Facts About Canada

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site (often shortened to Kejimkujik or Keji, pronounced “KEH-jih-MOO-jik”) protects an inland network of lakes and rivers in southwestern Nova Scotia and a separate coastal unit on the Atlantic. It is the only place in Canada that is both a national park and a national historic site, recognized for its outstanding Mi’kmaw cultural landscape, including ancient travel routes and petroglyphs. The park is renowned for canoe-camping routes, old-growth hemlock stands, dark skies, and the white-sand beaches and dunes of the Kejimkujik Seaside unit.

At a glance — Kejimkujik
Location Inland unit near Caledonia, southwestern Nova Scotia • Separate coastal unit at Port Joli/Port Mouton (Atlantic coast)
Province Nova Scotia
Established National Park 1967 • Seaside unit 1988 • National Historic Site designation (Mi’kmaw cultural landscape) 1990s
Area (approx.) Inland ≈ 400 km² • Seaside ≈ 20+ km² (two coastal parcels)
Notable features Mi’kmaw petroglyphs and routes; canoe chain on the Mersey River and lakes; old-growth hemlock; Dark-Sky Preserve; Seaside beaches, dunes, and coastal barrens
Nearby communities Caledonia, Maitland Bridge, Annapolis Royal (inland); Port Joli, Port Mouton, Liverpool (Seaside)

Overview

Kejimkujik’s inland unit is a classic lake-and-river landscape shaped by glacial deposits and flowing water, long used as Mi’kmaw travel corridors between the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic. Forests range from mature mixed woods to groves of centuries-old eastern hemlock. The separate Atlantic unit—Kejimkujik Seaside—preserves white-sand beaches, lagoons, headlands, and coastal barrens influenced by fog and surf.

Cultural landscape and the National Historic Site

The historic site recognizes an enduring Mi’kmaw cultural landscape: canoe routes, portages, camps, burial places, and extensive petroglyphs carved on lakeshore slate. Access to sensitive sites is guided; some areas are visitable only on guided programs to protect fragile rock art and cultural features. Interpretation focuses on Mi’kmaw language, knowledge, and connections to the land and waters.

Landscapes and ecosystems

  • Lakes, rivers, and wetlands: The Mersey River links kettle lakes and wetlands rich in loons, beaver, and dragonflies; shorelines host rare plants and turtles.
  • Old-growth forest: Stands of eastern hemlock and mixed Acadian forest provide deep shade, cool microclimates, and diverse lichens and fungi.
  • Coastal dunes and barrens (Seaside): White-sand beaches, dune systems, and heaths shelter piping plover (seasonally), shorebirds, and coastal plants; offshore, seals and seabirds are common.

Wildlife highlights include common loon, bald eagle, pileated woodpecker, beaver, white-tailed deer, and species at risk such as Blanding’s turtle; along the coast, look for seals and shorebirds.

Things to do

  • Paddling & backcountry canoeing: Signature canoe routes link lakes and portages with reservable backcountry sites. Day-rentals and guided outings are available in season.
  • Hiking & cycling (inland): Family-friendly loops to hemlock groves, bog boardwalks, and river lookouts; multi-use trails for cycling in designated areas.
  • Camping & dark skies: Jeremy’s Bay Campground (frontcountry) plus canoe-access backcountry sites. Night-sky programs take advantage of low light pollution.
  • Seaside day hikes: Trails to Harbour Rocks and St. Catherine’s River Beach traverse coastal barrens to beaches and viewpoints; obey seasonal closures for nesting shorebirds.
  • Interpretive programs: Visitor centres and staff share Mi’kmaw history, archaeology, and natural history through talks and guided walks.

Access and visitor services

  • Inland unit: Main access via Highway 8 (Maitland Bridge/Caledonia area). The visitor centre provides trip planning, rentals (seasonal), and exhibits.
  • Seaside unit: Access from Highway 103 near Port Joli/Port Mouton with signed trailheads and day-use parking. There is no campground at the Seaside; facilities are limited—plan ahead.
  • Reservations: Frontcountry and backcountry camping, plus some activities, are reservable online. Peak summer and autumn weekends fill quickly.

Safety, protection, and low-impact travel

Stay on marked trails and boardwalks; sensitive archaeological sites and petroglyphs are easily damaged—do not touch or trace rock art and visit only as directed. On water, carry PFDs and be prepared for wind and sudden weather shifts. At the Seaside, protect dunes by using signed access points and respect wildlife closures for nesting shorebirds. Store food securely; give all wildlife space. Follow fire restrictions and Leave No Trace principles.

See also

External links (official)

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