Stay in Station Side Caboose: A Unique Railway Getaway in McAdam, New Brunswick

A Storybook Stay in a Historic Place

Some places have a way of capturing your imagination long before you ever experience them. For years, the little caboose near the majestic McAdam Railway Station quietly caught my eye whenever I visited the village. I’d photograph it in every season, and wonder about the stories it could tell. I never imagined that one day I’d be carrying an overnight bag through its door instead of simply walking past with my camera.

Today, that lovingly restored 1913 caboose has been transformed into one of New Brunswick’s most unique places to stay. Set beside the iconic McAdam Railway Station, Station Side Caboose blends railway heritage with modern comfort and the warm hospitality of a community that takes great pride in preserving its history.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend getaway, a scenic New Brunswick road trip, or you’re simply looking for a stay that’s a little out of the ordinary, this memorable experience is one you won’t soon forget.

At a Glance

Location: McAdam, New Brunswick

Open: Year-round

Perfect For: Couples, friends’ getaways, families with children, railway enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone looking for a unique place to stay.

Highlights:

Stay overnight in a beautifully restored 1913 railway caboose.
Tour the historic McAdam Railway Station.
Enjoy the famous Railway Pie (select dates).
Walk the scenic McAdam Nature Trail.
Experience small-town New Brunswick hospitality.

Best Time to Visit: Any season—summer for hiking and sightseeing, autumn for colourful road trips, winter for snowmobiling and Christmas at the Station, and spring for peaceful village escapes

All Aboard for an Unforgettable Weekend!

Walking through the caboose door for the first time felt a little surreal. For years, I’d admired it from the outside. Now, I was unpacking my bags and settling into what would become one of the most memorable stays I’ve enjoyed in New Brunswick.

Throughout the weekend, I often found myself looking over at the iconic McAdam Railway Station just a few steps away. It wasn’t difficult to imagine the excitement that once filled this bustling railway junction—the arrival of elegant passenger trains, the sound of conductors calling “All aboard!”, and travellers from across Canada and the northeastern United States passing through its grand waiting rooms.

One of the charming parts of staying at Station Side Caboose is that you’re still connected to the railway story that shaped McAdam. While the historic station now welcomes visitors as a heritage site, the railway line remains active. Every now and then, guests may hear the gentle rumble of a train passing by. I found it to be a lovely reminder of this caboose’s past, adding to the authenticity of the experience, and made staying here feel even more special.

Since the caboose is located near active railway tracks, guests should take care when exploring the area, especially families with small children. Enjoy the unique setting, but be mindful that this is still the part of an active rail corridor.

Spending the night inside a century-old caboose beside one of Canada’s most celebrated railway stations wasn’t something I’d ever expected to experience. Yet somehow, it felt as though this little caboose had been waiting patiently all these years for its next chapter.

I recently partnered with the Village of McAdam for a two-night hosted stay to experience Station Side Caboose firsthand, and I left completely charmed. From its thoughtful restoration to its clever design and comfortable amenities, this little railway car captured my heart. Before the weekend was even over, I was already planning a return visit.

Preserving a Piece of Canadian Railway History

Built in 1913, this Canadian Pacific Railway caboose spent more than six decades in service before finding its permanent home beside the McAdam Railway Station on June 11, 1977. For nearly 50 years, it sat in Heritage Park as a familiar village landmark, quietly reminding visitors of McAdam’s proud railway heritage.

Over time, however, the elements began to take their toll. Rather than watching this beloved piece of railway history continue to deteriorate, the Village of McAdam and the McAdam Economic Development Corporation envisioned a new future for it—one that would preserve its character while giving visitors the opportunity to experience it in an entirely new way.

Following nearly two years of careful restoration, Station Side Caboose officially welcomed its first overnight guests on November 14, 2025. Its transformation feels like a natural next chapter for a railway car that has been part of the McAdam landscape for nearly half a century.

The timing couldn’t be more fitting. In 2026, the McAdam Railway Station is celebrating its 125th anniversary. For more than a century, this iconic station has stood at the heart of the village, welcoming railway workers, travellers, and community members while playing an important role in Canada’s railway history.

Today, visitors can spend the night inside the lovingly restored caboose, tour the National Historic Site, and discover the stories that continue to shape McAdam’s identity. Together, the station and Station Side Caboose offer a rare opportunity to experience both the history and the ongoing legacy of one of New Brunswick’s most remarkable railway destinations.

A Warm Welcome, the McAdam Way

From the moment my friend Cathy and I stepped inside, it was obvious that every detail had been thoughtfully considered. Waiting for us was a beautifully curated welcome basket filled with New Brunswick favourites and locally crafted products. Covered Bridge Potato Chips, Ganong chocolates, craft beer from Saint Andrews Brewing Company, spirits from Big Fiddle Still, and several other local treats offered a warm introduction to the community and made us feel genuinely welcomed.

