# Silver mines, muskeg and the train to Hudson Bay: by motorhome along Highway 11 through Northern Ontario

> From North Bay to Hearst: around 800 kilometres through boreal forest, mining towns and the Clay Belt, with a side trip on the Polar Bear Express to Moosonee.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/rf-144-northern-ontario-highway-11/

**At a glance:** 6-day road trip of about 1,173 km (729 mi) with 11 stops, from North Bay to Hearst. About 13 h 01 min of driving in total. From North Bay to Hearst: around 800 kilometres through boreal forest, mining towns and the Clay Belt, with a side trip on the Polar Bear Express to Moosonee.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 1,173 km (729 mi) |
| Driving | 13 h 01 min |
| Suggested days | 6 |
| Stops | 11 |
| Route | North Bay → Hearst |
| Provinces | ON |
| Updated | September 1, 2026 |

*From North Bay to Hearst: around 800 kilometres through boreal forest, mining towns and the Clay Belt, with a side trip on the Polar Bear Express to Moosonee.*

## The spirit of the route

North of North Bay, Highway 11 changes from kilometre to kilometre. First pines and lakes in the Temagami area, then the Clay Belt of the Temiskaming region with fields and red barns, then spruce forest that goes on for hour after hour. Silver towns like Cobalt and mining towns like Kirkland Lake tell of the time when prospectors came here to seek their fortune. From Cochrane there is no road further north, only the rails: the Polar Bear Express rolls through bog and spruce forest to the tidal river at Moosonee, where the Cree community of Moose Factory lies on an island. Back on Highway 11 you continue via Kapuskasing to Hearst, a francophone town that calls itself the Gateway to the North. Whoever drives here fills up early, watches out for moose and enjoys the silence; the network is thin, the distances are long, and the nights in late summer are clear and full of stars.

## Stage-by-stage plan

### Stage 1: North Bay to Temagami (approx. 100 km)

- **The drive:** From North Bay take Highway 11 north, past Marten River Provincial Park, through pine and spruce forest with lakes and rock ridges. Well-built road, speed limit 90–100 km/h, some sections two-lane without a passing lane. Pure driving time is about 1.5 hours.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Marten River Provincial Park: a logging museum with a reconstructed lumber camp, trails and a swimming lake.
  - Temagami Fire Tower on Caribou Mountain: a lookout tower above Lake Temagami, reached by a forest track with a short climb; check status.
  - Temagami: a small village on Lake Temagami with boat rental and an information centre.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Marten River Provincial Park: campground with sites with and without electricity, showers; reserve through Ontario Parks. Finlayson Point Provincial Park in Temagami: campground on the lake, sites with and without electricity; check vehicle lengths when booking.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** On Crown land outside the parks camping is allowed; for non-residents of Ontario a paid Crown land camping permit is required, and the length of stay in one place is limited. Check the current rules at Ontario.ca; access roads are often forest roads and unsuitable for large vehicles.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Fill up and shop in North Bay before Temagami. From here there are long stretches between towns without a petrol station. Mosquito season lasts into July.

### Stage 2: Temagami to Temiskaming Shores and Cobalt (approx. 120 km)

- **The drive:** Continue north on Highway 11 through hills and lake country, via Latchford and Cobalt to Temiskaming Shores on Lake Timiskaming. The landscape opens out into farmland and meadows. Pure driving time is about 1.5 hours.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Cobalt: a historic silver town with a Mining Museum and the Heritage Silver Trail, a circular route to old shafts.
  - Haileybury: a village on Lake Timiskaming with a waterfront promenade and the Haileybury Heritage Museum.
  - Lake Timiskaming: a lake on the border with Québec with a beach and marina in Temiskaming Shores.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** In Temiskaming Shores: municipal sites and private operators on Lake Timiskaming; ask about facilities (electricity, water, disposal) and status before arriving. Alternatively Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park near Englehart with a campground on the Englehart River and waterfalls; reserve through Ontario Parks.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** On Crown land camping is possible for non-residents only with a permit; access roads are often forest roads. Rest areas and car parks on Highway 11 are for short breaks.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Shop in Temiskaming Shores and top up gas, water and diesel; the region is the last larger stop before Cochrane. Do not stay overnight at rest areas.

