Railway Museums
& Attractions in Nova Scotia
Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum
Our Railway Heritage...
For scenic variety and beauty, there were few lines to rival the route of the
Musquodoboit Railway.
From Windsor Junction, the line passed through Dartmouth, and then followed the
Atlantic Shore, skirting beaches and fishing communities before turning inland. It passed
salt marshes, crossed sparkling lakes and eventually reached Musquodoboit Harbour. From
there, it followed the river into the rolling farmlands of the Musquodoboit Valley.
Prior to its completion, residents had to rely on boats or travel slow, rough roads to
transport goods into the region.
In 1896, the first of several companies was formed with plans to extend the railway
from Dartmouth to Guysborough, via the Musquodoboit Valley.
However, it took another 12 years before a survey of the route was even started. A year
later, the Halifax and Eastern Railway Company sold the plans for the line to the Dominion
Government. Construction finally began in 1912 and, on July 1, 1916, the line was
officially opened to Upper Musquodoboit.
The coming of the Railway brought many changes to the region. The economy got an
immediate boost as lumber, pulpwood, limestone and beach gravel were moved to markets. The
Railway brought regular passenger service to the region and general merchandise to waiting
customers.
As the popularity of the automobile increased and as improvements were made to local
roads, the importance of the railway decreased. The 1950's saw a gradual decline in rail
traffic. Passenger service finally ended in 1960 and, while freight traffic continued
until 1982, the writing was on the wall. The track, itself, was removed in 1985.
Our Museum...
The Musquodoboit Railway Museum is housed in a restored 1918 Intercolonial Railway
station in the centre of Musquodoboit Harbour. It provides a beautiful example of our
architectural heritage and an ideal home for our large collection of Nova Scotia railway
memorabilia.
The collection includes a caboose, a snowplow, a shunter and an old CP combination car.
Also included are assorted baggage wagons, a pump car and equipment used by the people who
worked on the railway. The collection features a large selection of telegraph equipment
and numerous photographs, documents and books related to rail travel in Nova Scotia.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the museum, and learn more about our railway
heritage.
The Musquodoboit Railway Museum is supported by the many hours of dedicated service
provided by volunteers and the generous contributions made by private donors. Through
their efforts, we are able to preserve the history of our transportation legacy for future
generations.
Also at the Museum...
Tourist Information Centre:
The Museum is also home to a Tourist Information Bureau. Visit us for information
about local attractions, places of interest and events happening in our region. We have a
knowledgable staff ready to help you.
"Whistle Stop" Gift Shop:
Once you've toured the Museum, make sure you stop into our quaint little Gift Shop.
Housed in the former waiting room designated for women, the Shop offers a wide selection
of train memorabilia, t-shirts, souvenirs and post cards. We also carry a selection of
items from local crafts people. Plan to take something home from your visit to the
Musquodoboit Railway Station.
"Rails to Trails":
Consider hiking along the old railbed north along the Musquodoboit River. You can
pick up the Trail on the other side of the Community Centre. Ask our staff for details.
Enjoy your visit and feel free to stay a while. We have plenty of parking and a quiet
picnic area for your convenience.
How to Find Us...
The Musquodoboit Railway Museum is located on Highway 7, near the junction of Highway
357, in the centre of Musquodoboit Harbour. We are located just 40 kilometres from
Dartmouth along Nova Scotia's Marine Drive.
For more information phone: 1-902-889-2689
Hours of Operation...
May 15 - Thanksgiving Day
9 am - 6 pm (July and August)
9 am - 4 pm (After Labour Day)
Operated by ...
The Musquodoboit Harbour Heritage Society
A non-profit society dedicated to preserving the historical and cultural
heritage of the area.
Consider becoming a "Friend of the Museum". Your contribution will help us
preserve Nova Scotia's railway heritage. If you would like to become a member send your
name and adress with your $10.00 membership to:
The Musquodoboit Harbour Heritage Society
P.O. Box 303
Musquodoboit Harbour,
Nova Scotia
B0J 2L0
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