Northlander Begins Critical Testing Phase in Northern Ontario

Province delivering on its promise to bring back the Northlander later this year

April 09, 2026

NORTH BAY — Today, Premier Doug Ford was in North Bay to mark a critical step in the Northlander passenger rail service’s return to service later this year, 14 years after it was cancelled by the previous government. This return to service, which fulfils a key commitment as part of the province’s $70 billion plan to invest in public transit across Ontario, will take place following several months of rigorous testing now taking place along the entire route from Cochrane and Timmins to Union Station in downtown Toronto.

“For the first time in 14 years, the Northlander is back in Northern Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford. “When it returns to service later this year, the Northlander will connect people across Northern Ontario to life-changing opportunities, school, vital medical appointments and more, while strengthening local towns and industries along the entire route, creating good jobs and economic growth across the north for years to come.”

The province is nearing completion of “burn-in” testing on the first trainset, which has travelled more than 1,600 kilometres in conditions that simulate regular service. The train will soon enter the next phase of testing and commissioning, known as Revenue Service Demonstration (RSD). During this phase of testing, Ontario Northland will train staff on the equipment, run emergency exercises, test schedules and make sure all safety and operating systems are working properly along the full Northlander route. This phase will simulate normal operations, including station stops and announcements, before the line opens to the public.

The second trainset has arrived in Ontario and will soon begin its own testing and commissioning along the Northlander corridor. A confirmed return-to-service date will be announced in the coming months as testing proceeds. The province has also released anticipated fares at launch, which are approximately 10 per cent above the standard rate of travel on the existing Ontario Northland bus service. This price is designed to be competitive and accessible, while reflecting the cost of operating a more reliable and consistent passenger rail service.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is protecting Ontario by restoring the Northlander and delivering reliable transportation for northern communities,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “This milestone brings us one step closer to connecting people to jobs, health care and opportunities across northeastern Ontario.”

Many northern communities do not have access to taxis, local transit, rideshare or community transportation, making it harder for residents to reach Northlander stations or complete their trip from beginning to end.​ To help address this, the Ontario government introduced the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, that would establish a Northern Rideshare Framework to support the growth of rideshare services in communities along the Northlander corridor. The framework would give municipalities the tools to support local rideshare services, while helping inform a future provincewide approach.

The Northlander will travel 740 kilometres between Timmins and Toronto, with a rail connection to Cochrane, for a total of 16 stops.

Quick Facts

·                The first Northlander trainset arrived in Ontario in December 2025 and underwent testing and commissioning in Toronto. The second Northlander trainset arrived in Ontario last month.

·                Each trainset has 169 seats, including accessible seating, wide aisles, accessible washrooms and charging ports.

·                The province has invested more than $100 million in rail infrastructure north of North Bay to support the return of Northlander passenger rail service.

·                Northern Ontario is home to more than 65,000 local businesses, contributing more than $55.5 billion to Ontario’s GDP in 2024.

·                Ontario is investing $70 billion in the largest transit expansion in North America.

Quotes

"With this critical stage of testing and commissioning underway, our government is officially on track to deliver reliable and affordable Northlander rail service later this year. This new transportation corridor will make a real impact on the lives of families and workers across Northern Ontario by expanding access to new economic opportunity and health-care services, and we could not be more proud or excited to see it in action."

- Vic Fedeli

MPP for Nipissing

"For the first time, our community will be connected to the Northlander route. This will bring a new, convenient transit option to our riding. This is a game-changer for residents, making it easier to access jobs, services and opportunities across Northern Ontario. Thank you to Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria and the Premier for your leadership in bringing back the Northlander."

- Paul Calandra

MPP for Markham—Stouffville

"The Northlander is about increasing access and opportunity for northerners. This milestone brings us one step closer to reconnecting our communities with reliable passenger rail, making it easier to travel and stay connected across the north. This service will play a key role in connecting people to jobs, services and opportunities while supporting long-term economic growth across the north."

- George Pirie

Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth and MPP for Timmins

"The return of the Northlander is generating real excitement across Parry Sound—Muskoka thanks to Premier Ford and our government. People across Muskoka have already started noticing trains on the tracks as testing continues ahead of the launch of passenger service later this year. Now, with fares released and testing moving along well, residents can start planning their first trip. This is great news for our region. It will help strengthen the local economy and give people another convenient option to travel south to Toronto or north to Timmins."

- Graydon Smith

MPP for Parry Sound—Muskoka

"Our government is delivering on its commitment to restore a passenger rail service in the north, and reaching this exciting moment in testing the Northlander train brings us one step closer to welcoming passengers on board. For residents of Simcoe North, this service will mean greater connectivity, expanded economic opportunities, and improved access to jobs, education and essential services across the region. I am proud to be part of a government, under the leadership of Premier Ford, that is making long awaited investments and transportation infrastructure a reality. We look forward to seeing the Northlander passenger service up and running this summer, strengthening communities and supporting growth for years to come."

- Jill Dunlop

MPP for Simcoe North

"This key phase of testing brings us yet another step closer to the new era of the Northlander. As we move into revenue service demonstration, Ontario Northland is focused on ensuring the equipment meets all safety and performance requirements and that staff are well-prepared to welcome passengers later this year."

