How the Northlander Train Boosts Airbnb Bookings in Ontario
The long-awaited return of the Northlander train is officially in motion—and for Ontario cottage owners and Airbnb hosts, this is more than just a nostalgic throwback. It’s a potential game-changer.
Running from Toronto’s Union Station to northeastern destinations like Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, and Huntsville, the Northlander promises to make cottage country more accessible than ever before—especially for city-based guests who don’t drive.
Whether you rent out your waterfront retreat seasonally or operate a high-occupancy Airbnb near Muskoka, here’s how this development could boost your bookings, increase your guest base, and reshape how you market your property.
1. Easier, More Relaxed Access to Cottage Country
One of the biggest pain points for cottage guests—and owners—is the grueling 2.5 to 3.5 hour drive from Toronto up Hwy 400 and 11, especially on long weekends. That’s about to change.
🚉 Skip the Drive, Relax Instead
The Northlander will offer a comfortable, no-driving option for guests who want to escape the city without battling traffic. Early test runs show it’ll take:
~2h 15m to reach Gravenhurst
~3h 5m to arrive in Huntsville
This opens up new possibilities for weekend rentals, last-minute getaways, and guests who value stress-free travel.
🗓 Predictable Schedules = Better Booking Planning
The Ontario government expects to launch 4–7 round trips weekly, mostly seasonal to match peak travel months (spring to fall). For cottage owners using Airbnb, this aligns perfectly with your high season.
You can now:
Align check-in/check-out times with train arrivals.
Offer Friday-to-Sunday weekend stays targeting rail users.
Market your listing with fixed travel windows for smoother planning.
2. Expanded Guest Market = Higher Occupancy
The Northlander is set to open the floodgates to new guest segments that previously didn’t consider cottage country.
🎯 Non-Drivers, Tourists, & Newcomers
Many Toronto residents don’t own a car. The train’s return gives them direct access to properties once seen as “car-dependent.” This includes:
International travelers
Urban Gen Z & Millennials
New Canadians without vehicles
Eco-conscious tourists looking for lower-carbon travel options
These guests will search for listings that highlight rail-accessibility—a fresh angle for your Airbnb marketing.
💼 What This Means for Hosts:
Add keywords like “rail-accessible,” “Northlander train nearby,” or “no car needed” to your Airbnb listing.
Offer local transport solutions like shuttles or bike rentals.
Build packages: 2-night train escape with pick-up/drop-off included.
3. Boosted Local Infrastructure & Support Services
This isn’t just about the train itself. The ripple effects will elevate local services that benefit hosts and guests alike.
🛤 New Stations, Better Guest Logistics
Key stops like Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, and Huntsville are getting modern shelters, complete with:
Covered seating
Heating
Digital screens
For guests, this means easier, more pleasant arrivals—especially important in shoulder seasons or rainy weekends.
🚐 Shuttle Growth & Local Partnerships
Expect to see:
New shuttle services connecting stations to popular cottage areas
Tour operators offering rail-inclusive Muskoka packages
Potential for collaboration with local businesses (and even commissions for referrals)
Pro tip: Build relationships with shuttle drivers and tour guides now. You could be the first listing they recommend when guests ask, “Where should I stay nearby?”
4. Airbnb Operational & Marketing Adjustments
Here’s what you can do today to capitalize on the Northlander’s upcoming impact:
✅ Sync with Train Schedules
Once schedules are finalized (likely in 2026), make sure:
Check-in/check-out times work with train arrivals.
Your listing mentions specific stops like “7 mins from Gravenhurst station.”
✅ Offer Transportation Solutions
Consider offering:
Station pickups or coordinating with local services
Discount codes or partnerships with car-share companies (e.g., Turo, Zipcar)
Bike or e-scooter rentals for short-distance mobility
These touches create a better guest experience and can justify premium nightly rates.
✅ Refresh Your Listing Copy
Add benefit-driven phrases like:
“Avoid the highway traffic—arrive by train!”
“Perfect for non-drivers: direct access via the Northlander.”
“New train service makes weekend escapes easier than ever.”
And don’t forget to update your Airbnb map and travel info sections!
5. What to Watch Out For (Potential Drawbacks)
While the Northlander brings many benefits, there are a few considerations:
⏳ Limited Trips
At launch, it’s expected to have just one northbound and one southbound trip per day. That means:
Limited flexibility for guest arrivals.
May not align with last-minute changes or emergencies.
You’ll need to plan ahead and guide guests accordingly.
💸 Possibly Higher Fares
Train tickets could cost more than a bus or rideshare. Some critics suggest it may require subsidies to stay viable long-term.
As a host, your value proposition becomes critical:
“Yes, it costs more than a bus—but it’s faster, scenic, and more relaxing.”
Help your guests see it as a premium travel option, not a basic ride.
Summary Table: Northlander’s Impact on Airbnb Hosts
AdvantageImpact on HostsNo driving requiredAttracts urban and non-driver guestsPredictable train scheduleEasier booking coordinationHeritage & eco appealNew angle for marketing listingsStation upgradesBetter logistics for guest arrivalsShuttle opportunitiesValue-added service = higher guest ratingsLimited frequencyRequires schedule alignment + planning
✅ What Airbnb Hosts Should Do Now
1. Monitor final schedule & opening date (expected mid-2020s)
2. Update listings to promote rail convenience
3. Offer pickup or help arrange station transfers
4. Adjust booking windows to align with train times
5. Explore local collaborations with shuttles or tour providers
Final Thoughts: The Train Is Coming—Will You Be Ready?
The return of the Northlander isn’t just a transportation story—it’s a marketing and operational opportunity for Ontario cottage owners.
For years, accessibility has been a barrier to full-season occupancy. This train changes that, opening the door to new types of guests, increased visibility, and higher booking potential.
If you own a property in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, or nearby, now’s the time to get ahead of the trend.
🔍 Curious how much your cottage could earn with more city access?
Get your free custom Airbnb revenue report and discover your potential:
👉 https://www.homeseekervacation.com/airbnb-property-management
Want help updating your listings?
📩 Reach out to us at [email protected] or explore full-service Airbnb management at www.homeseekervacation.com
