Kejimkujik National Park

Kejimkujik National Park is a Canadian national park in Nova Scotia . It lies in the rugged interior of the peninsula, right at the boundary of the Annapolis Valley , Yarmouth and Digby , and South Shore regions. The national park, together with the Tobeatic Wilderness Area and surrounding Acadian Forest, is part of a unique landscape designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve , in recognition of the peninsula's biodiversity and importance to a number of endangered species.

Inland unit GPS coordinates: N 44.43829 W 65.20860 By plane: Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport is 197 km from the airport. By ferry: Ferries serve southwestern Nova Scotia at Digby and Yarmouth. By bus: ParkBus provides day-trip transportation from Halifax to Kejimkujik on some days. By car from Halifax (167 km): Drive south on Highway 103 and take Exit 13 (Bridgewater). The park is 66 km further; signs will indicate direction and distance to Kejimkujik. Turn right onto Highway 325 and turn left when the road joins Highway 208. Continue on the 208 until the road joins Route 8. Turn right onto Route 8, proceeding through Caledonia. Kejimkujik is 18 km from Caledonia, in the community of Maitland Bridge. Driving time: approximately 2 hr 5 min. Kejimkujik Seaside Kejimkujik Seaside is 180 km from Halifax and 99 km southeast of Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site. Plan to spend a half- or full-day at Kejimkujik Seaside. Fees and permits Inland unit daily/seasonal (2018): Adult $5.80/$29.40 Senior $4.90/$24.50 Youth and children free Family/group $11.75/$58.90 Seaside unit: No entry fee at this location Parks Canada Passes The Discovery Pass provides unlimited admission for a full year at over 80 Parks Canada places that charge a daily entrance fee. It provides faster entry and is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Prices for 2024 (taxes included): Family/group (up to 7 people in a vehicle): $151.25 Children and youth (0-17): free Adult (18-64): $75.25 Senior (65+): $64.50 The Cultural Access Pass : people who have received their Canadian citizenship in the past year can qualify for free entry to some sites.

Kejimkujik National Park is best explored on foot if staying in the town centre, though a car is useful for reaching attractions in the surrounding area. Local taxi services may be available. Cycling is a popular option in warmer months, with scenic routes connecting nearby points of interest.

Kejimkujik National Park and its surroundings offer natural scenery, local architecture, and points of interest that reflect the character of Nova Scotia. Look for heritage buildings, scenic viewpoints, and local landmarks that tell the story of the community and its place in Canadian history.

Canoeing One of Keji's most popular canoe routes is the Frozen Ocean loop . Traditionally, paddlers will begin their canoe trip at Big Dam Lake with a quick 400-m portage from the parking lot to the lake. This route follows Big Dam Lake to Stillwater Brook, which connects to Frozen Ocean Lake via a series of portages. Frozen Ocean Lake is home to multiple backcountry campsites, including Site 7, which is a group site for larger parties. Also found on Frozen Ocean Lake is a roofed shelter at backcountry Site 8, and a warden's cabin is located at the northeastern end of Frozen Ocean Lake. Most paddlers choose a campsite on Frozen Ocean Lake for their first night. The Frozen Ocean loop continues down Little River towards Channel Lake, encompassing a few more park maintained portages, some of which follow along rougher sections of river via a boardwalk. The portage out of Channel Lake starts at Campsite 9, and reconnects with Little River after a 700-m carry. From that point it's less than 2 km down Little River to Keji Lake. Many paddlers opt to spend an additional night on or near Keji Lake, before finishing their trip at Jake's Landing. A popular strategy is for paddlers to park their vehicle at Jake's Landing and use the shuttle service provided for the outfitter to transport them and their equipment up to the Big Dam parking lot, so that they finish their canoe trip at their vehicle. Hiking At the inland, there are 15 hiking trails available for day hikes and for overnight backpack camping: The longest trail is the 56-km Liberty Lake trail . Slapfoot Trail is a beautiful multi-purpose trail with excellent views that follows the shoreline of Kejimkujik Lake. It joins the campsites to the lakeshore, beaches, Jake's Landi [... truncated ...]

Dining in Kejimkujik National Park features Canadian comfort food and regional specialties. Expect fresh, locally sourced ingredients — seafood where coastal, game and farm produce in rural areas. Cafés and casual restaurants serve hearty meals. In Nova Scotia, look for dishes featuring local ingredients and traditional Maritime/Prairie/Quebecois cooking styles depending on the region.

Local pubs and cafés in Kejimkujik National Park serve Canadian beer, coffee, and comfort drinks. Nova Scotia has a growing craft brewery and distillery scene — ask locals for their favourites. Wine and spirits from Canadian producers are widely available. Non-alcoholic options include excellent Canadian coffee and local fruit juices.

Accommodation in and around Kejimkujik National Park ranges from bed-and-breakfasts and motels to seasonal cabins and inns. Options may be limited in smaller communities — advance booking is recommended, especially during peak summer season and holiday weekends. For a wider selection of hotels, the nearest larger town or city provides additional choices.

Local shops in Kejimkujik National Park offer everyday essentials and regional products. Look for locally made crafts, artisanal food products, and souvenirs that reflect the character of Nova Scotia. Farmers' markets, when in season, are excellent places to find fresh local produce and handmade goods.

From Kejimkujik National Park, visitors can explore other communities and natural attractions in Nova Scotia by road. The region offers scenic drives, provincial and national parks, and charming small towns worth a detour. Check highway conditions and fuel availability before setting out on longer routes, particularly in remote areas.