Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site in southern Nova Scotia is a large inland park with hiking and biking trails, a river, waterfalls, lakes and campsites. It’s the only national park in Canada that is also a historic site due to the historical and cultural heritage of the Mi’kmaq people who lived here thousands of years ago. (Check out the park’s guided petroglyph tours to dig deeper into this area’s history.) A sister park about 90 minutes away, Kejimkujik Seaside is a wilderness park along the Atlantic Ocean. Taken together, these two national parks cover 156 square miles/404 square kilometers of land. Each offers unique experiences and are great destinations to explore the natural beauty of Nova Scotia.
What You’ll Find at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
- old-growth forests and stunning natural scenery including rivers, lakes, and waterfalls
- 15 different trails for walking, hiking, bicycling
- canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboards (SUP), and bike rentals for guided or self-guided tours
- Mi’kmaq petroglyphs and culture (must take a guided tour offered in July and August)
- a Dark-Sky Preserve with the darkest sky (without light pollution) in the province to view stars and other astronomical objects at night. Choose a guided or self-guided nighttime experience.
- swimming at several beaches
- geocaching
- fishing from April through August
- campsites either with or without electricity and with a choice of roofed accommodations including rustic cabins and yurts
What You’ll Find at Kejimkujik Seaside
- coastal wilderness with 2 estuaries, separated from the Atlantic Ocean, that are habitats for a variety of marine life
- 2 hiking trails to the shores of St. Catherine’s River Bay: Harbour Rocks is a 3.5 mile/5.6 km out-and-back trail that’s rated as easy; Port Joli Head is a 2.75 mile/4.4 km trail that’s rated difficult.
- expansive ocean views as well as sea birds, seals, and other sealife
Tips for Your Visit to Kejimkujik National Park
- The park is open with full services from mid-May through October; limited services are available at other times of the year. Check online for a complete list of hours of operation.
- Admission is charged per person ($6.25 for adults; $5.25 for seniors; free for youth aged 17 and under) or a group of up to 7 people in a car.
- Bring plenty of water for everyone in your group.
- Bring snacks (e.g., granola bars, trail mix) or a picnic, depending on the length of your stay.
- Stay on the trails to avoid ticks and to maintain the ecosystem.
- Bikers yield to hikers.
- There is limited food service available (at Merrymakedge Eatery) in the park. There were no restaurants open on the drive approaching the park.
- Cell service can be spotty depending on your location and service provider. There are wi-fi hotspots outside the visitor center and Merrymakedge Eatery.
- Use the All-Trails app to help guide your way along trails.
- Drones are not allowed in the park.
- Leashed dogs are welcome in most areas – but not along the beaches.
Locations of Kejimkujik National Parks
Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site: 3005 Kejimkujik Main Parkway, Maitland Bridge, Nova Scotia
Kejimkujik Seaside: 1188 Saint Catherines River Road, Port Joli, Nova Scotia
Map of Kejimkujik National Parks and Other Areas of Interest
Nearby Attractions
Although not technically “nearby” as Kejimkujik National Park is an inland oasis, there are several notable towns and sights to see within an hour or two worth of driving time. These places are listed in alphabetical order and are shown on the map above.
- Annapolis Royal – this historical town has a re-created 17th-century settlement, a fort, and historical gardens. Annapolis Royal is 30 miles/48 km from Keji.
- Balancing Rock – a fascinating geological formation accessible on a trail (about an hour’s drive south of Digby. Balancing Rock is 71 miles/115 km from Keji.
- Digby – a small, working fishing village that prides itself on being “the capital of scallops” with restaurants serving these delicacies. Digby is 40 miles/64 km from Keji.
- Halifax – the capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax has an interesting maritime and military history along with a vibrant harborfront boardwalk. Halifax is 138 miles/222 km from Keji.
- Lunenburg – a charming, seaside town with an excellent maritime museum, an interesting old town, and plenty of art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Lunenburg is 57 miles/91 km from Keji.
- Wolfville – a college town with a centuries-old history of the French Acadians as well as several excellent wineries – some with gorgeous water views. Wolfville is 93 miles/150 km from Keji.
Final Thoughts
My husband and I devoted a day of our vacation in Nova Scotia to explore Kejimkujik National Park. And we’re glad we did! We enjoyed our hikes along a couple of trails and our relaxing time on the shores of Kedge Lake. This is a beautiful place with something to offer visitors at just about every activity level. The kind folks in the visitor center helped us find the trails that were perfect for us. Hiking and taking in the views at Keji was a wonderful respite from our busy visit to Nova Scotia.
You could make this a stop if traversing from one coast of southern Nova Scotia to the other. Consider stopping here if only for a few hours worth of hiking. The views of the waterfalls, rivers, and lakes are soothing and relaxing.
Comments?
Please share your experiences and/or suggestions in Nova Scotia. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂
