Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site: Paddle Pristine Lakes & Discover Mi’kmaq Petroglyphs in Nova Scotia’s Wilderness

Claim to Fame

Kejimkujik is one of Canada’s few Dark Sky Preserves and a unique dual-designation park—offering inland canoe routes, backcountry camping, and ancient Mi’kmaq petroglyphs within its forested river systems.

📌 Navigating Kejimkujik National Park : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Admission Fee: An entry fee is required for access to the national park, which can be paid upon arrival or in advance.
How Long to Visit: Visitors typically spend several hours to a full day or more if camping.
Hours of Operation: The park is open year-round, but visitor centre hours and service availability vary by season.
Important Information: Check the park’s website for activities, guided tour schedules, and any seasonal advisories before visiting.
Washrooms: Restrooms and comfort stations are located throughout the park.
Handicap Accessible: Accessible facilities and trails are available, including some campsites designed for visitors with mobility challenges.
Pets: Pets are allowed in specific areas but must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife.
Guided Tours: Guided tours and interpretive programs are offered, enhancing the understanding of the park’s natural and cultural heritage.
Restaurant or Cafe: Dining options are limited to what visitors bring; however, there are picnic areas and fire pits for cooking.
Gift Shop: The visitor centre offers souvenirs, books, and educational materials related to the park.
Parking: The park provides parking areas at various trailheads and facilities.
Family Friendly: With its diverse natural habitats, the park is ideal for families interested in nature, offering educational programs and interactive experiences.
Photography: Photography opportunities abound in this lush landscape, from serene lakes to forested trails.
WIFI: No public WIFI is available; visitors should prepare for limited connectivity.
Picnic Area: Picnic areas are available throughout the park for visitors to enjoy their meals outdoors.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Kejimkujik National Park

Hidden in the heart of Nova Scotia, Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site combines lush Acadian forest, winding rivers, and mirror-calm lakes with an extraordinary cultural landscape. Canoeists glide past 300-year-old rock carvings, hikers traverse fern-lined trails through valley bogs, and campers fall asleep beneath a blanket of stars. This protected area preserves not only ecosystem diversity—from dragonfly-filled wetlands to towering hemlocks—but also layers of Indigenous history etched in stone.

What to Expect

The inland park features a 60-kilometre loop of interconnected lakes—Long, Kejimkujik, and Bear—ideal for multi-day canoe trips with five basic backcountry campsites. On land, trailheads like the Mersey River Trail and Hemlocks & Hardwoods Loop wind through mossy forests and blueberry barrens. Rangers offer guided paddles to view pictograph sites at Running Water, where you can spot carved canoe outlines and bear motifs along ledges.

Along the Mersey River and shorelines, wildlife abounds: watch for beavers constructing lodges, loons calling at dawn, and black bears foraging in berry patches. In summer evenings, stargazers gather at the Keji Observatory or campsite clearings to marvel at the Milky Way under near-pitch darkness.

Background and Cultural Context

For over a millennium, the Mi’kmaq traveled these waterways, leaving petroglyphs that record hunting rites, solar calendars, and clan symbols. In 1984, Parks Canada recognized Kejimkujik’s archaeological significance alongside its ecological value, creating Canada’s first combined National Park and National Historic Site. Ongoing collaborations with Mi’kmaq communities guide interpretation and conservation of these sacred sites.

Logging roads and small settlements once disrupted the valley, but restoration efforts since the 1960s have re-established forest continuity and water quality. Today, the park’s stewardship balances visitor access with protection of fragile peatlands, rare plants like the showy lady’s slipper orchid, and nesting habitats for threatened songbirds.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring (May–June) brings wildflowers and active birdlife, while summer (July–August) offers full canoe services and warm water for swimming. Early autumn (mid-September to early October) rewards paddlers and hikers with crisp air and fiery foliage, though campsites book quickly. Winter backcountry skiing and snowshoe trails operate December through March for those seeking off-season solitude.

How to Get There

Kejimkujik lies 100 km northwest of Halifax. From Highway 103, take Exit 25 onto Trunk 10 north toward Bridgewater, then follow Route 8 through Caledonia to the Mersey River entrance. Allow 1.5–2 hours driving. A second seacoast unit at Port Joli on Highway 3 is accessed via Port Joli Road. Limited cell service makes offline maps essential.

Photo Opportunities

Pre-dawn mist drifting over Kejimkujik Lake with loons silhouetted on the water
Mi’kmaq petroglyph panel at Running Water bathed in golden morning light
Star trails arching above a backcountry campsite in the Dark Sky Preserve
Autumn maples blazing on the Hemlocks & Hardwoods Loop
Beaver dam and lodge reflections at the edge of Bear Lake

Travel Tips

Reserve backcountry campsites and canoe rentals well in advance—summer fills up.
Pack insect repellent and a mosquito head net—bugs peak in June–July.
Carry a waterproof map and compass; GPS devices may lose signal under dense canopy.
Respect petroglyph sites—do not touch or disturb the rock art, and stay on designated portage trails.
Obtain a Parks Canada Discovery Pass for multi-day access and discounted or free entry.

