Construction of the railway began in 1904. It is still operated today by the Ontario Northland Transport Commission, which also runs various other transport enterprises, including a coach service from Toronto to Cochrane and the Chi-Cheemaun ferry between Tobermory on the tip of the Bruce Peninsula and South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island.
Ontario Northland is best known for the daily Polar Bear Express train which runs from Cochrane to Moosonee, bringing tourists as well as essential supplies to this remote northern town, which cannot be reached by road.