Cochrane, Ontario: An Accessible Taste of the North

August 6, 2026

Polar bear standing on a large rock with watermelon pieces at its feet in a rocky, grassy setting.

The splendour of the boreal forest whizzed by on our road trip across Northeastern Ontario this summer. Driving into Cochrane, Ontario, we were only a few hours south of James Bay. The landscape began to change: farms disappeared, and the endless sweep of wilderness hinted that the Arctic was no longer far away. This part of the province hits different. Even when it felt remote, we never felt far away from civilization. Cochrane offered us a rare chance to see up close a species synonymous with Canada’s North: the polar bear.

Polar bear standing on a rocky ledge above a pool, looking down toward the water.

We visited the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat, a unique non-profit sanctuary dedicated to providing a home for bears requiring lifelong human care. Set across 24 acres of sub-Arctic terrain, including a natural spring-fed lake, the refuge was founded by the Town of Cochrane in 2004. Ganuk, born in 2009, arrived from the Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Félicien in Quebec in 2012, while Henry, born in 2013, made the remarkable journey from Australia’s Gold Coast in 2015. After arriving, Henry adapted to his new northern home and charmed locals with his love of snow. Watching the bears in their sprawling habitat felt less like viewing an attraction and more like being invited into their world.

From there, we headed over to the attached Cochrane Classic Snowmobile Museum. After a busy morning, we grabbed lunch at Kaylob’s Kafe for genuine Northeastern Ontario hospitality and a top-notch club sandwich.

Blue Sno-Trek snowmobile with clear windshield in a snowy display area.

Before watching the sunset over Lake Commando, we picked up a double-double and visited the Tim Hortons Museum. This quirky, cool attraction packs a punch—hockey sticks, jerseys, pucks and photographs fill the modest space. We loved the insider glimpse into the life of the NHL legend whose name became one of Canada’s most recognizable brands.

Cochrane proved that an unforgettable northern adventure doesn’t require a journey to the Arctic. From viewing polar bears to stepping into Tim Horton’s legacy, we explored the stories that shaped this boreal mining town. Resilience and hometown pride are woven into the fabric of Cochrane itself. We left with a newfound appreciation for this northern community and a promise to return.

Hockey memorabilia museum interior with jerseys hanging from the ceiling and glass display cases around a central exhibit titled Tim Horton.

This article was sponsored by Cochrane.

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Thomas Stimson

I am an outdoor adventure photographer and writer. My photography has appeared in Outdoor Canada, Surfer’s Journal, Cottage Life and the coffee table book, Manitoba by Manitoba. My adventures have been featured in ‘The Surfer’s Journal’ (Great Lakes Edition), ‘Cottage Life’ and my writing in ‘Explore Magazine’ (From Barrels to Barricades-Fall 2024). I’ve been on both sides of the camera and was part of the principal cast for the documentary, ‘Big Lake Surf’ and an as yet untitled surf documentary coming soon.

I’ve been an educator for 20 years and I hold my advanced license with Transport Canada as a drone pilot, instructor and flight reviewer. Prior to that I worked as a technical representative for The North Face, Thule and K2 Snowboards.

I have two children, Beau (9)and Daisy (6). I graduated from University of Manitoba carrying degrees in Arts (Political Studies with Honours) and Education (with Honours).