Toronto’s long-awaited direct train to Muskoka is closer than ever to reality as the much-anticipated Northlander prepares for its grand return to Ontario’s rail network. After a hiatus of almost 13 years, the Northlander is expected to resume its operation in the coming year, thereby reigniting the charm of rail travel for Ontario residents and tourists alike.

The Resurgence of the Northlander

The Northlander train service, originally operated by the provincially owned Ontario Northland Railway, was suspended in 2012 and replaced with express buses. However, the reinstatement of the service is now around the corner. A video uploaded by Ontario Rails on December 21 showcased the arrival of the new Northlander trainset at the CN’s Aldershot Yard. The trainset is expected to proceed to VIA’s Toronto Maintenance Centre in Etobicoke.

The Northlander Route and Features

Once operational, the Northlander is set to run a bi-directional route between Union Station in Toronto and Timmins, with a rail connection to Cochrane. The service will make 16 stops, including Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, and North Bay. The reinstated Northlander will not only offer a direct train service to Muskoka from Toronto but also provide commuters with upgraded features such as Wi-Fi, galley-style food service, USB charging, wide aisles, adjustable tray tables, and overhead reading lights.

Infrastructure Enhancements

In June, the province awarded a contract to EllisDon, a renowned construction company, to reconstruct platforms and install pre-manufactured shelters at stops along the route, from South River to Washago. Furthermore, in September, the provincial government announced the completion of the North Bay Rail Bypass. This 982-meter track is expected to improve travel times by 15 minutes to North Bay Station, and will ensure that passenger trains avoid the congested North Bay Rail Yard.

The Northlander’s Expected Capacity

Upon full operation, the Northlander is anticipated to transport between 40,000 and 60,000 riders annually by 2041. This reinstatement of the train service will not only enhance the travel experience for commuters but also contribute significantly to Ontario’s transport infrastructure.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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