Cochrane: Polar Bears, Museums and Winter Activities

Cochrane’s attractions range from the Polar Bear Habitat to snowmobiling and winter sports, as well as a winter carnival and museums. What takes center stage depends on whether you want to see polar bears, spend time on the trails, plan around an event or explore the museums.

Polar Bears at the Polar Bear Habitat

The Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat is the world’s largest and only facility dedicated exclusively to the care of polar bears. General admission can be purchased upon arrival at the Welcome Centre. You can then take a self-guided tour and observe polar bears in spacious enclosures. Check the Habitat’s seasonal operating conditions before your trip.

Winter Trails and Activities

Cochrane has a network of 650 kilometres of well-groomed, safe and adventurous snowmobile trails. This figure refers to the trail network as a whole, not the length of a single trip. It gives travellers a clear idea of the network’s scale when considering snowmobile trails as part of their winter plans.

The Cochrane Cross Country Ski Club offers another way to enjoy activities in the snow. Throughout the winter, it gives skiers and snowshoers of all ages, as well as tourists, the opportunity to cross-country ski and snowshoe on the trails. The club also holds monthly events for members and visitors in winter, including night skiing or night walks and chili dinners. The winter activities described here differ: the snowmobile trail network is characterized by its total length, while the club focuses on cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and group events.

Winter Carnival and Events

The Cochrane Winter Carnival is Ontario’s oldest winter festival. During its torchlight parade, participants walk to Lake Commando, where a large bonfire is lit. If you are planning your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates in advance. The parade is a distinctive part of the festival program, separate from the sporting activities on the trails.

Museums and Further Insights

The Tim Horton Museum displays Tim Horton memorabilia, including game-worn jerseys and family photos. The Cochrane Classic Vintage Snowmobile Museum traces Cochrane’s snowmobile history from the 1950s to the present day. The two museums have different focuses: the Tim Horton Museum features memorabilia and family photos, while the Vintage Snowmobile Museum explores the history of snowmobiling in Cochrane.

The Tim Horton Events Centre has an arena, a public swimming pool, a museum and a community centre. In addition to museums, Cochrane’s attractions include sports and community facilities. Together with the winter carnival, trails and Polar Bear Habitat, they offer a range of different reasons to visit that you can consider when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Hearst, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Timmins

Return to the overview of the region: Cochrane District.