Travelling with Pets on the Polar Bear Express

Ontario Northland is pleased to offer transportation service to your pet. We understand how important your pet is to you and want to share some important information relating to the transportation of your pet on the Polar Bear Express.

Before travelling certain requirements must be followed:

  • Pets accepted for transport in approved carriers are: dogs, cats, small rodents (hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits).
  • Suitable rigid carrier typically constructed of hard plastic or metal. Soft textile carriers will not be accepted. Ontario Northland no longer supplies pet carriers and is therefore the responsibility of the pet owner to ensure you have an accepted pet carrier prior for your travel.
  • Proof of purchase and signed Pet Transportation release form Release and Indemnity - Transportation of pets.
  • Pet owner is responsible to ensure their pet has adequate food and water during the trip.
  • With approval and accompaniment of the conductor, it is encouraged of pet owners to periodically check on your pet in the baggage car during the trip.
  • Pets must be checked on the same departure as their owner and claimed immediately upon arrival at the destination.
  • Ontario Northland personnel will not handle the carrier with pet inside, it is the pet’s owner’s responsibility to board and disembark the pet and carrier from the service.
  • Please note Ontario Northland reserves the right to refuse transportation service to your pet should our personnel deem your pet a risk to other pets or people.

Failure to meet any or all requirements will result in refusal to transport your pet.

Effective January 8, 2024, Ontario Northland will phase out courtesy onboard pet carriers and kennels. All customers who use the pet transportation service must obtain their own hard sided carriers prior to checking in to the station. Limited pet carriers will be offered at resale to customers who are unable to obtain one prior to travelling. These will be offered as first-come first-serve and will be of limited quantity and size.