Get Side-Tracked
Welcome to the Dark Sky T’Railway!
“Get Side-Tracked” connects trail users to local businesses along our region’s 200+ km former rail trail, now known as the Dark Sky T’Railway.
Placemaking projects like this play a vital role in economic development by turning public spaces into vibrant, inviting community hubs that attract both residents and visitors.
This initiative is enhancing the continuous multi-use trail from Smith’s Cove in Digby County to Barrington in Shelburne County.
- Signs promoting legally accessible track side businesses and interesting stops
- Creating and promoting a unique trail identity
- Training programs to help businesses better serve trail users
The Dark Sky T’Railway takes its name from the incredible night skies that stretch above our region; skies so clear and dark they reveal the stars in breathtaking detail. In 2014, the International Starlight Foundation recognized this by naming us North America’s first Starlight Reserve. Since then, our corner of the world has captured imaginations around the globe, even earning a spot among AirBNB’s trending astro-tourism destinations.
Art on the T’Railway
Artists completed several art projects on the Dark Sky T’Railway in the summer of 2025.
In July Digby-based artist Peter Lockerbie designed and created this beautiful piece. It is located at Pont des Black in Clare near Bangor, on the remains of an old train bridge.
This is a spot known as the Pump House in the Municipality of Barrington in Upper Wood’s Harbour. It pumps industrial water to various fish plants in the area. In September it recieved an artistic upgrade from Yarmouth-based artist Danielle Mahood.
This fella is over six feet tall! He still needs a shiny clear coat but looks beautiful. D. Murphy Spot Boats in Argyle made him. D. Murphy makes all the fibreglass lobsters you find in the Barrington region. Artist Danielle Mahood created the look and painted the lobster.
It will sit near the intersection of Station Road and the trail in Wood’s Harbour. When winter comes, we’ll store it away with its other lobster friends, then bring it back out to welcome spring.
The project will also add:
- Rest stops with amenities
- Selfie spots
- More outdoor art
- Maps and consistent branding to promote the trail
Discover new adventures!
Google Maps will feature the trail so you can easily explore and plan your trip.
With provincial funding, this project aims to increase tourism, boost local economies, and recognize the volunteers who maintain the trails.
Find out more about the “Get Side-Tracked” Project and how you can be a part of it.
Contact us!