In Kings County, railway heritage, agricultural history and river landscapes come together. These diverse themes are reflected in historic buildings, changing museum exhibitions and opportunities to experience wetlands and waterways. Depending on your interests, you can focus on history, nature watching or activities on land and water.
Railway Heritage and County History
The Intercolonial Railway Station is a one-and-a-half-storey brick building in the Craftsman style. The station and freight building are connected by a covered passageway. Today, the station houses the 8th Canadian Hussars Museum. It is designated a Local Historic Place because it played a formative role in the early development of the community of Sussex.
The Kings County Museum and Old County Gaol also focus on the county’s history, presenting changing exhibitions on the subject. The museum is located in the Centennial Building and the adjoining old Kings County Gaol. In Sussex, 21 historic sites are also designated under the Local Historic Places Program.
Agricultural history is also part of the picture. The Agricultural Fair takes place every year at the Agricultural Museum. An early historical reference point is 1820, when the first in a series of autumn exhibitions was held by the Sussex and Studholm Agricultural Society.
Waterscapes Around Hampton
Hampton Marsh is part of the St. John River floodplain and lies within a network of meanders, tributaries and backwaters of the Kennebecasis River. The landscape provides the setting for a variety of activities: Hampton Marsh offers opportunities for birdwatching and photography, as well as recreational boating, canoeing and kayaking.
Another specific kayaking option is the Kennebecasis River in Hampton, which visitors can explore by rented kayak. The Lighthouse River Centre in Hampton has a picnic area, a wharf and a boat launch. Those interested in railway history can view railway artifacts and displays at the Railway Heritage Site in the Hampton Visitor Information Centre.
Trails, Country Roads and Covered Bridges
The Sussex Nature Walkway is a five-kilometre self-guided trail along Trout Creek. It passes through an area with diverse flora and fauna. Its length, riverside route and focus on nature give the trail a clear theme, without requiring you to plan a guided tour.
The Quilt Barn Tour offers a different perspective on Kings County. It follows winding country roads to painted quilt blocks at farm markets, historic sites and craft shops. The route combines scenic views with regional destinations that each have their own character. The county’s historic covered bridges can also be reached in various ways: by bicycle, canoe, on foot or by car.
Golf and Winter Activities
For a sporting activity, Hampton Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship golf course, with daily green fees available. Facilities include a driving range, a putting green and a short-game area. Golf carts, club rentals and golf lessons are also available.
In winter, the focus shifts to snow activities. Poley Mountain offers downhill and cross-country skiing, and there are snowmobile trails in the Sussex area. These options complement the hiking, water and history themes with seasonal activities. You can plan your explorations in Kings County around the activities that interest you most.
Discover more destinations: Sussex, Rothesay, Norton, Hampton, Penobsquis, Queens County, Madawaska County, Albert County.
For the broader travel overview: New Brunswick.
