Cochrane and Area

Cochrane is a picturesque town just off highway 11 in Northeastern Ontario. Although the highway passes by the southern perimeter of town, it doesn't pass through, which gives the town a cleaner and quieter atmosphere. "Greater" Cochrane has a population just under 10,000, small enough to be very friendly, but large enough to have adequate facilities.

The town is centered around Commando lake, a small clear lake with a sand beach, manicured grass shoreline, and perimeter walkway. The lake is stocked with several varieties of trout. In the summer, swimming, sunbathing, walking and fishing are major activities that occur around the lake. It is also the site of the Canada Day fireworks display - which lasted for a full half hour in 2000. Winter activities around the lake include icefishing and the winter carnival. A walk around the lake takes about 30 minutes.

Cochrane is one of the northern-most towns in Ontario that is accessible by road. It is surrounded by an abundance of lakes, rivers, and wilderness. It serves as a staging area for points north and is the embarkation point for the "Polar Bear Express", the train that travels north to Moosonee on James Bay. The importance of the railway to the town can be best seen by a visit to the railway museum. Outfitters fly out from the airport or, in the case of float planes, from Lillabel lake - another lake just north of the town's built-up area.

Cochrane has a central campground where RV'ers from around North America stay in the summer months. It is near to several provincial parks, but camping is definitely not limited to these areas. Campgrounds are found throughout the area's many pristine lakes and rivers. Local opportunities for camping, fishing, and hunting abound. Fishing for walleye and hunting moose are just a couple of favorite outdoor activities. Wildlife viewing is very rewarding - with black bear, moose, lynx, and even wolves often spotted. Cochrane is the nexus for a world class snowmobile trail network - and the "sled" is often the transportation mode of choice in the winter. With all the snow, visitors are often astonished to learn that the town lies on the same latitude as the Alberta-Montana border. Closer examination gives some clues though - with flora and fauna usually associated with more southern zones being common. Cedar forests, garter snakes, and turtles are just some examples.

The townsfolk are friendly and often completely bilingual - at complete ease with both French and English languages. The town's proximity to Quebec makes for interesting day trips.

The town is easily accessed by a major highway, rail, or air. Small planes fly into the local airport while major carriers, such as Air Canada, fly into Timmins - a 55 minute drive. It is easy to see that Cochrane is a very unique town with many significant attractions. Many visitors fall in love with it and return year after year. Others secure second homes and cabins in the area.

The luckiest of all move in and stay.

See the "Links" section of this website for more information on Cochrane and the surrounding area.