As we explored our one-of-a-kind accommodations, we were immediately surprised by how spacious the caboose felt inside. Clever design, large windows, and tasteful décor made the space feel bright, inviting, and much larger than we’d imagined. Despite temperatures nearing 30°C outside, the insulated four-season caboose stayed refreshingly cool and comfortable. Before we’d even unpacked our bags, we knew we were going to thoroughly enjoy our weekend in McAdam.

A Cozy and Comfortable Stay

Station Side Caboose proved to be much more than a memorable place to stay. It was a genuinely comfortable place to spend a weekend. My travel writer friend, Cathy, joined me for a girls’ getaway as we explored the village, hiked nearby trails, toured the station, and, of course, enjoyed the famous Railway Pie. Between adventures, the caboose became the perfect place to relax, edit photographs, and plan the next day’s itinerary.

The cozy caboose is thoughtfully designed to make the most of every inch of space. Free Wi-Fi is also included, although we found the signal occasionally inconsistent during our stay. Comfortable seating, a dining table, and large windows made it an inviting place to unwind after a day of exploring.

Outside, a private patio with a bistro set is tucked behind a privacy screen, creating a peaceful space to enjoy your morning coffee or relax in the evening. We especially appreciated how private it felt in the caboose, despite being just steps from the station and the nearby walking trail.

Everything You Need for a Relaxing Getaway

The well-appointed kitchenette had everything we needed for a weekend stay, including a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, sink, Keurig coffee maker, dishes, utensils, and basic kitchen essentials. It made preparing breakfast easy, assembling a charcuterie lunch a breeze, and reheating supper after a full day of sightseeing wonderfully convenient. Whether you’re staying for one night or settling in for a long weekend, the space is both practical and welcoming.

Sweet Dreams in the Caboose

One of the biggest surprises was just how well we slept. The main-floor queen bed was exceptionally comfortable, making it easy to settle in after busy days spent exploring McAdam and the surrounding area.

The caboose’s original cupola—the raised lookout once used by train crews—is now a charming loft space that children will especially love. It’s the kind of unique feature that turns an overnight stay into an adventure they’ll remember.

During our summer visit, the loft became quite warm in the afternoon heat, so Cathy opted to use the self-inflating single mattress provided by our hosts. She said it was surprisingly comfortable and appreciated having that option. During cooler days, however, I can easily imagine the cupola becoming a favourite place for youngsters to hang out and sleep.

The full bathroom was equally impressive, featuring a spacious walk-in shower with excellent water pressure, plush towels, and complimentary toiletries. Like every other part of the caboose, it was immaculately clean and thoughtfully equipped.

Tour the Historic McAdam Railway Station

No stay at Station Side Caboose would be complete without taking a guided tour of the McAdam Railway Station. Designated both a National Historic Site of Canada and a Provincial Historic Site, the station is widely recognized as one of Canada’s finest surviving railway stations. Opened in 1900 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, it quickly became one of the busiest railway junctions in eastern Canada, welcoming passengers travelling between Montreal, Saint John, Halifax, and destinations throughout New England.

Its remarkable architecture, and fascinating stories have earned it numerous honours over the years, including designation as a Heritage Railway Station and recognition by Canada Post on a commemorative postage stamp. In 2013, it was also named Canada’s Greatest Public Place in the National Trust for Canada’s People’s Choice competition.

Walking through it offers a fascinating glimpse into an era when train travel was both glamorous and essential. Knowledgeable guides share stories of famous visitors, railway history, restoration efforts, and even a few legendary ghost tales that have become part of the station’s enduring folklore.

If you’re visiting on a Sunday, I highly recommend booking the famous Railway Pie experience in advance. Not only will you enjoy one of New Brunswick’s most beloved culinary traditions, but your visit also helps support the ongoing restoration and preservation of this extraordinary railway landmark.

Stretch Your Legs on the McAdam Nature Trail

Just behind the station, you’ll find another hidden gem that’s well worth exploring. The McAdam Nature Trail winds gently around McAdam Pond, offering an easy walk suitable for most ages and fitness levels. The mostly flat trail rewards visitors with beautiful views of the railway station, making it one of the best photography spots in the village.

Along the way you’ll discover a picturesque covered bridge, quiet picnic areas, several benches, and plenty of opportunities to pause and simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Nature lovers should keep an eye out for turtles, frogs, ducks, and even the occasional fox. As I wandered the trail with my camera, the haunting call of nearby loons echoed across the pond—a soundtrack that perfectly suited the tranquil setting.

