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La Capitale du Moose

Hearst Real Estate

Franco-Ontarian heart of the boreal — where the moose outnumber the neighbours

~5,000
Population
~$175K
Avg Home Price
Town
Municipality Type
Cochrane District
Region

Hearst is the most proudly francophone community in Northern Ontario — over 85% of residents speak French as their first language, and the town conducts virtually all of its civic life in both official languages. It sits in Cochrane District at the end of Highway 11's northern reach, surrounded by boreal forest so dense and moose-rich that the town has branded itself "La Capitale du Moose" with zero irony. The Algoma Central Railway runs through town, connecting it to the storied Agawa Canyon route to the south, and every October hunters from across Ontario descend for moose season.

The local economy runs on forestry, government services, and the University of Sudbury's satellite campus — a surprisingly robust post-secondary presence for a town this size. Homes are extraordinarily affordable by any Ontario metric, and the community has a full suite of services: hospital, French-language schools, arena, and a Main Street that still functions as a genuine commercial strip. For buyers seeking a deeply rooted francophone community in the boreal north, Hearst has a singular character that no other Ontario town can replicate.

Detached Homes

Full family homes on generous lots, priced in the $130K–$220K range. Well-maintained bungalows and two-storeys that reflect the community's pride in home ownership and permanence.

~$130K–$220K

Rural & Bush Properties

Hunting camps, remote cabins, and acreages in the surrounding boreal. Crown land access makes Hearst a genuine outdoors hub — moose, bear, walleye, and wilderness at every turn.

~$80K–$250K

Commercial Properties

Main Street storefronts and service buildings serving a stable bilingual trade area. Consistent local economy driven by forestry and institutional employment.

~$100K–$280K

Hearst Real Estate — FAQ

What is the average home price in Hearst?
Homes in Hearst average around $175,000, making it one of the most affordable full-service communities in Ontario. The market is stable with modest demand from local buyers and occasional urban relocators seeking affordable northern living.
Why is Hearst called La Capitale du Moose?
The surrounding Cochrane District boreal forest has some of the highest moose density in Ontario. Moose hunting is deeply embedded in Hearst's culture and economy — the "Moose Capital" title reflects genuine wildlife abundance, not just clever marketing.
Is French the primary language in Hearst?
Yes. Over 85% of Hearst residents are francophone, making it the most French-dominant community in Northern Ontario outside of Quebec border communities like Hawkesbury. Schools, services, and daily commerce operate primarily in French, with full bilingual capacity.
What post-secondary options exist in Hearst?
The Université de Hearst (affiliated with the University of Sudbury) operates in town, offering bachelor's degrees in arts, social sciences, and education in French. It's a remarkable post-secondary resource for a community of 5,000 and is the reason Hearst has a younger and more educated demographic than comparable northern towns.
How remote is Hearst?
Hearst is about 200 km west of Timmins and 550 km north of Toronto. The Algoma Central Railway provides passenger service south to Sault Ste. Marie. It is genuinely remote — one of the more isolated full-service communities in Southern Shield Ontario.
Does Ontario's Land Transfer Tax apply in Hearst?
Yes. Ontario's provincial LTT applies: 0.5% on the first $55,000; 1.0% on $55,001–$250,000. On a $175,000 purchase that's approximately $1,450. There is no municipal LTT outside Toronto. First-time buyers may claim the provincial FTHB rebate up to $4,000.
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