FAQs

Can I bring my own canoe?
Yes—private boats are permitted, but must be inspected at park entrance for invasive species and launched only at designated put-in points.

Are pets allowed?
Leashed pets are allowed in day-use areas and campgrounds but prohibited on backcountry trails and in canoe circuits to protect wildlife.

Is there cell service?
Service is limited to park entry stations; plan for emergencies with a personal locator beacon or satellite messenger.

Can I swim in the lakes?
Yes—clear, warm water makes for refreshing swims; watch for submerged logs and practice shoreline-entry to protect fragile banks.

Final Thoughts

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site offers a rare blend of wilderness immersion and deep cultural resonance. Whether you’re tracing ancestral rock carvings by canoe or losing yourself beneath the Milky Way, Keji rewards patience, curiosity, and reverence for the landscapes that have shaped both nature and Indigenous heritage.

📘 Nova Scotia Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: Nova Scotia operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is UTC -4. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT), UTC -3.

Weather: Nova Scotia has a humid continental climate with strong maritime influences. Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are generally warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). The province experiences significant fog along the coast and variable weather year-round.

Population: Nova Scotia has a population of approximately 1 million people. Most residents live in urban areas such as Halifax, the provincial capital. The population is predominantly English-speaking, with a rich mix of Scottish, Acadian French, African Nova Scotian, and Indigenous heritage.

Size: Nova Scotia spans about 55,284 square kilometers (21,345 square miles), including over 13,000 kilometers (8,000 miles) of coastline. It is one of Canada’s three Maritime provinces and includes the mainland peninsula and Cape Breton Island.

Language: English is the primary language spoken in Nova Scotia. French is also spoken, especially in Acadian communities. Indigenous languages are preserved and spoken in Mi’kmaq communities across the province.

Currency: The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available. Tipping in Canadian dollars is standard across services.

Safety: Nova Scotia is considered very safe for travelers. Violent crime is rare, and most areas—including rural towns—are peaceful. As always, basic precautions are advised, particularly in busy tourist locations.

Tipping: Tipping is standard in Nova Scotia. A 15–20% tip is expected in restaurants. Tips are also appreciated for taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides.

Electricity and Plugs: Canada uses 120V electricity at 60Hz. Plug types A and B are standard. International visitors may need adapters depending on their devices.

Water: Tap water in Nova Scotia is safe to drink and of high quality. Municipal water systems are regulated and tested frequently to meet national safety standards.

Annual Visitors: Nova Scotia welcomes over 2 million visitors annually, drawn by its scenic coastline, historic towns, cultural festivals, and natural attractions such as the Cabot Trail and Bay of Fundy.

Visa Requirements: Visitors from many countries, including the U.S. and most of Europe, need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada by air. Others may require a visa. Passports must be valid for the duration of stay.

Health & Vaccinations: No special vaccinations are required to visit Nova Scotia. Visitors should be up to date on standard immunizations such as tetanus, measles, and influenza, especially during colder months.

Transportation: Traveling around Nova Scotia is easiest by car, with scenic drives like the Lighthouse Route and Cabot Trail. Public transportation is limited outside major cities. Ferries operate between mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, PEI, and Newfoundland.

Food: Nova Scotia is known for its seafood, especially lobster, scallops, and Digby clams. Local favorites include donairs, seafood chowder, and blueberry desserts. Farmers’ markets and coastal eateries offer fresh, seasonal fare.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Nova Scotians are known for their friendliness and hospitality. It’s customary to greet with a smile or brief conversation. Respect for local traditions, rural communities, and Indigenous cultures is appreciated.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Cell coverage is strong in urban areas and along major highways, but can be limited in remote regions. Wi-Fi is widely available in accommodations and public areas. Canadian SIM cards can be used for better connectivity.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for visitors to cover medical emergencies, trip delays, or cancellations. While Canada has public healthcare, it does not cover non-residents, and treatment costs can be high without insurance.

Did You Know? - Facts About Kejimkujik National Park

Kejimkujik is known for its hiking trails, canoe routes, and dark sky preserve, offering some of the best stargazing in the province.

Recognized as a National Historic Site, Kejimkujik reflects the cultural heritage of the Mi'kmaq Nation through its traditional lands and stories.

The park is named after Kejimkujik Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the region and an important site for Mi'kmaq people who have ancient petroglyphs around the area.

Visitors can participate in interpretive programs to learn about the park's diverse ecosystems and historical significance, including traditional Mi'kmaq canoe routes and tales.

Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia is a unique park split between an inland area that offers lush forest landscapes and a seaside adjunct known for its rugged coastline.