Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
This episode, the seventh in sub-series on the former Kinghorn Subdivision, takes us to the southern part of Orient Bay, from Cove Inlet to Shadow Creek Road. This is the most scenic stretch of this former line and one of the most scenic areas in the entire district, which is accentuated by the beautiful fall colours. Here the line winds its way south, mostly on rock fill causeways, eventually crossing from the east to the west side of the bay. Old and current businesses and sidings mark the way, along with railway infrastructure.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 90.8-95) along Orient Bay, ON. Features the grade as it winds it way south from Cove Inlet to Shadow Creek Road recorded by drone. Orient Bay is the most scenic part of this former rail line and fall colours make the views spectacular.
Then and now photos featuring the southern end of Orient Bay of Lake Nipigon, one of the most scenic places in the area. The first photo, taken likely in the early 1950s, shows a westbound train headed by an unidentified locomotive passing McCollum’s Reflection Lake Resort (out of frame to the right). This area was home to a small logging spur in the late 1930s and early 1940s before the resort was established. Photo courtesy of CJ Firebrand.
The second photo, taken by drone in October 2023, shows the area today (I forgot to take one on the ground). This spot was located at Milepost 44 of the Canadian Northern Railway Nipigon Subdivision and later Canadian National Railways Dorion Subdivision. In 1960, it became Milepost 93.7 of the Canadian National Railway Kinghorn Subdivision. The line was decommissioned in 2005 and the rails were removed a few years later.
Unidentified locomotive leads a westbound near McCollum’s Reflection Lake Resort, circa 1950s. (CJ. Firebrand)Orient Bay, October 2023.
Then and now photos featuring McCollum’s Reflection Lake Resort and the former Canadian Northern Railway Nipigon Subdivision/Canadian National Railways Dorion-Kinghorn Subdivision. This picturesque location is nestled at the southern end of Orient Bay, Ontario and amongst the towering cliffs of the Pijitawabik Palisades (pronounced PEE-GEE-TUH-WAW-BIK). McCollum’s was established in the 1940s and is the last remaining resort on Orient Bay.
Situated at Milepost 44/93.7, the rail line was constructed through the area between 1911 and 1914 and opened for traffic in 1915. One of the most scenic locations in the entire district, its rugged terrain was beautiful but also an enormous challenge to build through. It is at this point where the line, which was discontinued in 2005, once crossed from the east to the west side of the bay (the bridge is visible on the right of the photos).
The first photo, a postcard, was likely taken in the 1960s. The second, an attempt to replicate the original by drone, was taken in August 2022.
McCollum’s Reflection Lake Resort, pre-1970s postcard.Orient Bay, August 2022.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 90.8-95) along Orient Bay, ON. Features the grade alongside Orient Bay south of McCollum’s Resort with cuttings, embankments, remains of a spur, milepost markers and gorgeous views of the bay.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 90.8-95) along Orient Bay, ON. Features the grade alongside Orient Bay near McCollum’s Resort with the remains milepost markers and other signage, a 40-foot bridge over the bay built in 1921, as well as breathtaking drone footage.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 90.8-95) along Orient Bay, ON. Features the grade alongside Orient Bay with culverts, embankments, concrete ties used as rip rap and breathtaking drone footage. In 1921, a significant construction project was undertaken in this area. Two 90-foot trestles were removed and infilled while a large channel was dug adjacent to the grade, rerouting the course of Orient Bay.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 90.8-95) along Orient Bay, ON. Features the grade alongside Highway 11 at Cove Inlet, which was established as a spur in 1924. It eventually became a wood company marine base in 1938 and was used until the 1970s. Signage, culverts and old industries on Orient Bay are highlighted.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 90.8-95) along Orient Bay, ON. Features the grade near Cove Inlet alongside Highway 11 with cuttings, milepost markers and old ties used to support the grade.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 90.8-95) along Orient Bay, ON. Features the grade south of Orient Bay Station with signage, culverts and spectacular views of the bay.
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