Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia, Canada - map, photos and visitor information

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site has two distinct visitor areas in southwestern Nova Scotia. Inland, lakes and rivers connect forest trails, campsites, and a Mi'kmaw cultural landscape. Kejimkujik Seaside is a separate coastal day trip near Port Joli. Choose the location first: the two areas are about 100 km apart by road.

Inland waterways and an Atlantic shore

• Mersey River: Riverside paths and paddling routes introduce the inland landscape.
• Kejimkujik Lake: Camping, shore walks, and seasonal programs can form the center of a longer stay.
• Mi'kmaw cultural heritage: Travel routes, petroglyphs, and other cultural places explain why the inland park also has national historic site status.
• Kejimkujik Seaside: Coastal trails lead through forest and barrens toward beaches and rocky headlands.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Plan for water, weather, and ticks

Lake winds can create difficult paddling conditions. Choose a route that matches your navigation and canoe-camping skills. Beaches are unsupervised. Cell coverage varies, so leave a trip plan and carry the supplies needed to return safely.

Check for ticks after time outdoors and learn to recognize poison ivy. At Seaside, keep clear of the water's edge on exposed rocky headlands, where waves can sweep across the shore. Follow beach closures that protect nesting piping plovers.

Protect waterways and cultural places

Motorized watercraft are prohibited from 2026, except for specifically authorized park administration. Keep pets leashed or suitably confined and attended. Most public beaches exclude pets, with an exception on part of Merrymakedge Beach. Never feed wildlife or leave food and scented items unattended.

Respect cultural features and use designated trails. Check the fire and access notices before lighting a fire. A fire box at a campsite does not override a ban.

Reserve the stay and check the access route

Jeremy's Bay accepts reservations for tent and RV sites and roofed accommodation. Options include electrical sites, oTENTiks, Ôasis units, and cabins. Check each unit's heating and equipment arrangements before a late-season stay.

All backcountry sites require advance booking; none operate first come, first served. A site can normally be reserved for up to two consecutive nights, with a maximum of 21 nights for the trip. Use the backcountry booking and permit instructions. Confirm whether the site requires paddling, portaging, or hiking before reserving.

Maps, location, and access

The inland destination is 3005 Kejimkujik Main Parkway, Maitland Bridge, reached from Route 8. Seaside is at 1188 St. Catherines River Road, Port Joli, approached from Highway 103. Entering one address will not take you to the other visitor area.

Download the separate inland, Seaside, and seasonal maps. Autumn and winter gates on Big Dam Road and Eel Weir Road can lengthen walking approaches.

Nearby parks for the inland or coastal approach

• Camerons Brook Provincial Park: A Route 8 stop at 7900 Highway 8 in South Brookfield, useful on the inland approach. Confirm its seasonal access.
• Thomas Raddall Provincial Park: A Port Joli option at 529 Raddall Park Road near the Seaside area. Its listed 2026 operating season ended October 12.

Choose the pace and setting

Mill Falls begins behind the visitor center and follows the Mersey River. Inland trails also offer forest walks and designated cycling routes. For an evening visit, the Sky Circle and Merrymakedge are stargazing locations within the dark-sky preserve.

At Seaside, Harbour Rocks is 2.8 km one way. Port Joli Head adds a 4.4 km loop branching from that approach, so allow for the connecting walk from the parking area. The coastal outing requires more time than the loop figure alone suggests.

Camping services and seasonal access support

Jeremy's Bay has washrooms, showers, parking, and an RV dumping station. Campground tap water is tested for drinking safety. Backcountry sites have basic facilities such as tent pads, pit toilets, and food-hanging cables; bring drinking water or a treatment system and prepare for damaged equipment.

Four electrical campsites and three oTENTiks have designated accessibility features. Mill Falls and Merrymakedge have harder surfaces and fewer obstacles than some other trails. Adapted wheelchairs are available to borrow during the visitor center season. Beach mats are seasonal, normally June 21–mid-September. Review the specific access features before choosing equipment or accommodation.

About Kejimkujik

A Mi'kmaw cultural landscape

Kejimkujik's cultural significance includes habitation, fishing places, travel routes, burials, and petroglyphs. National historic site designation followed in 1995. In 2025, the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia and Parks Canada signed the Toqi'maliaptmu'k Arrangement for co-management of protected places administered by Parks Canada in the province.

Forest, freshwater, and coastal habitat

Black bears and coyotes use the inland landscape. Wetland routes support turtles, amphibians, and waterfowl. At Seaside, seals and seabirds use the offshore rocks, while piping plovers depend on protected nesting beaches. Observe from established routes and give wildlife room.

Contact

Official Kejimkujik information
Visitor Centre, mid-May–October: 902-682-2772
Administration: 902-682-2770
Email: [email protected]
Inland address: 3005 Kejimkujik Main Parkway, Maitland Bridge, Nova Scotia B0T 1B0.