At Jumbos Cove walk on an abandoned rail line through this 1000 foot tunnel that some say is the longest train tunnel in the area.
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Trail Distance: 1km
General Location: Macdiarmid, ON
Walk on an abandoned rail line through this 1000 foot tunnel that some say is the longest train tunnel in the area. There is potential for falling rock and ice inside as the tunnel is no longer maintained. I have heard that it may be slated for destruction. It’s a good idea to bring a flashlight to help watch your footing. On my first trip to this tunnel, I mistakenly drove down to Jumbo’s Cove Resort where the owner has the best sign posted on one of the buildings: “Talk Loud, Walk Slow, Keep your hands where I can see them.“
From Nipigon drive East on Highway 11/17 and then turn left onto Highway 11. After you drive for about 53 km, watch on the right for a utility building where you can park. If you get to the Rocky Bay First Nations in MacDiarmid you have gone too far. From the parking spot cross the highway and walk down the road to Jumbo’s Cove. Turn right when you reach the tracks and follow them. You will soon see the entrance to the tunnel.
We have been 3 times, taking others with us. We find it mind boggling to think of just how it was created out of the rock and how the workers were able to put cement up so high.
For safety sake it is advisable to take a flashlight.
It is too bad there is so much graffiti and garbage.
We went there today (November 20/20). The directions are spot on. It’s a creepy but interesting place. There’s a LOT of graffiti, especially at the north entrance. I recommend checking it out but, personally, I find Flett Tunnel to actually be much prettier and more historic.
There is also now a snowplow turn area in front of the building