- Chad Evans

Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Northland

"Today’s milestone represents meaningful progress toward the return of passenger rail to northeastern Ontario. The Ford government’s leadership has been essential to getting us to this stage and Ontario Northland is grateful for its continued partnership and support. The new Northlander service will offer a safe, reliable travel option for northern communities and create a more connected, integrated transportation network across the region."

- Alan Spacek

Chair of the Board, Ontario Northland

"FONOM is pleased to see continued progress toward the return of the Northlander, an essential service for northeastern Ontario communities. We are also encouraged by the province’s exploration of a rideshare pilot, including partnerships with providers like Uber, to support first- and last-mile connections. Reliable access to and from stations will be key to the service’s success."

- Dave Plourde

President, Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM)

"This milestone is an important step forward in restoring reliable, modern passenger rail service to Northern Ontario. The return of the Northlander will strengthen connections between communities, improve access to health care and employment opportunities and support long-term regional growth. NOMA welcomes this progress and looks forward to seeing this service expanded and sustained as part of a broader, integrated northern transportation network that keeps our region connected and moving forward."

- Rick Dumas

President, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA)

"We’re thrilled to see the Northlander in its final stages of return. This train has long been such an important service for North Bay and Northern Ontario, and restoring it will reconnect communities, support local businesses and provide reliable travel for residents and visitors."

- Peter Chirico

Mayor of North Bay

"This is a significant milestone that keeps the Northlander on track to reconnect Northern Ontario, and Timmins is ready. Proactive planning is underway to help ensure seamless transit connections for residents and visitors. As a regional hub, Timmins is well-positioned to support a more integrated transportation network that strengthens connections across the north and Ontario."

- Michelle Boileau

Mayor of Timmins

"The Ontario Northland Railway was part of my family’s story growing up, from the signal shop to the rail lines themselves. Seeing progress on the Northlander is incredibly meaningful for me and for many families across the north who built their lives around it. This is about restoring a connection that has always been part of our communities and ensuring it continues for the next generation."

- Dave Dyment

Mayor, Township of Black River-Matheson

"Many community members from the Kirkland Lake area are gratefully awaiting the return of passenger rail in the north. Seeing the clips of the first test runs have increased the anticipation in our town and with this announcement of moving into the next phase I know many of our people will be clamouring to get the first glimpse as the new trainsets travel our local tracks."

- Stacy Wight

Mayor, Town of Kirkland Lake

"Temagami and the Northlander have been linked for decades, and the history of this rail link has impacted our community and region. Seeing the commitment and dedication of this new vision for the Northlander that is now unfolding before us is giving us a new sense of hope and alternatives in terms of transporting our residents and visitors to and from our Temagami Region. We do feel the success of this initial plan and schedule is important as it could lead to future changes that would further impact and improve how we get people to our community to enjoy the Temagami Experience."

- Dan O’Mara

Mayor, Town of Temagami

"The Village of South River is extremely pleased with the return of the Ontario Northland rail passenger service to Northern Ontario. The scheduled daily stops in South River will provide many opportunities for both local residents and visitors to the Almaguin Highlands area to take advantage of this easy and comfortable way to travel. We deeply appreciate the Ontario government’s support in returning this important and safe service to Northern Ontario. We will all benefit from this link to the north."

- Jim Coleman

Mayor, Village of South River

"This is an exciting milestone for the Northlander. Restoring passenger rail service is a significant step forward for communities like Bracebridge, improving access to transportation, supporting local tourism and strengthening connections to jobs, health care and opportunities across the region. We look forward to welcoming this service back and the lasting benefits it will bring to our residents and visitors alike."

- Rick Maloney

Mayor, Town of Bracebridge

"Access to destinations between Toronto and northeastern Ontario towns and cities is critical for the quality of life of residents along this important corridor. The significant investment the province is making will ensure there is a reliable and timely service that connects communities and people. We are very excited that Huntsville will be one of the stops along the route and look forward to welcoming the Northlander in the near future."

- Nancy Alcock

Mayor, Town of Huntsville

"The return of Northlander service is definitely a good news story for our community. It means a reliable and affordable transportation choice for our residents and it also represents a terrific travel option for people wanting to visit Gravenhurst. It’s exciting to see the progress being made and we look forward to regular service starting. On behalf of council and our community, I want to thank Premier Ford and the Government of Ontario for this investment."

- Heidi Lorenz

Mayor, Town of Gravenhurst

"The return of the Northlander marks an important milestone for communities across Ontario and highlights the value of strong, reliable transportation connections across the region. Passenger rail service will help improve access to jobs, services and tourism opportunities, while providing residents and visitors with a safe and dependable way to travel. With a stop in Washago, this service will open new connections for our community and help link Severn to both northern and southern Ontario. The Township of Severn welcomes this progress and the continued investment in infrastructure that helps communities stay connected, supports local growth and strengthens the region as a whole."

- Mike Burkett

Mayor, Township of Severn

"The successful testing of the Northlander is an important step forward for passenger rail in Ontario and welcome news for communities across the province. Whitchurch‑Stouffville supports the return of the Northlander and the role it will play in building a more connected, resilient transportation network for Ontario."

- Iain Lovatt

Mayor, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville

Additional Resources

·                Northlander Fare Details

·                Ontario Celebrates Arrival of First Northlander Train

·                The Northlander