### Stage 3: Temiskaming Shores to Cochrane (approx. 260 km)

- **The drive:** On Highway 11 through the Clay Belt and spruce forest, over the Abitibi River to Kirkland Lake and on to Cochrane. Long straight sections with dense forest, moose at the roadside, speed limit 90–100 km/h. Pure driving time is about 3 hours, a whole day with stops.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Kirkland Lake: the Museum of Northern History in the Sir Harry Oakes Chateau with an exhibition on the gold-rush era; check status and opening times.
  - Englehart and Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park: waterfalls and trails on the Englehart River.
  - Cochrane: a town with the station for the Polar Bear Express, and the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat with Heritage Village (open daily year-round, 9 am to 5 pm in summer; campsites at the Welcome Centre).
- **Official campsite or RV park:** In Cochrane: municipal and private sites near the town; ask about facilities and status beforehand. Alternatively Kettle Lakes Provincial Park near Timmins (a detour from the main route). Check vehicle lengths when booking.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** On Crown land camping is possible for non-residents only with a permit; forest roads are often unsuitable for large vehicles. Streets and car parks in Cochrane are not meant for overnighting.
- **Insider tip for campers:** In Cochrane fill up before the train day and leave the motorhome in a safe place; ask the operator about parking at the station. Check the timetable and reservations for the Polar Bear Express with Ontario Northland.

### Stage 4: Cochrane to Moosonee (Polar Bear Express) (approx. 300 km)

- **The drive:** Moosonee can be reached only by train or plane: the Ontario Northland Polar Bear Express runs from Cochrane through bog and spruce forest to Moosonee, and the journey takes about five hours each way (2026 timetable: departing Cochrane 9:00, return departing Moosonee 17:00). In 2026 the train runs from 7 June to 24 October on five days a week (not Wednesdays and Saturdays); book a reservation early and check the timetable. The motorhome stays in Cochrane.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Polar Bear Express: a train with panoramic views over bog, rivers and taiga; onboard service is limited, so bring food.
  - Moosonee: a village on the Moose River, the starting point for boat trips on the tidal river.
  - Moose Factory Island: a Cree community with the historic trading post Moose Factory Centre, reached by boat; crossing times depend on water level and ice.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** In Moosonee and Moose Factory there are small lodgings and guesthouses; camping with the motorhome is not possible because there is no road connection. For the night in Cochrane, reserve a pitch or arrange a fallback site.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** On the territory of Moose Factory and Moosonee, the Cree communities’ own rules apply; camping without permission is not possible.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Take warm clothing and insect repellent; in early summer mosquitoes are numerous. Timetable and travel times may change; contact Ontario Northland in advance.

### Stage 5: Cochrane to Kapuskasing (approx. 190 km)

- **The drive:** From Cochrane take Highway 11 west via Smooth Rock Falls and on to Kapuskasing. The section runs through spruce forest with lakes and bogs, some sections with roadworks. Speed limit 90–100 km/h. Pure driving time is about 2.5 hours.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Smooth Rock Falls: a paper town on the Mattagami River with a waterfall and viewpoint.
  - Kapuskasing: a town with a riverside path on the Kapuskasing River, Spruce Falls and the Kapuskasing Museum; Kapuskasing has a strongly francophone character.
  - Riverside paths on the Kapuskasing River: views of rapids and the paper-mill landscape; check access points on site.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Kapuskasing: Riverside Park Campground (municipal site, ask about status and facilities beforehand). Alternatively Remi Lake Provincial Park near Smooth Rock Falls (check status and facilities with Ontario Parks). Check vehicle lengths when booking.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** On Crown land camping is possible for non-residents only with a permit. Rest areas are for short breaks.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Fill up and shop in Kapuskasing; further west, places are smaller. French is the everyday language in northern Ontario, and simple polite phrases help.

### Stage 6: Kapuskasing to Hearst (approx. 140 km)

- **The drive:** Continue on Highway 11 west via Opasatika and Mattice to Hearst. Forest, bog and the occasional field; the landscape stays flat. Speed limit 90–100 km/h. Pure driving time is about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Mattice and Opasatika: small villages with lakes and fishing spots on the highway.
  - Hearst: a town with murals, the Hearst Museum and the circular path by the river; the centre of francophone culture in the north.
  - Highway 11 section to Hearst: long straights with wide views of forest; a good opportunity for wildlife watching.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Hearst: municipal sites and private operators near the town; ask about facilities and status before arriving. Alternatively, provincial park options nearby on the main route; reserve through Ontario Parks.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** On Crown land camping is possible for non-residents only with a permit; access roads are often forest roads. Check the current rules at Ontario.ca.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Hearst is the last larger stop before long stretches westward; fill up the tank, top up water and buy supplies here. Moose are often on the road at dusk.

