View source for 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.

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<div style="font-weight:700; color:#b91c1c; margin-bottom:6px;">At a glance — Kejimkujik</div>
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! style="text-align:left; width:42%; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Location
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Inland unit near Caledonia, southwestern Nova Scotia • Separate coastal unit at Port Joli/Port Mouton (Atlantic coast)
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Province
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Nova Scotia
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Established
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | National Park '''1967''' • Seaside unit '''1988''' • National Historic Site designation (Mi’kmaw cultural landscape) '''1990s'''
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Area (approx.)
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Inland ≈ '''400 km²''' • Seaside ≈ '''20+ km²''' (two coastal parcels)
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Notable features
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | 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
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Nearby communities
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Caledonia, Maitland Bridge, Annapolis Royal (inland); Port Joli, Port Mouton, Liverpool (Seaside)
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== 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 ==
* [[Cape Breton Highlands National Park]] • [[Fundy National Park]] • [[Kouchibouguac National Park]]
* [[National parks of Canada]] • [[Travel in Canada]] • [[Geography of Canada]]

== External links (official) ==
* Parks Canada — Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ns/kejimkujik
* Parks Canada — Kejimkujik Seaside: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ns/kejimkujik/activ/plage-beach
* Parks Canada — Reservations (camping/backcountry/day use): https://reservation.pc.gc.ca
* Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, fire bans, wildlife): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp