Nova Scotia tourist railroads you must visit include multiple museums relating to the history of the province’s railroad heritage and everything in between. Here’s our list of must-see tourist railroads, museums, and displays — for almost every region in Nova Scotia.
Museum of Industry
Through artifacts, big and small, the Museum of Industry tells the story of how Nova Scotia changed through industry and technology. As Atlantic Canada’s largest museum, it features multiple demonstrations of a steam engine, printing press, and sawmill. On the railroading side, nine different locomotives are on display which includes a mixture of steam, diesel, gasoline, and electricity. Both the Samson and Albion are two of the oldest surviving steam locomotives in the world with the Samson being built in 1838 by Thomas Hackworth. Other locomotives include two 0-4-0T tank engines, a Prairie-type 2-6-0, and a diesel shunter built by General Motors. The Museum of Industry is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4;30 p.m. Special events for visitors are also offered throughout the year. Visit the museum’s website for more information.
Location: 147 North Foord Street, Stellarton
Phone: 902-755-5425
Website: museumofindustry.novascotia.ca
E-mail: industry@novascotia.ca
Sydney & Louisburg Railway Museum
The Sydney & Louisburg Railway Museum features rolling stock, artifacts, and photographs relating to the history of the Sydney & Louisburg Railway. Housed in a restored 1895 S&L station, the museum also contains historical exhibits about the city of Louisburg. An original freight shed and roundhouse houses multiple displayed equipment. You can also view the museum’s showpieces, two of Nova Scotia’s oldest passenger coaches which were built in 1881 and 1914 respectively. The Sydney & Louisburg Railway Museum is open from Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the museum’s Facebook page for an updated schedule in addition to upcoming special events taking place.
Location: 7330 Main Street, Louisbourg
Phone: 902-733-2720
Website: facebook.com/slrailway
E-mail: slrailwaymuseum@gmail.com
