Plan your trip to Kejimkujik with the Visitor Guide and Map.
Kejimkujik Visitor Guide and Map
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Pjila’si / Welcome
Come in and find your place at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site. For generations, people have connected to nature and culture in this landscape of forests, lakes, rivers, and the Atlantic Coast.
Kejimkujik is the only national park in Canada that is also designated a national historic site in its entirety. It protects a rich cultural landscape, deeply understood and cared for by the Mi'kmaq for millennia through to today and into the future.
Kejimkujik is also a Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Dark-Sky Preserve. With some of the darkest skies on the eastern seaboard, it is a spectacular place to view and learn about the night sky.
Located 100 km from the inland site, Kejimkujik National Park Seaside is a coastal wilderness and hiking destination where the power of the Atlantic Ocean is on display.
No matter where you choose to explore, there's a place for everyone at Kejimkujik. This guide is meant to help you find yours.
- Maps
- Activities
- Plan your visit
- Whynot Adventure
- Safety
- Stewards
- Friends of Keji Cooperating Association
Maps
Activities
Spend the night in Nova Scotia’s only Dark-Sky Preserve!
Choose from non-electrical campsites, group camping, backcountry campsites, or one of four types of roofed accommodations (oTENTik, Ôasis, rustic cabins, or the yurt).
For more information, visit parks.canada.ca/keji-camping.
All camping and roofed accommodation reservations must be made by calling 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783) or by visiting reservation.pc.gc.ca.
A paddler’s paradise
Paddling is a great way to explore Kejimkujik! Dip in your paddle and follow the same canoe routes the Mi'kmaq have travelled for thousands of years.
From Jakes Landing:
1. Mersey River (1 to 2 hours)
Head upstream into the peaceful waters of a Red maple floodplain. Marsh birds, beaver activity, water lilies, and easy paddling make this trip ideal for families or beginners.
2. Kejimkujik Lake – Islands (2 to 3 hours)
Paddle among the lake's islands to experience vistas of huge granite boulders and windswept pines. Pack a lunch and take a break at the day-use picnic area at Nancy Cove.
Check weather conditions and paddling routes before heading out on the water.
When paddling in Kejimkujik, you must follow the legally binding Transport Canada Minimum Safety Equipment Requirements for canoes and kayaks less than 6 m in length.
For other tips on staying safe, visit parks.canada.ca/keji-safety.
Do not enter the Petroglyph areas.
Looking for ideas?
2-hour visit – Red chair treasure hunt
Pressed for time but want to discover Kejimkujik in a fun way? Pick up a copy of the Red Chairs Map at the Visitor Centre and see how many sets of red chairs you can find. Have a seat, take a selfie, and at each location, learn what makes that spot special.
2-hour to a half day visit – Hit the trails!
Weave your way through the landscape on Kejimkujik's newest shared-use trail!
Set out from Mill Falls and cross the new pedestrian bridge over flowing waters to reach Ukme'k. Pronounced "ook - may - k", the name means "twisted" in Mi'kmaq and was inspired by the path the trail takes as it follows the Mersey River.
Choose your own adventure by challenging yourself with the optional rock jumps or bypass them by sticking to the main trail. Not ready to turn back when you reach the rainbow crosswalk? Connect to the Mersey River Trail and Slapfoot to follow the lakeshore to the campground, rounding out your visit with a swim at one of the beaches along the way.
A half day visit – Connect with Mi'kmaw culture
Discover a story over 4,000 years in the making, here at Kejimkujik for you to hear, see, and feel. Start your cultural adventure at the Visitor Centre and learn how the Mi'kmaq have been, and still are, deeply connected to this landscape.
Bring a Parks Canada Perfect Picnic to enjoy on the shores of Kejimkujik Lake at Merrymakedge. Here you can visit the Birch Bark Canoe Shop and witness the resurgence of an ancient Mi'kmaw craft with Todd Labrador, a seventh generation Mi'kmaq from the Kejimkujik region.
See the summer guided activities schedule for other cultural programs offered during your visit.
A day visit – Come for a paddle, stay for the stars!
Experience what Kejimkujik is renowned for – paddling and stars! Rent a canoe or a kayak at Jakes Landing and set out for Kejimkujik Lake. Stop at Nancy Cove for a swim and enjoy a picnic on the sandy beach.
