Service updates
September 19, 2024
Important Notice: Upcoming Schedule Changes for the Polar Bear Express
Starting November 25, 2024, new Transport Canada regulations will impact the Polar Bear Express schedule.
Passenger Notice - Fare Increases
To adjust to the rise in operational costs, Ontario Northland will be increasing fares and rates effective September 1, 2024.
- Motor coach and Polar Bear Express fares will increase by 1.5 per cent
- This is an average increase of $1 for motor coach passengers and an average increase of $0.76 for Polar Bear Express passengers.
- Bus Parcel Express rates will increase by 1.5 per cent
- This represents an average increase of approximately $0.20, pending shipment size.
Our transportation services are vital. Increasing our revenue allows us to improve services to meet the needs of our passengers and parcel customers.
We look forward to continuing to modernize our passenger and parcel services to better serve you.
Polar Bear Express Delays July 2024
Please be advised that Ontario Northland will be undertaking rail infrastructure work on the Polar Bear Express service territory from July 22 until the end of August. This work may cause service impacts extending trips up to 30 minutes for the Polar Bear Express during this time.
Crews will be carrying out proactive ultrasonic testing on the rail line and performing rail maintenance and upgrades. This work will help to provide a smoother and quieter passenger experience and ensure the continued safety and reliability of Ontario Northland’s train service.
Motor Coach Schedule Updates
Beginning July 22, 2024, Ontario Northland will be making changes to our daily round trips between North Bay and Toronto to improve travel experience and enhance efficiency.
Recent updates have allowed us to identify areas for improving the timeliness of trips 1138/1111, 1122/1131, 1142/1183, and 1190/1199.
| Southbound trip | Northbound trip |
|---|---|
| 1138 will now leave North Bay at 3:15 a.m. | 1111 will now leave Toronto at 9:15 a.m. |
| 1122 will now leave North Bay at 6:15 a.m | 1131 will now leave Toronto at 12:30 p.m. |
| 1142 will now leave North Bay at 12:30 p.m | 1183 departure time from Toronto stays the same (6:45 p.m.) |
| Trip 1190 will now leave North Bay at 4:20 p.m | Trip 1199 departure time from Toronto stays the same (11:30 p.m.) |
Winnipeg Agency Update
Ontario Northland's Winnipeg Agency, Maple Bus Lines, located at 936 Sherbrook Street will no longer sell tickets or handle parcel shipping and receiving. It will remain a bus stop location only until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
You can purchase tickets online or by calling our toll-free customer service line at 1-800-461-8558.
Enhanced Connectivity and Entertainment Aboard the Polar Bear Express.
Ontario Northland is pleased to announce our ON Board Wi-Fi and Entertainment System is now available for passengers on the Polar Bear Express. The introduction of the Polar Bear Express Wi-Fi service marks a step forward in our modernization efforts and enhances the onboard experience for our valued travelers.
Ontario Northland is offering more travel options from June 2024 to March 2025.
Our Polar Bear Express service is adding four extra Sunday service dates to the summer schedule, which will now start on June 2 and run through October 27, 2024, providing Sunday service each of those weeks.
Here’s what else is new:
- July 31, 2024: Special service for the Gathering of our People event in Moose Factory.
- August 7, 2024: Additional service for the Civic Holiday.
- December 4, 11 and 18, 2024: Extra service dates for holiday travel.
- February 12 and 16, 2025: Special service for Mushkegowuk Cup and the Great Moon Gathering.
- March 8 and 15, 2025: Saturday services for the Little NHL tournament and March Break.
Tickets for these additional dates can now be purchased at: