The Dark Sky T’Railway
Discover the Dark Sky T’Railway!
Stretching over 200 km from Smith’s Cove to Barrington, the Dark Sky T’Railway is one of Western Nova Scotia’s most unique outdoor experiences. The Get Side Tracked project enhanced this multi-use trail to make it more accessible, engaging, and connected to local communities and businesses.
About the Project
Beginning as Get Side-Tracked, the project is a placemaking initiative focused on:
- Increasing trail awareness and usage
- Connecting trail users with local businesses
- Enhancing trail infrastructure and visitor experience
This trail is also part of the Trans Canada Trail, helping position the region as a must-visit destination for outdoor recreation.
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.
By the Numbers
- 200+ km of multi-use trail
- 40 local businesses participating
- 247,051 visits recorded (June 2024 – June 2025)
- 5,500 promotional map brochures distributed
Trail data (provided through a partnership with Trans Canada Trail and Propulso) shows strong usage—particularly among ATV riders—highlighting the trail’s importance to both tourism and recreation.
What’s New on the Trail
Stronger Business Connections
40 trail-side businesses are now part of the program, receiving:
- Featured listings on the ATVANS app
- Inclusion in regional promotional materials
- Tools and support to attract trail users
Enhanced Infrastructure
- 3 new year-round washroom facilities (Smith’s Cove, Saulnierville, Barrington)
- New signage system including directional, interpretive, and selfie stations
- Moveable trail counters to better understand ATV usage
Art & Placemaking
The trail experience is being enriched through:
- Custom murals by Peter Lockerbie
- Metal art installations by Timothy Gillespie
- Additional mural and free-standing artwork by Danielle Mahood
Installations are located in communities including Digby, Bloomfield, Weymouth, Bangor, Norwood, South Ohio, Pleasant Lake, and Shag Harbour
Promotion & Storytelling
- A professionally produced promotional video highlighting trail volunteers
- Widespread distribution of bilingual trail map brochures
- Ongoing collaboration with the Province of Nova Scotia to position the trail on tourism platforms
A Trail Powered by Community
The Dark Sky T’Railway exists because of dedicated volunteers, trail groups, and community partners who maintain and promote this incredible asset year-round.
Get Involved
Interested in volunteering or supporting the trail? Connect with your local trail group:
Smith’s Cove to Weymouth
Municipality of Digby Trail Department
Candace Levings – clevings@digbymun.ca
Weymouth to Norwood
Association Sentier de Clare Rail to Trail
Mike LeBlanc – clarerailstotrails@gmail.com
Norwood to Charlesville
Yarmouth County Trail Development Association
Ron Day – ronday1542@gmail.com
Charlesville to Port Clyde
Woodland Multi-Use Trail Association
Sherm Embree – scembree@auracom.com
Blog: Discover Nova Scotia’s Dark Sky T’Railway
With continued investment in infrastructure, partnerships, and promotion, the Get Side Tracked project is positioning the Dark Sky T’Railway as a premier rural trail destination in Nova Scotia.