Once back on shore, go for an evening stroll on the scenic Slapfoot Trail. After watching the sun set, head to the Sky Circle to marvel at the Milky Way. Gaze upon star studded skies as you ponder the meaning of life... and plan your next visit.
Guided activities
For more details, visit parks.canada.ca/keji-guided or pick up a schedule when you arrive. To register for a program, call 902-682-2772 or stop in at the Visitor Centre.
Petroglyph Tours
The only way to view the petroglyphs is with a Parks Canada guide. In July and August, choose between a daily walking tour (free) or a weekly big canoe paddle to the petroglyph site.
Mi'kmaq Birch Bark Canoe-Building
Witness the ancient craft of birch bark canoe-building with master craftsman Todd Labrador, a seventh-generation Mi'kmaq from the Kejimkujik region.
Guided paddles and hikes
Climb aboard a big canoe or head down a hiking trail and get the inside scoop on all things Kejimkujik. Your personal guides are treasure troves of essential natural and cultural knowledge!
Afternoon "edutainment"
Kids of all ages can visit us at the beach for a "Creature Feature" and discover some flora and fauna fun facts, or check out a short puppet show with special natural and cultural-based teachings.
Guided gatherings
Finish your day with a group campfire experience in Jeremy's Bay Campground or a Mi'kmaw encampment program where traditions and customs are brought to life through demonstrations, stories, craft, and songs.
Dark-Sky experiences
After dark, delve into distant celestial bodies in Nova Scotia's only Dark-Sky Preserve. Weaving together sky lore and modern discoveries, guided programs blend science and storytelling to create an experience as unique as a shooting star.
Prefer a self-guided dark-sky experience? Rent a dark-sky kit from the Visitor Centre.
For more details, visit parks.canada.ca/keji-darksky.
Take to the trails
Explore an incredible variety of habitats and scenery on Kejimkujik's 35 km of front-country trails. With the addition of Ukme'k, you can travel all the way from Mill Falls to Meadow Beach almost entirely on trails!
Keep the following in mind so everyone can have an enjoyable and safe trail experience:
- Share the trail! Thank you for being courteous to other trail users.
- Cyclists, yield to pedestrians and wear a helmet.
- Staying on the trail protects trailside vegetation.
- Take only photographs. It is illegal to pick flowers, mushrooms, cut down trees, branches, remove rocks, cultural artifacts or otherwise cause damage to natural objects or living things.
Geocaching
Geocaching is an addictive treasure hunt the whole family can enjoy.
For details on Kejimkujik's caches, visit parks.canada.calkeji-geocaching.
No GPS? No problem! Download the Geocaching® app to your smart phone or borrow a GPS from the Visitor Centre.
The geocaching offer at Kejimkujik is made possible by a partnership with the Association of Nova Scotia Geocaching.
Fishing
Did you know National Parks of Canada Fishing Regulations differ from Provincial Regulations? Fishing permits are sold at the Visitor Centre and through local vendors. (Season: April 1 - August 31)
New Kejimkujik sport fishing rules were introduced in 2019 after the invasive Chain pickerel was confirmed in Kejimkujik's waters.
These new rules continue in 2023:
- All non-invasive fish are catch and release only.
- Mandatory retention of invasive fish (Smallmouth bass and Chain pickerel).
- Fishing tackle may only include single barbless hooks.
- No person shall use natural bait of any kind, including minnows and earthworms.
Your fishing permit comes with an Angler Diary for you to record the amount of time spent fishing, areas fished, and the number of fish caught. Please complete and return your diary to help Resource Conservation staff assess Chain pickerel abundance, new areas, and rate of spread, as well as native fish species abundance and distribution. As a thank you, you'll receive this year's commemorative Kejimkujik Fish Management Volunteer Researcher crest (Golden shiner) to wear proudly.
For more information on fishing in Kejimkujik, including where to buy a permit, visit parks.canada.ca/keji-fishing.
Interested in fishing-related volunteer opportunities? Visit parks.canada.ca/keji-volunteer
Plan Your Visit
Directions
Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site 3005 Main Parkway
Box 236 Maitland Bridge, NS BOT 1BO
Information
Web: parks.canada.ca/kejimkujik
Email: kejimkujik@pc.gc.ca
Visitor Centre: 902-682-2772
National Information Centre: 1-888-773-8888
Camping Reservations (including cancellations/refunds) reservation.pc.gc.ca or call 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783)
For details on the Parks Canada Perfect Picnic program, visit parks.canada.ca/keji-picnic.
