Keeping business on track.

• Author: Larmour, Adelle
• Position: Polar Bear Express

There is no better way to experience the shear enormity of Northern Ontario's vast boreal forest with its rugged wetlands than to travel through the towering conifers and mighty rivers that flow to the Arctic watershed.

Ontario Northland's Polar Bear Express offers that experience throughout the summer months, taking its passengers on a non-stop, four-and-a-half hour ride from Cochrane to Moosonee.

The 10-coach train has five passenger coaches, two dining cars, one snack car, a dome car and an entertainment car with musicians, tables and a bar.

Once in Moosonee, different tour packages may take one across the Moose River on the Polar Princess to Moose Factory Island. Visitors can see some of the North's history with the Hudson Bay Company, and its waterways, which were integral to the success of the fur trade.

Dawn Elliott, passenger sales co-ordinator, recommends an overnight stay on the island to absorb the whole atmosphere of the area.

"It's very calm and restful-a different type of attraction," she says.

Presently, the Polar Bear Express is focusing on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and northern United States as a large part of its market audience, but they have had visitors worldwide.

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During the last six months, Terry Va-chon, manager of passenger services, says they have focused on the scholastic market in...