The Polar Bear Express speeds north through the Lillabelle Lake area on its journey from Cochrane to Moosanee at a location known fondly as the “Robin’s Nest” after a local photographer. At a balmy -35(C) this morning, the train is hauling motor vehicles, specially outfitted boxcars, an APU, and passenger cars with both locals and tourists alike able to take in the winter landscape. Once a common sight in North America, one of the last true mixed trains serves as a lifeline to the communities all the way to James Bay where no road access exists except for a few exceptions during the winter deep freeze.
