Ontario Northland is the public corporation responsible for passenger rail and coach bus services in Ontario. Founded in 1902 by the Government of Ontario, it operates intercity, long-distance, and remote routes, serving both the major cities of Northern Ontario (Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, and Timmins). As well, they connected to the larger terminal cities of Ottawa, Toronto, and Winnipeg. Ontario Northland acts as a crucial public transit lifeline connecting remote areas, small towns to larger metropolitan centres.
With its network, Ontario Northland operates mainly coach bus services and remote train services (Polar Bear Express) to Moosenee (an area on the coast of the Arctic with no road access). Passengers travelling on Ontario Northland range from students, residents attending medical appointments and tourists seeking more adventurous travel. enjoying long distance services. For many, Ontario Northland is an affordable alternative to travelling over Northern Ontario compared to flying. Flights can become very expensive.
Ontario Northland can be considered analogous to GO Transit. GO Transit serves the GTA for commuters, whereas Ontario Northland serves intercity and remote travellers.
Tickets
The most direct way to book is with Ontario Northland directly and 1-800-461-8558 (Canada and USA).
Fares
Ontario Northland uses static pricing pricing.
Services
Ontario Northland routes can be divided into the following categories:
Rail
- Northlander (future)
- Polar Bear Express
Bus
- 101-102: Toronto – Barrie – North Bay
- 201-202: Toronto – Parry Sound – Sudbury
- 301-302 North Bay – Timmins – Cochrane
- 401-402 Sudbury – Timmins – Hearst
- 501-502: Ottawa – North Bay – Sudbury
- 503-504: Sudbury – Sault Ste. Marie
- 601-602: Thunder Bay – Sault Ste. Marie
- 603-604: Thunder Bay – Winnipeg
Destinations
Serving the major cities of Northern Ontario: Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, Timmins, and and smaller centres such as Moosenee, Hearst, Cochrane, Muskoka, and Rainy River. As well, they connected to the larger terminal cities of Ottawa, Toronto, and Winnipeg.
Coach buses operate the vast majority of trips. But the reintroduction of the Northlander (Toronto – North – Bay) will act as a backbone connecting the metropolis of Toronto to the most densely populated areas of Northern Ontario.
Baggage
Policies differ based on transport type used.
Coach Bus: Each passenger is given an allow of one (1) checked bag included in the ticket. Additional bags may be checked at an additional charge of $15.00.
Polar Bear Express Train: Given the remote nature of this train and the fact that no alternative road exists, the Polar Bear Express acts as a lifeline. Therefore, the Polar Bear Express has a much more generous baggage policy. Each passenger is allowed at least three (3) checked bags. Additional bags may be checked at an additional charge of $5.00. Additionally, this train operates as a mixed freight train carrying vehicles. The Auto Carrier Reservations policy breaks down cost and check in procedure.
Classes
Pros
- Excellent coverage of Nothern Ontario connecting major cities to smaller communities.
- The Polar Bear Express provides an essential transportation lifeline to Moosonee and James Bay.
- Return of the Northlander and increased track ownership means that Ontario Northland controls its schdule better.
- Growing passenger demand means increased service and frequency to new destinations. Winnipeg and Ottawa service only started after the collapse of Greyhound in 2020.
Cons
- Coach bus reliability can be an issue with poor reliability, especially in the winter.
- While direct, long travel times in cramped coach bus seats means an uncomfortable journey.
- Limited frequency and vast geographic coverage mean gaps in service and expensive to operate.
Notes
- The highly anticipated return of the Northlander in 2026 (canceled since 2012) will bring a new, modern train allowing travellers to reach Toronto in the morning and return to the north in the evening.