Northlander train linking Toronto to Timmins set for relaunch in 2026. What we know about it
The provincially owned Northlander train between Toronto and northern Ontario is set to make a comeback.
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Operated by the provincially owned Ontario Northland Railway, the train service was discontinued in 2012 and replaced with buses. But it's set to relaunch in 2026 with expanded service and new trains.
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The route will include 16 stops in total: Toronto's Union Station, Langstaff, Gormley, Washago, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, South River, North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson, Timmins and Cochrane.
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The fully-accessible trains will include wheelchair lifts, wide aisles, braille signage for key features, audio and visual onboard announcements, and accessible washrooms. These amenities should make it appealing to a broader range of travellers, including families, seniors and people with disabilities.
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The trains will also have features such as power outlets and USB charging at every seat, Wi-Fi, spaces for bicycles, and a variety of seating options, including single-row seats and pods for groups.
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Since the service was cancelled, municipalities and Indigenous communities in northern Ontario have continuously called for its return. The service is expected to eventually transport between 40,000 and 60,000 riders a year.
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At a 2025 Northeastern Municipal Conference, Ontario Northland CEO Chad Evans announced the new era of the Northlander, reports Northern Ontario Business, adding that the announcement was met with enthusiasm from hundreds of delegates.
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The new service is expected to be a significant improvement, offering a safer and more reliable alternative to road travel, especially in harsh northern weather conditions.
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Surveys conducted in the region indicate broad public support for the return of passenger rail, with many residents expressing intent to use it. Indigenous communities have shown strong interest due to the affordability compared to car ownership.
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