National park · Canada

Kejimkujik National ParkKejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site

Day trip from Halifax: drive 2 h to the inland park, pay the Parks Canada entry fee, walk Slapfoot (2–3 h) or paddle the Mersey; skip the Seaside unit unless you have a separate half-day near Liverpool.

Not field-verifiedUNESCO Biosphere ReserveSpecial national siteSome areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026

Map to the park

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Directions

From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

404 km²156 sq mi

approximate

Established

1967

Best months

Jul–Sep

UNESCO

Biosphere

Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…

North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.

At a glance

Country: Canada
Area: 404 km²156 sq mi; 404 km² across two units: the large inland park plus the Kejimkujik Seaside unit on the Atlantic coast (check current boundary figures).
Established: 1967
Best months: Jul–Sep
Permits: For some areas

Kejimkujik — Keji to everyone — is the wooded interior of southwest Nova Scotia: a low upland of lakes, slow rivers and Acadian forest about 50 km inland from the South Shore, plus a small coastal unit, Kejimkujik Seaside, near Port Joli. The whole inland park is also a National Historic Site because of its Mi'kmaq cultural landscape — canoe routes, village sites and petroglyphs — and it sits inside a UNESCO biosphere reserve. It is a Dark-Sky Preserve, so the night sky is part of the reason to camp rather than day-trip.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

UNESCO Biosphere ReservePart of the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve with the Tobeatic Wilderness Area.
Special national siteThe inland park is a National Historic Site of Canada for its Mi'kmaq cultural landscape.

Size and age

404 km²156 sq mi · national park since 1967

404 km² across two units: the large inland park plus the Kejimkujik Seaside unit on the Atlantic coast (check current boundary figures).

Why go

Canoe country: a connected lake-and-river system with maintained portages, so you can paddle for days and see almost nobody.
The inland park is a National Historic Site — Mi'kmaq petroglyphs, village sites and canoe routes, not just trees and water.
Dark-Sky Preserve: on a clear night away from Jeremy's Bay lights the Milky Way is the main attraction.
Easy day access from Halifax (about 2 h by car) with short lakeside trails if you are not camping.

When to go

12-month verdict

JanAvoid
FebAvoid
MarAvoid
AprCaution
MayGo
JunGo
JulBest
AugBest
SepBest
OctGo
NovCaution
DecAvoid

JanDeep snow, most services closed; winter access is limited
FebCold and snowy; check what is open before driving
MarThaw, mud and ice; few facilities
AprQuiet; trails wet, some services still closed
MayPark opens mid-May; blackflies start
JunWarm days, bugs at their worst; fewer people than July
JulFull services; warmest water for swimming and paddling
AugFull services; book campsites well ahead
SepMild, quieter, good paddling; some services wind down
OctColour in the hardwoods; services end 31 Oct
NovLimited services; short days
DecWinter conditions; check access

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year

Wildlife and nature calendar for Kejimkujik National Park
What	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Piping plover nesting on the Seaside beachesMay–Aug · Keep off signed nesting areas and keep dogs away.	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no	no
Blanding's turtle nesting on beachesJun–Jul · Endangered in Nova Scotia; do not touch nests, report sightings to the visitor centre.	no	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	no	no	no	no	no
Loons, beavers and warblers on the lakesMay–Sep	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no
Seals on the Seaside rocksMay–Oct	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no
Blackflies and mosquitoesMay–Jul	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no	no	no
Moose and white-tailed deerMay–Jun, Sep–Oct · Dawn and dusk along waterways; drive slowly on Route 8.	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	no	no	yes	yes	no	no

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

How to get there

From Halifax

Drive Highway 103 to Exit 13 (Bridgewater), then Highway 325, Highway 208 and Route 8 through Caledonia to Maitland Bridge.

2–2.5 h

From Halifax by shuttle

Seasonal day-trip bus service to the park on selected dates; check whether it is running this year.

2.5 h

From Annapolis Royal

Route 8 south through Kejimkujik Lake country to the park entrance.

1 h

From Liverpool

Route 8 north to Maitland Bridge; the Seaside unit is off Highway 103 near Port Joli.

1 h

From Kejimkujik Seaside

Separate coastal unit, about 99 km southeast of the inland park by road.Separate coastal unit, about 62 mi southeast of the inland park by road.

1.5 h

Zones and sectors

Zones of Kejimkujik National Park
Zone	What is there	Access
Jeremy's Bay and Merrymakedge	Main campground, beach, day-use area and the start of the short lakeside trails.	Open with entry fee; full services July–August.
Kejimkujik Lake and Mersey River	The paddling heart of the park, with portages linking lakes and rivers.	Open; backcountry permit needed to camp.
Backcountry lakes	Frozen Ocean, Channel and the Liberty Lake country — canoe, bike or hike in only.	Permit and reservation required.
Kejimkujik Seaside	Barrier beaches, bogs and coastal barrens near Port Joli; piping plover nesting area.	Day use only; no camping.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation

Inland coordinates are approximate, for orientation between the gate, the campground and the canoe routes; the Seaside point is a rough position in the coastal unit.