Whynot Adventure
Want to explore Kejimkujik but don't know where to start? Whynot Adventure can help!
Located at Jakes Landing, they rent canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and bicycles at hourly, daily, and weekly rates.
They also provide guided backcountry adventures, camping equipment, and cooking gear. Shuttles are available but must be booked in advance online.
For reservations: whynotadventure.ca
Questions: 902-682-2282
Follow us
Safety
In case of emergency
Police, Fire, Ambulance (Emergency only): 911
Ambassadors/Security (For First Aid, excessive noise, and minor disturbances in the campground): 902-298-0668
- 10 am to 12:30 am (Sunday to Wednesday)
- 10 am to 1:30 am (Thursday to Saturday)
Wildlife Incidents, Wildfire, Overdue/Lost person, Boating accident, REPORT A POACHER: 1-800-565-2224
Follow the Rules
Help protect Kejimkujik for generations to come. Please familiarize yourself with the regulations and follow them during your visit.
In Nova Scotia, cyclists must wear a bicycle helmet. It's the law.
Pets must always be on leash and never be left unattended. Please clean up after your pet.
Alcohol may only be consumed on registered campsites.
To learn where you can smoke or vape cannabis or tobacco, visit parks.canada.ca/keji-bulletins.
Areas may be closed to protect natural or cultural resources.
Petroglyph areas are closed to the public. Contact the Visitor Centre to book a Petroglyph Tour.
It is illegal to operate a drone in Kejimkujik.
Refer to your camping permit for campground-related regulations.
Backcountry campsites are for registered campers only; please respect their privacy.
Campfires
Campfires are only permitted in designated fire boxes and must never be left unattended. Check important bulletins for current fire bans.
To protect Kejimkujik's forests from invasive insects like the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), only firewood purchased in Kejimkujik is permitted with some specific exceptions.
Do not collect wood from the forest.
Did you Know?
Provincial Motor Vehicle legislation is applicable and enforced in Kejimkujik.
It is unsafe and illegal to ride in the back of a truck.
Speeding and failure to stop at the entrance kiosk poses a safety hazard and is against the law.
Stay safe and keep wildlife wild
Do not approach or feed wildlife.
Keep pets on a leash at all times. Off-leash pets may disturb or harm wildlife.
Avoid attracting wildlife by keeping your campsite clean and by storing food and waste securely at all times. Never store food or any smelly products (e.g. toothpaste, soap, etc.) in your tent.
If you see a bear, don't run; back away slowly and speak in a soft voice.
If you see a coyote, don't run; back away slowly, act big, and make noise.
Please report any bear or coyote sightings to staff.
Preventing tick bites
Blacklegged ticks are present in Kejimkujik and are known carriers of the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. They are found in most vegetated habitats and are similar in size to a poppy seed as nymphs and to a sesame seed as adults.
Protect yourself
- Cover up: Wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks to prevent tick bites.
- Spray: Spray feet, ankles, and legs with insect repellent.
- Self-check: Daily self-checks of yourself, your family, and your pets can reduce the risk of infection. If you find an attached tick, follow the Public Health Agency of Canada's guidelines for prompt removal.
Kejimkujik Stewards
Join the amazing community of people volunteering behind the scenes! There's something for everyone – from fishing in freshwater to looking for plovers by the sea, from watching turtles nest to tending butterfly gardens, from campground hosting to monitoring lakes for LoonWatch. Collect a unique patch for each volunteer activity you do!
To learn more about how to join this special community and make your mark, visit parks.canada.ca/keji-volunteer.
Friends of Keji Cooperating Association
Providing for your enjoyment:
- By the Mersey Gift Shop inside the Visitor Centre
- The Tuck Shoppe in Jeremy's Bay Campground. Enjoy ice cream daily! June 30 to September 3 (1 pm to 8 pm)
- Firewood and ice for sale at the Campground Kiosk
- Wi-Fi hotspots outside the Visitor Centre and the Tuck Shoppe.
- Special events and programs such as the Campground Host Program, the annual Friends of Keji Photo Contest, the Commemorative Bench Program, and the Pumpkin Carving Contest and Display on Thanksgiving weekend.
Cash will not be accepted at any location in 2023.
Celebrating 25 years of supporting Parks Canada's mandate to protect and present the natural and cultural heritage of Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site!
The Friends of Keji also support ecological protection and restoration through an active volunteer program.
Become a member today and make a difference!
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