New Brunswick Railway Museum

The New Brunswick Railway Museum in Hillsborough is a project of the Canadian Railroad Historical Association (NB Division) and home to the largest display of unique railway equipment in the province. Housed at the former Hillsborough railway station on a section of the old Canadian National branch line that once served a gypsum quarry, the museum preserves the rich history of New Brunswick’s railways through an impressive collection of full-size rolling stock and thousands of smaller artifacts. Visitors can walk through and explore heritage passenger coaches, step into a caboose cupola, photograph rare equipment including a double-ended railway snow plough, and learn about the history of gypsum mining and its connection to the local railway. The museum’s main exhibit building is filled with historical photographs and artefacts that document the evolution of rail transport across New Brunswick from the 19th century onward. Visitors can also ride a gas-powered speeder along a short section of the original mainline track, or operate a handcar for a hands-on experience of early railway travel. A replica of the 1881 Hillsborough railway station and a typical section house add to the authentic atmosphere. Open daily in the summer season, the museum is a hidden gem in the scenic Albert County region near the famous Hopewell Rocks.