Ontario Northland Train Preview

Running parallel with the Onakawana (and Abitibi) River.

If you are heading to Moosonee, then look to the left-side, or west, of the train. Just beyond the tree line is the Onakawana River. To your right, the Abitibi River is also just over the tips of the trees. If you are traveling to Cochrane, then look to the right-side of the train.

When you peer through the train window or watch the video clip, look for the tree line of poplar and aspen trees. Where the deciduous and coniferous trees mix is where the Onakawana River flows. It is a windy river with many boulders in its current. Depending on the season and the direction of your travels, you will not see much beyond the pitch of dark. But know that you are close to flowing waters. If you are heading to Moosonee, then you'll pass over the Onakawana River Crossing in about 10 miles distance. If you are going in the direction of Cochrane, then you've already passed across that bridge.

A Short Journey from the Train Bridge to the Mouth

Mileage 174

The Kwetabohigan River was used as an alternate route to Fort Albany, instead of travelling on the coast of the James Bay. Further up the river, there is a point where a portage can be made to a small lake and from that lake a creek flows into the Albany River. The Cree of the area knew the land well and knew of alternative routes between destination points. The knowledge of the land is sometimes now referred to as Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK).

Late Chief Randy Kapashesit on TEK: "Elders' knowledge comes from a practical understanding they gain by living on the land. They know the earth intimately in a way that western science cannot arrive at. This intimate knowledge gives them greater sensitivity to the needs of the earth and the need to maintain a balance that will permit survival."

North crossing or second crossing when traveling to Moosonee

South crossing or first crossing when traveling to Moosonee

A Poem that Answers Why

You've started your journey on this train and in case you were wondering why, here is the answer...

16 Reasons to be on this Train

1. You obviously purchased a fare
2. You want to go where there is plenty of fresh air
3. You like traveling trains
4. You are terrified of planes
5. The north was calling your name
6. The other trails are just not the same
7. Moose Factory’s history drew you
8. Moosonee has it’s hidden stories too
9. The wilderness is beckoning your spirit to renew
10. Enchanted by the spaces traveled by so few
11. Winter, summer, fall and spring; bring a camera
12. Break-up and freeze-up; don’t forget the drama
13. Cree heritage and hospitality are awaiting
14. Listen, watch and learn while staying
15. The communities of Moose Factory and Moosonee
16. Will set your forlongings free

Anonymous

Apparently, this can happen at just about any mileage on the tracks!

No rhyme or reason, it just happens! There's no best spot for playing music, when you're moving to the rhythm of the train.

Moose Factory and Moosonee are home to many artists and musicians, and they are good ones at that. If you are lucky, you may happen upon a live music event in one of the two communities. If you are really lucky, you hear some jammin' on the train.

Abitibi River and Ontario Power Generation

The Hydro Dam is on the east side of the train.

While on the train, look east. You will find that there are two or three spots from which to get a good view of the hydro dam and the river.

Camp for Children Run by the Catholic Church

Maidmans Island is on the Moose River at the mouth of Maidmans Creek.

You'll see Maidmans Island as you walk along Moosonee's shoreline. You may even travel next to Maidmans Island by boat taxi as you go to Moose Factory, but only at low tide.

A link to other places and times

Fraserdale is a community and train stop in Unorganized Cochrane. It can be found in the North Part of Cochrane District, Northern Ontario, Canada. It is located 131 km (81 m) north of Timmins along the Ontario Northland Railway. The community was named for Alan Fraser, a railway engineer, and is counted as part of Unorganized Cochrane, North Part in Canadian census data.

The neighbouring community of Abitibi Canyon, which is 4.5 km or 2.8 mi east of Fraserdale, is close to the Abitibi River. Abitibi Canyon was the most extensive community ever built by the Ontario Hydro Electric Power Commission. It was home to 1500 residents and was established to house employees of Abitibi Canyon Generating Station. Fraserdale is connected to Smooth Rock Falls on Ontario Highway 11 to the south and to Abitibi Canyon to the northeast via Ontario Highway 634.

Source: Wikipedia

The hamlet of Moose River is located on the southern bank of the Moose River just before the train bridge, if you are traveling to Moosonee that is.

At mile 142 of the Polar Bear Express railway route, there is a small settlement called Moose River. This settlement is located just before a large railway bridge that crosses Moose River, and it is a flag stop on the Polar Bear Express rail route. There is an Ontario Northland Railway bunkhouse that used to be a school. The Moose River bridge was built in the 1930s and the hamlet sprang up as a town for railway workers and their families at that time. Cree people used this land long before the hamlet was established though. During its more populated days, the hamlet boasted a saw mill operation.

The population has dwindled now. Currently, the Moose River stop at mile 142 is used by former residents of the settlement as a pick-up and drop-off site for boaters.

A Recording about the Completion of the Railway to Moosonee

A Recording about Global Warming in the James Bay

Mileage points to watch out for...

A Recording about the Road to Moose Factory

Are you as Tough as Nails?

A Reading from the House of Commons, 1884