Moosonee

Moosonee sits on the Moose River about 19 kilometers south of James Bay and serves as Ontario's northernmost municipality with access to tidal waters. The location makes it a natural endpoint for those traveling to this remote northern region.

The settlement started in 1903 when Révillon Frères opened a trading post on the Moose River to challenge the Hudson's Bay Company in the fur trade. This business rivalry shaped how the community grew in those early years.

The name comes from the Cree word 'môsonihk', and First Nations communities form a significant part of the population. Their traditions shape daily life, from how people use the river to the crafts and skills passed down through families.

The Polar Bear Express train connects the town to Cochrane in the south, while flights from the local airport run with Air Creebec. Visitors should know that weather and season can affect these connections.

In spring and fall, beluga whales and seals move through the Moose River on their way to the Arctic, and visitors can spot them. This natural event often goes overlooked by those focused on land-based activities.

Location: Cochrane District

Inception: 1903

Shares border with: Unorganized North Cochrane District

Website: http://moosonee.ca

GPS coordinates: 51.27222,-80.64306

Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:21