Although there’s lots to keep you busy at camp we recommend you take some time to check out these local attractions during your stay!
Polar Bear Habitat, Heritage Village and Snowmobile Museum
A trip to Cochrane isn’t complete without a stop at the Polar Bear Habitat, the only captive bear facility in the world dedicated solely to polar bears. Come and meet “Ganuk” and “Inukshuk”, our handsome son and father duo, who will inspire you with their charming antics, and we are proud to announce our newcomer bear “Henry” to Cochrane in 2015! (Inukshuk likes to visit other places as well, so he is not always in Cochrane!) Nowhere else will you get a chance to take part in a unique polar bear swimming experience, and when you leave you will take with you a new-found appreciation and admiration for all polar bears, and an awareness of the issues affecting their survival in the wild.
The bears are the highlight but you will also enjoy strolling through the Heritage Village and the Snowmobile Museum, and of course the gift shop.
Tim Horton’s Event Centre
Named for the very famous Canadian Tim Horton, (if you don’t know him for hockey you’ll know him for coffee!) who was born right here in Cochrane! The Event Centre has a lot to offer under one roof. An NHL size arena and rink, a full fitness centre and an incredible indoor pool with a waterslide, lazy river, a sauna and a hot tub! A museum to showcase memorabilia of Tim Horton is a fun attraction available to the public as well for a minimal fee. So pack your swimsuits and if by chance there is a rainy day during your stay, the whole family will be happy to take a trip to the Event Centre for an afternoon!
Cochrane Tourist Information Centre
Not to be missed, literally, is our mascot “Chimo” the big polar bear, who welcomes everyone as they enter Cochrane, and loves to pose for photo opportunities! If you come in the winter you’ll notice Chimo looking dapper in his favourite red scarf! The information centre has friendly and informative staff ready to help you with any questions you may have, and you will find some souvenirs available for sale here as well! So definitely drop in and say hi and don’t forget to take your picture with “Chimo”!
Polar Bear Express Train
Ride the rails with Ontario Northland from Cochrane to Moosonee, a journey of 186 miles through a landscape of remote forests and wetlands, across rivers once navigated by early aboriginals, explorers and fur traders. Visit the communities of Moosonee and Moose Factory, Ontario’s salt-water ports! Hire a local guide to take you by boat or freighter canoe on the Moose River to Shipsands Island on the edge of James Bay and touch the edge of the Arctic! For a truly memorable experience plan to spend a night at one of the choices of accommodation and perhaps you will witness the spectacular Northern Lights in one of the best places in Ontario for that!
Ontario Northland – Connecting the North
The Polar Bear Express is a commuter train for the residents of the James Bay Coast transporting people, vehicles, vital supplies and other freight. The train runs daily from Sunday to Friday (no Saturday service) during the summer season from June 22 to August 31, 2014. The train runs Monday to Friday during the rest of the year. (fall, winter and spring)
Ontario Northland also provides bus transportation to Timmins, Hearst, North Bay, Sudbury, Toronto and points in between. The bus and train depart from The Cochrane Station located at 200 Railway Street.
For train information visit www.OntarioNorthland.ca.
For information on Moosonee accommodations visit www.moosonee.ca
Cassiopeia IV
Located 32 km north of Cochrane is this rare find, a cable ferry service that operates approximately 9 months of the year, transporting vehicles across the Abitibi River, free of charge! It was built in 1957 in Owen Sound and it’s first year of service in Cochrane was 1968. The Cassiopeia IV is 49′ 10″ long and 24′ wide. It will hold up to 4 vehicles depending on their size and weight. It’s carrying capacity is 35 tonnes.
During freeze up an ice road replaces the ferry. Just a short drive from Flood’s Landing, take your vehicle across the Abitibi River on the Cassiopeia IV, you will be surprised at this gem hidden in the Northern Ontario wilderness!