Be sure to follow the posted trail markers and remain on the main pathway. As always, leave only footprints behind.

More Ways to Explore McAdam

If you have extra time during your visit, consider extending your stay to discover even more of what McAdam has to offer or even venture into the nearby village of Harvey. During the warmer months, kayak rentals are available through the Wauklehegan Lake Kayak Centre at the McAdam Campground. Launching from the accessible EZ Dock system makes it easy to explore the calm waters of beautiful Wauklehegan Lake at your own pace.

Whether you spend your days paddling, hiking, photographing historic landmarks, or simply relaxing at the caboose with a good book, McAdam offers the kind of slower pace that’s becoming increasingly rare—and increasingly appreciated.

Know Before You Go

Station Side Caboose is located beside the historic McAdam Railway Station, now a heritage attraction. The railway line nearby remains active, so guests may occasionally hear trains passing through and should use care around the tracks, especially with young children.
Reserve your stay well in advance, particularly during summer weekends and special events.
If you’d like to enjoy Railway Pie, book your seating ahead of time, as it often sells out.
Bring comfortable walking shoes to explore the McAdam Nature Trail.
The cupola loft is a fun feature for children and adventurous adults, but during particularly hot summer weather, the main floor offers the coolest sleeping conditions.
Don’t forget your camera. Between the station, the caboose, and the pond, there are countless photo opportunities throughout the village.

Book Your Stay in McAdam’s Station Side Caboose

Some accommodations are simply a place to sleep. Station Side Caboose is an experience in itself. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, a history lover, a photographer, or simply someone who enjoys discovering unique places to stay in New Brunswick, this charming caboose offers a memorable getaway unlike any other.

Its location couldn’t be better. Within a short walk, you can tour one of Canada’s most celebrated historic railway stations, savour the famous Railway Pie, wander peaceful nature trails, and experience the warm hospitality that makes small-town New Brunswick so special.

For me, Station Side Caboose was more than a unique place to spend the night. It offered the opportunity to slow down, reconnect with history, and experience McAdam from a completely different perspective. Long after I packed my bags and headed home, I found myself thinking about quiet evenings on the patio, walks around the pond, and that beautiful station standing proudly just beyond my window.

It’s one of those rare places that stays with you. I already know I’ll be back.

All Aboard for Railway Pie at McAdam Railway Station

No visit to McAdam is complete without experiencing its famous Railway Pie. Served in the station’s diner, this beloved tradition dates back to the early 1900s, when travellers planned their journeys around a stop in McAdam for a slice of the station’s legendary pie. The station became known for its warm hospitality, memorable meals, and, of course, its famous Railway pie.

In my companion article, All Aboard for Railway Pie at McAdam Railway Station, I’ll take you inside this National Historic Site to explore the fascinating history behind Railway Pie, tour the station, and share some of the remarkable stories—from famous visitors and railway history to local legends—that continue to make McAdam Railway Station one of New Brunswick’s most celebrated intriguing landmarks. Along the way, you’ll also see the incredible work volunteers do to restore and preserve this Canadian treasure, one room at a time.

Experience the Magic of Christmas at the Station

If you’re fortunate enough to visit McAdam during Christmas at the Station in mid-November, you’re in for a holiday tradition unlike any other.

Each year, hundreds of dedicated volunteers transform McAdam Railway Station into a breathtaking Christmas wonderland. Historic rooms sparkle with beautifully decorated trees, twinkling lights, festive displays, and the warmth of community spirit. Add the aroma of fresh baking, steaming mugs of hot apple cider, seasonal music, and—if you’re lucky—a fresh blanket of snow, and it’s easy to understand why Christmas at the Station has become one of New Brunswick’s most cherished holiday traditions.

Christmas at the Station is an experience that captures the magic of festive season while celebrating one of Canada’s most treasured historic railway stations.

A New Chapter for a Historic Caboose

There are many places to stay in New Brunswick, but very few invite you to become part of their story. Station Side Caboose is one of them.

From its carefully preserved railway character and thoughtful modern comforts to its location beside the historic McAdam Railway Station, this experience offers something far beyond a place to spend the night. It’s a chance to slow down, connect with the past, and appreciate the community pride that brought this special piece of railway history back to life.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a scenic road trip through southwestern New Brunswick, a family adventure, a girls’ escape, or a winter snowmobile trip, Station Side Caboose offers a memorable stay in every season.

You won’t just spend the night in a restored railway caboose. You’ll become part of its next chapter.

Although I was hosted by the Village of McAdam, all thoughts and opinions in this feature article are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!