Toronto's new direct train to Muskoka just passed a huge milestone

Ontario will soon be home to a fast, reliable and affordable connection between downtown Toronto and cottage country thanks to the return of the legendary Northlander train, which just took another huge leap toward opening.

City dwellers looking to access the countless natural wonders and other gems that lie around Muskoka and beyond have been without a direct transit option for more than a decade since the rail line, which had carried passengers under various names for more than a century, was pulled from service in 2012.

But, stakeholders have since decided to revive it to meet demand, with a draft plan created in 2020 now coming to fruition ahead of an expected 2026 launch.

Yes, that's right: you should be able to grab your favourite book and your duffel bag and get to Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville or even further north, no car required, within the coming months.

The line will run 16 stops between Toronto's Union Station to Timmins and Cochrane, usually a 7.5-hour-plus drive.

The latest update on the train's progress came just this week, when the Province announced the completion of a crucial 1 km-long segment of new track that will shave 15 minutes off the route's overall travel time by bypassing freight lines around North Bay Station.

As the Province wrote on Monday, the milestone brings us that much closer to the restoration of this "vital transportation network that will propel northern economic growth.”

Earlier this year, the public got a sneak peek at the upgraded features they can look forward to during their ride, from USB charging and Wi-Fi to galley-style food service, after the Province released early renditions of what the trains themselves will look like late last year.

The first of the Northlander cars will be delivered in early 2026, which will be followed by a few months of testing and commissioning.