Ontario has reached a significant step toward restoring long-distance passenger rail in the north with the arrival of the first new Northlander trainset.
Credit: Ontario Govt.
The province confirmed the train is now in Ontario and undergoing testing and commissioning work in Toronto before being moved north for further system checks by Ontario Northland. The restored service is designed to reconnect northern communities with southern Ontario, supporting economic activity, employment and access to essential services.
Premier Doug Ford said the return of the Northlander will allow families and workers to travel from Toronto to Timmins and Cochrane, while Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria described the project as part of the province’s $100-billion transit and highway infrastructure plan.
Once operational, the Northlander will cover about 740 kilometres with 16 stops between Toronto and Timmins, including a rail connection to Cochrane. Ontario has purchased three Siemens-built trainsets, each made up of one locomotive and three passenger cars with 169 seats, Wi-Fi, charging ports and accessible features.
Credit: Ontario Northland
Ontario Northland has also released a proposed timetable outlining how service could operate. Southbound trains would depart Washago at 9:05 a.m., stopping in communities such as Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Huntsville before reaching Toronto’s Union Station at 10:55 a.m. Northbound service would leave Union Station at 6:30 p.m., arriving in Timmins at 5:10 a.m. Ticket prices have not yet been announced.
The Northlander is expected to return to service in 2026.
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