learn more about the local culture can visit a First Nations village and enjoy a traditional meal.

A visit to Temagami would not be complete without a visit to the historic Fire Tower, which provides an amazing view of the area, which features some of the last old-growth forest in Ontario. Hiking trails on Caribou Mountain are also accessible to those looking for a more athletic outing.

The Polar Bear and Dream Catcher Express both offer an escape to northern Ontario. Fresh air, beautiful scenery and a relaxed way of life will be the reward for your journey.

I look forward to seeing you “all aboard” in 2007.

To learn more about Ontario Northland’s trains, visit www.ontarionorthland.ca or call 1.800.268.9281.