By Glenn Hendry

Published August 4, 2026

A brand-new immersive and self-guided journey that brings to life stories of the people and places historically connected by the rail network in Durham Region’s rural north is up and running.

Residents can now step aboard an augmented reality experience called Railway Roots to discover Durham Region’s rich railway heritage.

Guiding the journey is Conductor Bradley, an avatar who welcomes visitors with stories of how the railway shaped Durham’s rural communities, alongside tales that include a resourceful conductor who cooked meals for stranded passengers in a snowstorm, students who hopped trains to get to school and a thriving factory that built everything from musical instruments to coffins.

Railway Roots is the result of a collaborative effort between Durham Tourism and Central Counties Tourism, combining local history and innovative technology to create an immersive visitor experience that “inspires exploration.”

“The historic societies from Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge provided amazingly rich content, which resulted in fascinating stories from a time when the railway connected communities,” said Central Counties Tourism Executive Director Chuck Thibeault. “Small community museums and heritages sites are often overlooked by both visitors and residents and, through cutting edge programs like Durham Region Railway Roots, we plan on changing that.”

Visitors can plan their trip at DurhamTourism.ca/RailwayRoots, where they can learn about the seven participating locations and download the free AVTR app. Railway Roots signage and scannable QR codes are available at each stop for participants to begin the experience.

Stops at Beaverton Thorah Eldon Historical Society, Sunderland and District Historical Museum and Cannington Historical Museum in Brock Township; Ocala Winery and Orchards, Port Perry Grain Elevator and Scugog Shores Museum Village and Archives in Scugog; and Uxbridge Historical Centre serve as a starting point for further exploration of local history, museums, heritage sites and attractions.

“Railway Roots brings moments from Durham’s past to life in an engaging new way,” said Stacey Jibb, the Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Manager at Invest Durham. “We hope both residents and visitors are inspired not only to experience the augmented reality journey, but to also explore the communities, museums and historical sites that make our rural communities unique.”