Recreation
Polar bear country runs on adventure — here's what's waiting just outside your door.
Polar Bear Riders
The Cochrane Polar Bear Riders snowmobile club maintains over 500 kilometres of gorgeous trails to enjoy. You can book a 725 km two-day wilderness snowmobiling journey to Moosonee, or join the Polar Bear Riders “Major Bear Run” in January.
The friendly town atmosphere and welcoming faces are sure to make your trip a memorable one — and our heated garage keeps your sled warm overnight.
Polar Bear Express
Ride the rails into the historic James Bay — to reach into the past, to reach the edge of the Arctic.
Ontario Northland's Polar Bear Express connects the coastal communities of Moosonee and Moose Factory to Cochrane, and is one of North America's last remaining “flag stop” train services.
The Polar Bear Express offers visitors from around the world an opportunity to connect with Canadian history, Indigenous culture and the landscape of the North. This old-fashioned excursion travels 186 miles between Cochrane and Moosonee — over the Moose River and through Ontario's most pristine and spectacular scenery.
Sit back and enjoy the relaxing five-hour ride each way in a climate-controlled passenger car. Explore the train and enjoy a meal on board, with snack-car service available year-round.
Dubbed the “World's Greatest Rail Excursion!”, this trip lets you and your family get away from the hassles of modern living and discover the history of the people and the landscape of the North.
Winter Carnival
Come and enjoy the longest-running winter carnival in Ontario, held during the first full week of February! We chase away the winter “blahs” by cutting a hole in Lake Commando and diving in with our Polar Bear Dip.
Our Miss Chimo, representing Cochrane, is crowned at the beginning of the carnival. We celebrate with talent shows, a torchlight parade, hockey games, parades, contests and much, much more!
Base camp for your northern adventure
Trail access, a heated garage for your sled and a warm bed waiting — book your stay at the Chimo Motel.