By Andrew Hopkins
The Ontario Northland’s Christmas freight train will be making a trip throughout Northern Ontario this December.
The train will begin its journey north in North Bay on December 2nd, followed by stops in Temagami, Cobalt, Earlton, and Englehart before it reaching our area of the north with stops in Iroquois Falls on December 8, Cochrane on December 9, Kapuskasing on December 10 and Hearst on December 11. It will then wrap up in Moosonee on December 16.
Ontario Northland’s media spokesperson Rebecca McGlynn said this is the 4th year operating the decorated Christmas freight Train.
“Last year, we had over 4,000 people came out to see the train throughout the north,” McGlynn said. “We hope to see even more people this year.”
McGlynn said the train’s purpose is to give back to the communities in which they serve.
“It allows us to reconnect with our neighbours, and partners,” McGlynn said, “and gives us an opportunity to show off our holiday spirit."
She said they partner with community organizations or businesses to hold the events.
“So each stop has its own character and highlights,” McGlynn said.
McGlynn said it takes about two weeks with a small group of rail workers to get the train ready for its holiday run.
Last year, a caboose was added to the train and McGlynn said since it was so popular it will be kept on at the end of the train again this year.
“We are looking forward to improving it for the kids,” McGlynn said.
Don’t miss out on the 2014 Christmas holiday train coming to station near you this December.
Below is the complete 2014 Schedule.
Tuesday, December 2 – North Bay – The Station (100 Station Road, access via Northgate near food court) - 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 3 – Temagami - Temagami Station - 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Thursday, December 4 – Cobalt - Cobalt Train Station - 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 5 – Earlton – Railway Crossing on 10th Street - 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, December 5 – Englehart – The Station - 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Monday, December 8 - Iroquois Falls - 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 9 – Cochrane – The Station Inn - 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, December 10 – Kapuskasing – Resource Centre for Special Events - 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, December 11 - Hearst - Pepco - 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, December 16 - Moosonee – Moosonee Station - 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
