Support the Cause

The cultural, social, economic, and environmental impacts of the Bear Train are directly related to the support of our funders.

Cultural Benefits

This project supports meaningful reconciliation with our Indigenous communities, particularly the Missanabie Cree First Nation and First Nations communities along the line. These communities, in particular, are severely impacted by a lack of employment opportunities directly related to the passenger train service.

Getting the Bear Train running again will provide potential employment opportunities as businesses can be started or expanded to accommodate passengers’ interests and needs, such as First Nations arts, crafts, Indigenous foods, tourism-related jobs, train operation and maintenance, and more.

The Bear Train also appeals to those interested in lowering the environmental impact on the land, which supports the natural part of Indigenous culture.

Social Benefits

The Bear Train can provide the transportation necessary for many, including students, seniors, people with disabilities, and remote residents.

For students there is a lack of access to affordable transportation with current transportation options being limited or non-existent. Funding the Bear Train means students would have access to an affordable way to attend college or university in Sault Ste. Marie.

Remote residents, including seniors, have used the train to access health care services, to visit family and friends, and to take part in social events and activities. For those who cannot drive or are unable to afford a vehicle, the train can be a means to stay connected with the services desperately needed. Funding the train means seniors and residents will have reliable transportation needed to attend such events. Those using a large electric wheelchair, who otherwise could not travel due to their wheelchair not fitting on a bus or plane, would be able to move around easily on the train.

At this time transportation to and from remote locations is few or non-existent. The cost of air travel, such as float planes, to access lodges, camps, remote outdoor activities, locations for miners and forestry workers, is costly. By supporting the Bear Train, funders are helping provide an affordable means of transportation and increasing access to remote locations.

Economic Growth 

Getting the Bear Train active again would mean boosting tourism opportunities for remote communities, First Nations, and remote businesses along the corridor.

Check out our Along the Tracks page for a list of things to do and interest points along the track that are directly related to successful tourism, such as ski and bike trips to Searchmont Resort, the Polar Express event, snowmobile packages to Hearst, and Group of Seven tours.

Increasing tourism opportunities directly relates to growth of related jobs and businesses, especially for our Indigenous people.

Environmental Impact

One of our missions is to promote environmentally committed tourism for those seeking less polluting forms of transportation. Not only does the train emit fewer greenhouse gases compared to vehicles, but providing opportunities to take the train could decrease the number of vehicles on the road.

Finally, to further the environmental stability of the train, we would be open to the use of electric trains in the future. This would present an even greater positive effect on the environment and cost savings.