Cochrane

Introducing Cochrane

Time has not been kind to little Cochrane, whose raison d’être is the Polar Bear Express – the whistle-stop train shuttling passengers north to the remote recesses of James Bay. Cochrane doesn’t pretend to be a dainty tourist destination, and in a way, that honesty is refreshing. Evidence of harsh, long winters is conspicuous in this windswept town, but despite the inhospitable winters, the largely Francophone population is warm and accommodating. Stop by the Cochrane Tourist Association & Board of Trade (705-272-4926; 4 3rd Ave; 9am-4:30pm Mon-Fri, varying extended hours during summer) to say hi to Chimo, the giant plastic polar bear, and get helpful information about the town and the adorable polar bear sanctuary.

Last updated: Sep 22, 2008