## Camping practice & local rules

### Wild camping & overnight parking

- In Northern Ontario camping on Crown land is allowed; it is free for Canadians and Ontario residents, while non-residents need a paid Crown land camping permit and may stay in one place only for a limited time. Check the current rules at Ontario.ca.
- Many access roads are forest roads for logging trucks; they are often too narrow for large motorhomes, and logging trucks have right of way.
- In provincial parks and on municipal sites, overnighting is allowed only on designated sites. Rest areas on the highway are for short breaks.
- On First Nations territory (Moosonee, Moose Factory) the communities’ own rules apply; obtain permission.
- Useful apps and sites: iOverlander, Campendium, the Ontario Parks reservation site, 511 Ontario, Ontario Northland.
- Wildlife: black bears and moose are common; store food locked away, never feed them, keep your distance. Moose at dusk are a main hazard on the highway.
- Fire: observe fire bans in dry weather; wildfire smoke is possible in summer.

### Waste disposal & supplies

- Dump stations: in the larger provincial parks and at some petrol stations and municipalities; check availability beforehand. In Northern Ontario disposal facilities are rare.
- Drinking water: at campgrounds and taps in North Bay, Temiskaming Shores, Kirkland Lake, Cochrane, Kapuskasing and Hearst; filter or boil water from lakes.
- Fuel: petrol stations in North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Kirkland Lake, Cochrane, Kapuskasing and Hearst; between the towns there are long stretches with nowhere to refuel. Never start a stretch with less than a quarter of a tank.
- Gas: propane at petrol stations and shops in North Bay, Temiskaming Shores and Kapuskasing; European cylinders need adapters.
- Shopping: larger supermarkets in North Bay, Temiskaming Shores, Kirkland Lake, Kapuskasing and Hearst; small shops in the villages.
- Electricity: sites offer 15, 30 and 50 A (120 V); rental motorhomes usually have the matching plug.
- Mobile reception drops out across large parts of the north; download offline maps.

### Vehicle size & traffic rules

- Speed limits: Highway 11 mostly 90–100 km/h, in towns 50 km/h, reduced in roadworks. Vehicles with trailers follow the signs.
- Tolls: none on this route. No low-emission zones.
- Train: the Polar Bear Express is operated by Ontario Northland; check the timetable, reservation and vehicle parking in Cochrane beforehand.
- Admission: provincial parks charge day-use and campground fees; check current amounts.
- Dimensions: Ontario allows a height of 4.15 m; check bridges and underpasses.
- Reservations: Ontario Parks up to five months ahead; clarify municipal sites by phone.
- Weather and season: June to September; July and August are warm with cool nights, from September frost is possible. Mosquitoes and black flies are strong from May to July.
- Traffic law: drive on the right, seat belts compulsory, phones at the wheel only hands-free, alcohol in the vehicle only if sealed. A German driving licence is sufficient for tourists for a limited time; an international one is recommended.
- Emergency: 911; hospitals in North Bay, Temiskaming Shores, Kirkland Lake, Timmins, Kapuskasing and Hearst; distances are large.

## CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist

- Head net and mosquito repellent with DEET or icaridin – in the north mosquitoes and black flies are active into high summer.
- A spare can and a tyre pressure gauge for long stretches without a petrol station and frost-damaged sections.
- Warm clothing and a rain jacket for the train day to Moosonee and the cool nights.
- Bear spray and a lockable food container for forest sites.
- Offline maps and a paper map, because mobile reception in the north often fails.

_As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go._

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **North Bay** (ON)
2. **Marten River** (ON)
3. **Temagami** (ON)
4. **Cobalt** (ON)
5. **Temiskaming Shores** (ON)
6. **Kirkland Lake** (ON)
7. **Cochrane** (ON)
8. **Moosonee** (ON)
9. **Smooth Rock Falls** (ON)
10. **Kapuskasing** (ON)
11. **Hearst** (ON)

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July. Cold, short days in November–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is Silver mines, muskeg and the train to Hudson Bay: by motorhome along Highway 11 through Northern Ontario?**
6-day road trip of about 1,173 km (729 mi) with 11 stops, from North Bay to Hearst. About 13 h 01 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Silver mines, muskeg and the train to Hudson Bay: by motorhome along Highway 11 through Northern Ontario?**
We suggest 6 days: about 13 h 01 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Silver mines, muskeg and the train to Hudson Bay: by motorhome along Highway 11 through Northern Ontario start and end?**
It starts in North Bay and ends in Hearst.

**Which provinces does Silver mines, muskeg and the train to Hudson Bay: by motorhome along Highway 11 through Northern Ontario pass through?**
Ontario.

**When is the best time for Silver mines, muskeg and the train to Hudson Bay: by motorhome along Highway 11 through Northern Ontario?**
The most pleasant months are usually June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)