Major city · Canada
CochraneCochrane, Ontario
Give Cochrane one night, two if you ride the Polar Bear Express to Moosonee: the polar bear habitat is the reason to stop, and it is a morning visit.
Cochrane is a railway town of about 5,400 people on Highway 11 in northeastern Ontario, built where the National Transcontinental Railway met the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario line in 1908. Its draw is the Polar Bear Habitat, the only facility dedicated solely to polar bears, plus the Polar Bear Express train north to Moosonee. Most travellers pass through on the way to Timmins, Kapuskasing or Hearst; one night is enough unless the train is the point of the trip.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for the bears and the train; Feb–Mar for snowmobiling
- avoid Nov–Apr unless you are snowmobiling (deep cold, short days)
- Airport
- YCN
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Cochrane911 ▾
- Police, fire and ambulance911
- Ontario Northland (train and bus)+1 705-272-4228
- Polar Bear Habitat+1 705-272-2327
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cochrane, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyCochrane is a small, quiet town and street crime is low.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire and ambulance · +1 705-272-4228 Ontario Northland (train and bus) · +1 705-272-2327 Polar Bear Habitat
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYCN Cochrane Aerodrome (No scheduled flights; nearest scheduled service is Timmins (YTS), about 1 h 15 min by road.).
- Getting aroundCochrane is small and flat: the centre, the station and the Polar Bear Habitat are all within about a 20-minute walk of each other.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a bakery itemC$5–9 (≈ US$4–7)
- Street or quick mealDiner breakfastcheckC$10–16 (≈ US$8–12)
- BeerDraught beerC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$15–35 (≈ US$11–30)
- Museum or sight ticketPolar Bear Habitat entry, adultcheckAbout C$18 (≈ US$14)
- Budget bedUnpowered campsite at the habitat, a night, per roomC$25 (≈ US$19)
- Mid-range bedMotel room, a night, per roomC$130 (≈ US$95)
- High-end bedMotel room, a night, per roomC$180 (≈ US$140)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YCN Cochrane Aerodrome (No scheduled flights; nearest scheduled service is Timmins (YTS), about 1 h 15 min by road.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
Feb
Care
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
Mar
Care
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Apr
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
May
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Nov
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Dec
Avoid
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Mixed: Feb–Mar. Avoid: Apr, Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−24°C (−11°F)−11°F (−24°C) low), wettest Sep (14 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cochrane: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
−24°C (−11°F)−11°F (−24°C)
12 rd
Feb
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
−22°C (−8°F)−8°F (−22°C)
10 rd
Mar
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
10 rd
Apr
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
10 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
13 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
13 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
14 rd
Oct
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
14 rd
Nov
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
14 rd
Dec
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Cochrane is small and flat: the centre, the station and the Polar Bear Habitat are all within about a 20-minute walk of each other. A car is needed for Highway 11 motels, the aerodrome and day trips; taxis are limited, so book ahead for early train departures.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Moosonee
overnightDoor to door: 5 h each way
Polar Bear Express from Cochrane station, about 5 h each way
Too long to return the same day: sleep in Moosonee and take the next train back.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min by car
Highway 655 south by car, or Ontario Northland bus
Mining heritage and the nearest scheduled airport.
Kapuskasing
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Highway 11 west by car, or Ontario Northland bus
Company town with a railway-car museum; on the road to Hearst.
Temiskaming Shores
cautionDoor to door: About 3 h 30 min
Highway 11 south via Matheson and Kirkland Lake
A long day; better as a stop on the drive south.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Railway Street (station area)
Station Inn and Best Western Swan Castle Inn sit at the train station: walk to the Polar Bear Express and the centre.
Highway 11 West
Motels with parking outside the centre; you need a car for everything.
Polar Bear Habitat camping
Unpowered tent and RV sites at the habitat; no open fires, propane stoves only.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 1 night × C$180 | C$180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| Polar Bear Habitat entry, adult2 × C$18 · check | C$36 |
| Polar Bear Express return to Moosonee2 × C$120 · check | C$240 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$82 |
| Trip total≈ C$449 per person per day, bed included | C$898≈ US$700 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Flights and the Polar Bear Express fare excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a bakery item | C$5–9 (≈ US$4–7) |
| Diner breakfastcheck | C$10–16 (≈ US$8–12) |
| Burger or ribs plate | C$18–30 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Draught beer | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Polar Bear Habitat entry, adultcheck | About C$18 (≈ US$14) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$15–35 (≈ US$11–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter runs to −30 °C (−22 °F) and below: layers, and plug-in parking for rental cars.Winter runs to −22 °F (−30 °C) and below: layers, and plug-in parking for rental cars.
- The Polar Bear Express does not run every day: check the timetable before you book a bed.
- Cell coverage thins on Highway 11 and on the train north; download what you need.
- Black flies and mosquitoes are heavy in June and July: repellent is not optional.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire and ambulance
- 911
- Ontario Northland (train and bus)
- +1 705-272-4228
- Polar Bear Habitat
- +1 705-272-2327
Pocket card
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CochraneCochrane, Ontario
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire and ambulance911
- Ontario Northland+1 705-272-4228
- Polar Bear Habitat+1 705-272-2327
Embassy
No embassies in Cochrane; the nearest consulates are in Toronto. US citizens: the US consulate general is in Toronto (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Polar Bear Express, Cochrane → Moosonee: about C$60 (≈ US$45) one way, 5 h (check)
- Ontario Northland bus, Timmins → Cochrane: about 1 h 15 min (check)
- Taxi in town: short hops only; ask the fare before you get in (check)
Say or show
- Thank you / Merci — Thank you
- Where is the train station? — Where is the train station?
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is the highway open? — Is the highway open?
Tipping is expected: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cochrane. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for the bears and the train; Feb–Mar for snowmobiling · avoid Nov–Apr unless you are snowmobiling (deep cold, short days) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YTS: last Ontario Northland bus and taxi fallback field-checked, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster with rescue anchors: station, Railway Street beds, the habitat, the centre.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Polar Bear Habitat, Tim Horton Memorial Museum, library archive) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and hostile-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialTown of Cochrane — visiting
- officialTourism Cochrane
- officialPolar Bear Habitat
- officialOntario Northland — train travel
- officialOntario Northland
- secondaryWikivoyage: Cochrane (Ontario), revision 5213379 (CC BY-SA 4.0)