Northlander train schedule released with stops in Gravenhurst, Washago

An Ontario Northland train is seen in a file image from the agency's website.

The Northlander passenger train is set to make a long-awaited return to Ontario tracks and several Muskoka-area communities will be directly on the line.

Ontario Northland says it is working toward reinstating passenger rail service in Northeastern Ontario through the revival. The service is planned to operate between Toronto and Timmins, with a rail connection to Cochrane.

According to the Ontario Northland website, the Northlander route will include stops in Washago, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Huntsville, placing these communities back on a passenger rail corridor.

The Northlander will travel approximately 740 kilometres between Toronto and Timmins and will include 16 stops in communities along the route. The service is expected to run four to seven days per week, with schedules adjusted based on seasonal travel demand.

Ticket prices have not yet been announced, though Ontario Northland has stated that affordability will be a priority when fares are finalized closer to launch.

The team says many workstreams are currently in motion to prepare for the future service. To learn more about the Northlander, click here.