CP Heron Bay Sub

The Canadian Pacific Heron Bay sub spans 118 miles of track across the rugged Canadian shield. From White River, Ontario the line proceeds west passing through and over marshes, small lakes, and crossing creeks and rivers. At Heron Bay the railway tracks meet with Lake Superior, the largest fresh water lake in the world. From here the tracks maintain close proximity to the shore curving around horseshoes, over fills and through four tunnels. At the west point is the township of Schreiber. Here train crews will change for the trip over the Nipigon Sub to Thunder Bay.

The Heron Bay subdivision passes through a few communities along its way. Canada's main highway, the Trans Canada Highway #17 follows the railway tracks the entire length of the route. Giving one a spectacular view of the area. The towns the railway passes through are White River, Mobert, Heron Bay, Marathon, Terrace Bay and Schreiber. Along the line many people have built camps alongside and near the railway. However, for the most part if you go to one spot you will find there isn't a sole around.

If your interested in more information on the Heron Bay subdivision check out this

White River - MP 0

White River is the crew change point for Chapleau and Schreiber crews. There are two small rail served industries, Domtar Lumber and Cal Gas. Westbounds come into White River and change crews for the trip to Schreiber. The depot is still standing and crews have a bunkhouse to stay in while waiting for their next train.

Bremner - MP14

Bremner is the next passing siding outside of White River. The siding has a length of 8225ft.

Cash Lake - MP 39

At Cash Lake, midway between Pringle and Struthers there is a HBD.

Melgund - MP 50

Once a siding, now nothing but a nice section of 60mph.

Heron Bay - MP 55-57

At Heron Bay, there is another passing siding. The length of this siding is 8386ft. Heron Bay is a small hamlet that was once a thriving community. The Hotel has since burned down, and not a lot is here. Another community is about a mile away, Pic River First Nation.

Marathon - MP 59-67

At Marathon there is a passing siding with a length of 6741ft. Marathon is the largest community along the line with a population of about 4000. Marathon Pulp is one of the industries in the town and it is rail served. The mill has its own motive power, a MLW S-13 and a EMD SW1200.

Coldwell - MP 74-75

Coldwell was once a thriving fishing community. With the opening of the seaway the fish died down and everyone moved out. Now there are only some foundations, a cemetery and the old fishing boats lying in the harbour. A passing siding with a length of 8009ft is located here.

Middleton - MP 78-82

Middleton has got to be one of the most scenic spots along the subdivision. With the controlling grade eastbound, several tight curves, a spectacular curved trestle, rock walls, and the shore Lake Superior. Middleton has a siding with the length of 6007ft.

Ripple - MP 87

At one time there was a siding at Ripple. Now its just a known location with a communication tower.

Steel - MP 94

At Steel, the railway crosses the Steel River and then passes through a short tunnel. The siding at Steel is 8263ft.

Terrace Bay - MP 109

Terrace Bay is home to a large Buchanan Kraft pulp mill which the railway serves. East of Terrace Bay is Jackfish, another spectacular part of the railway featuring two horseshoe curves.

Schreiber - MP 111

At Schreiber, this is the subdivisions westerly crew change point. At one time, only a few years ago there were some rail served industries in Schreiber. Two petrolium transfer facilities, and a concentrate transfer facility. With mines closing, and people leaving operations downsized.

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