Distinctive landscapes, wilderness experiences and Cochrane’s winter culture come together in Cochrane District. This makes the region appealing for all kinds of discoveries, from a geologically unique conservation area to museums that tell local stories.

Landscapes and Outdoor Activities

The geology of Pinard Moraine Conservation Reserve is unique in Cochrane District. Greenwater Provincial Park offers a different landscape, with a 61-metre-high esker ridge rising above small, clear lakes. Little Abitibi Provincial Park offers opportunities for wilderness camping, canoeing and fishing. Together, the parks offer a range of ways to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors.

Abitibi-De-Troyes Provincial Park is also part of the region’s history: it is a historic park. It spans a district boundary, lying mostly in Cochrane District and partly in Kirkland Lake District.

In the wider Cochrane area, visitors can fish or kayak on local and regional lakes.

Museums and Memorials in Cochrane

The Tim Horton Museum in Cochrane is dedicated to hockey player and coffee chain founder Tim Horton. On display are game-worn jerseys and family photos. The Snowmobile Museum tells another part of the town’s history, tracing Cochrane’s snowmobile heritage from the 1950s to the present day and showcasing nearly 100 historic snowmobiles. The museum also has an archive of historic photographs and unique memorabilia.

Memorial Park on Lake Commando commemorates Cochrane’s fallen soldiers. A path in Memorial Park runs through the centre of Commando Lake and continues to Cochrane’s retail centre. This place brings remembrance together with a walk through part of the town.

Events and Winter Experiences

The Cochrane Winter Carnival is an annual winter festival in Cochrane, featuring more than 35 events each year. In summer, Live at the Lakeside offers a different kind of event: this weekly summer gathering features music, food and a range of activities for people of all ages. If you want to plan your trip around an event, check the specific dates for your travel period.

Snowmobiling is also a major part of the region: the trail network in the Cochrane area spans 650 kilometres. Signposts point toward Greenwater Provincial Park, Smooth Rock Falls, Timmins, Iroquois Falls and Québec. In northern Cochrane District, Abitibi Canyon is the northernmost point accessible by a groomed snowmobile trail. Forests surround the canyon, which offers views of the Abitibi River.

Abitibi Base Camp offers snowmobile experiences in the unorganized northern part of Cochrane District, near Abitibi Canyon in Ontario. Tour details and availability may change, and snowmobile trail conditions can also vary. Check both before setting out or planning a booking. For more winter activities, the Cochrane Cross Country Ski Club offers tourists relaxed skiing and snowshoeing in Cochrane throughout the winter. Trail operations may vary from winter to winter, so check the latest conditions in advance.

Getting Your Bearings in the Region

Cochrane is a notable point on the rail route: it is the southernmost stop for Ontario Northland Railway’s Polar Bear Express trains.

Explore more places: Timmins, Kapuskasing, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Hearst.

Discover more destinations: Grey County, Prince Edward Division, Leeds And Grenville United Counties.

Return to the main travel overview: Ontario.