Q. I really want to head north to do some
camping. Is there any place to camp in Moosonee or Moose Factory?
A. Absolutely!. Tidewater Park
is your best bet for camping up in our neck of the woods. This municipal park is located,
interestingly enough, on an island directly between Moosonee and Moose Factory. Tidewater
has cleared camp sites, stone fire pits and, during the months of July and August, it also
boasts cut fire wood and even running water.
Tidewater is maintained by the Town of
Moosonee's Parks and Recreation Department. For more information on the Park, please
feel free to call the Recreation Director at 705-336-1209, Monday through Friday.
Q. Can I drive to Moosonee?
A. As strange as it may sound,
no. Moosonee has no road connection to the south. Travelers to our two communities
(Moosonee / Moose Factory) can get here by air or rail. In fact, during certain times in
the spring or fall, the trip from Moosonee – located on the mainland – to Moose
Factory Island can only be made by helicopter!
During the summer months, most visitors
come to Moosonee aboard the Polar Bear Express excursion train. To learn more about
fares and times for the Polar Bear Express, click
here. Or call the local Passenger Services Representative here in Moosonee at
705-336-2364.
Q. You mention a company
called "Ontario Northland" several times - Who are they?
A. Ontario Northland is
the company that owns and operates both the Polar Bear Express and Little
Bear Trains connecting Moosonee and the town of Cochrane.
Q. I really want to see some wildlife
while on my vacation. If I go up to Moosonee, will I see some animals?
A. The answer is a definite maybe.
Because the Great Muskeg region surrounding Moosonee and Moose Factory is a natural
wetland, the entire region is rich in natural wildlife. Unfortunately, because these
animals have had little or no human contact, all but the most curious generally tend to
shy away from the sights and sounds of Man.
Q. I’ve heard a great deal about your
weather up there. If I decide to make the trip, how should I dress?
A. Excellent question. The climate of
the southern James Bay region is very unpredictable. Winters can be remarkably harsh
considering the latitude. The mercury in January and February has been known in recent
years to dip to the -55 Celsius mark (and that’s without the wind-chill!). The
summers, on the other hand, can be surprisingly hot and humid. Our advice is simple: hope
for the best but plan for the worst. Bring along a warm jacket or sweater, a pair of
shorts, comfortable walking shoes and a rain coat if you have one.
Q. Okay, I'm convinced. But I don’t
know where to stay once I get there. Are there accommodations in your area?
A. Sure! While Two Bay Tours can't
recommend one property over another, we are able to furnish interested
travelers with the
appropriate reservations numbers:
(Please note: per-person water taxi
fares apply to the Eco-Lodge as it is located on an island)
| THE
NISKA INN www.niskainn.com
|
1-705-336-2226 |
| POLAR BEAR LODGE
|
1-416-244-1495 |
| CREE VILLAGE ECOLODGE |
1-705-658-6400 |
| MOOSE
LODGE |
1-705-336-3256 |
| TAMARACK
SUITES www.tamaracksuites.ca |
1-705-336-2496 |
| MOOSE
RIVER B&B |
1-705-336-1555 |
Q. I'd very much like to do
some fishing while I'm up in your neck of the woods. Any suggestions
as to a possible guide?
A. Sure! Give
Claude's Fishing and Sightseeing Tours a call and tell him Two Bay sent
you! Claude can be reached at 705-336-3612 or via email at
claudedoire@onlink.net.
Q. I’m an American and therefore do
not have to pay the Canadian Goods and Services Tax. Can Two Bay refund me the G.S.T.?
A. Unfortunately no. American
visitors must submit their purchase receipts to Canadian Customs and Immigration officials
at the border in order to receive a G.S.T. refund.
Q. My question isn’t answered here.
What do I do?
A. Simple. E-mail us! If we
don’t know the answer, we’ll find out who does and let you know. Our E-mail
address is guide@twobay.com
Q. Is there any way I can get more
information that might help in planning a visit to your area?
A. Sure! There have been two
uniquely different books written specifically about visiting Moosonee / Moose Factory.
They are listed below:
1. "RIDE THE POLAR BEAR EXPRESS -
VISITING MOOSONEE & MOOSE FACTORY" by Michael Barnes, C.M.
This comprehensive,
"much-more-than-a-guide-book" contains everything from area history to local
train and airline schedules to a recipe for traditional bannock bread. Written by
award-winning Canadian author and member of the Order of Canada, Mr. Michael Barnes, this
book retails for $12.95 (Can$) before taxes.
2. "ALL ABOARD THE POLAR BEAR EXPRESS
- THE LURE AND LORE OF THE LAND" by Frederick Close.
Written by a former fur trader and
Northern educator, this book will enrich any visit to the James Bay Lowlands. Written in a
relaxed, informal style, All Aboard presents readers with information on the regional
ecology, its history and its people. This book retails for $9.95 (Can $) before taxes.
Michael Barnes' book is
distributed by
General Store Publishing House / 1 (800) 465-6072. Frederick Closes' book is
self-published and is available for purchase from various Northern Ontario book retailers
including The Highway Book Shop in Cobalt, Ontario / (705) 679-8375.