1Maitland Bridge entrance · Gate≈44.438, -65.209Inland park gate on Route 8.Map ↗
2Jeremy's Bay Campground · Sleep≈44.405, -65.220Map ↗
3Jake's Landing · Ranger station≈44.390, -65.230Canoe launch and shuttle point on Kejimkujik Lake.Map ↗
4Big Dam Lake parking · Trail≈44.430, -65.180Start of the Frozen Ocean loop, with a short portage to the water.Map ↗
5Frozen Ocean Lake · Sleep≈44.460, -65.130Backcountry campsites and a roofed shelter.Map ↗
6Merrymakedge Beach · Beach≈44.400, -65.210Map ↗
7St Catherines River Beach, Seaside · Beach≈43.900, -64.830Approximate; in the coastal unit near Port Joli.Map ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

TrailsEasy2–3 hSlapfoot TrailMulti-use lakeshore path linking the campground, beaches and Jake's Landing; the obvious first walk.

Boat tripsModerate2–3 daysFrozen Ocean loop paddleBig Dam Lake, portages to Frozen Ocean Lake, then Little River and Channel Lake down to Keji Lake; park the car at Jake's Landing and shuttle up.Booking: Backcountry permit and campsite reservation

TrailsHard3–5 daysLiberty Lake TrailThe long 56 km route for backpackers; rough, wet sections and few bail-out points.Booking: Backcountry permit

Boat tripsEasyHalf dayMersey River canoe dayShort paddle from Jake's Landing with a shuttle back; good first taste of the water system.Booking: Rental from the park outfitter

ViewpointsEasyEveningDark-sky stargazingStay after sunset on a clear, moonless night; bring a red torch and keep white lights off.

TrailsEasy1.5–2 hHarbour Rocks Trail, SeasideBarrens and bogs to St Catherines River Beach; seals and shorebirds offshore, plover nesting on the sand.

TrailsModerate2–3 hPort Joli Head Trail, SeasideRocky coastal loop past berms and ponds; wind and wet footing most of the year.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

CAD ranges · check

Fees for Kejimkujik National Park
Item	Range	Per	Note
Entry, adult	CAD 6–7	person	2026 estimate; Parks Canada adjusts fees yearly — check the current rate.
Entry, senior	CAD 5.5–6.5	person	2026 estimate.
Entry, youth (under 18)	Free	person	Free for youth; check the current Parks Canada policy.
Family or group day entry	CAD 13–16	group	2026 estimate for a vehicle or family group.
Discovery Pass (annual, all Parks Canada sites)	CAD 70–80	adult	2026 estimate; worth it if you visit two or more Parks Canada sites.
Frontcountry campsite, Jeremy's Bay	CAD 30–45	night	2026 estimate; serviced sites cost more.
Backcountry campsite	CAD 13–20	person per night	2026 estimate; reservation fee extra.
oTENTik or rustic cabin	CAD 100–150	night	2026 estimate; book early for July–August.

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Park entry permit or guide

Pay at the gate or buy online before you arrive; keep the receipt on your dashboard.

Backcountry camping permit permit or guide

Reserve through the Parks Canada reservation service; you need a route plan and a campsite number per night.

Canoe rental or shuttle no permit

Book with the park outfitter for the Frozen Ocean loop shuttle between Jake's Landing and Big Dam.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more

Pets: Dogs must be on a leash and are not allowed on the Seaside beaches during plover nesting season.
Camping: Only at designated frontcountry or backcountry sites; no random camping in the forest.
Petroglyphs: Do not touch, chalk or photograph with flash; the carvings are fragile and culturally sensitive.
Fires: Only in provided fire pits; check for fire bans before you light anything.
Drones: Not allowed without a permit from Parks Canada (check).check
Litter and food: Pack out everything; store food away from tents because of bears and raccoons.

Where to stay

In the park

Jeremy's Bay Campground

Tenting to RV sites, plus oTENTiks, yurts and rustic cabins; showers, washrooms and a campfire program in season.

In the park

Jim Charles Point

Group tenting area inside the park.

In the park

Backcountry campsites

Canoe-in, bike-in or hike-in sites, including a group site and a roofed shelter on Frozen Ocean Lake.

Near the park

Maitland Bridge and Caledonia

Small inns, motels and B&Bs outside the gate for people not camping.

Near the park

Thomas Raddall Provincial Park

Camping across the bay from the Seaside unit, since the Seaside has no camping.

Safety

Cold water and sudden wind on the lakes medium

Wear a life jacket, stay near shore in a small boat and check the forecast before crossing open water.

Getting lost or benighted in the backcountry medium

Carry the park map, a compass and a headlamp; tell someone your route and campsite numbers.

Ticks and Lyme disease medium

Cover up on grassy trails, check yourself after walking and remove ticks promptly.

Black bears and coyotes low

Hang or store food properly, cook away from your tent and never feed wildlife.

Winter conditions high

From November to April expect snow, ice and closed services; go only with winter gear and a plan.

Accessibility

Jeremy's Bay has a wheelchair-accessible washroom building with a shower and six nearby campsites for people with mobility disabilities, four with electricity.
Two accessible oTENTiks can be reserved through the Parks Canada reservation service.
The Slapfoot Trail and the Merrymakedge day-use area are the easiest walks for limited mobility; the backcountry routes are not.

Visiting lightly

Paddle the established routes and use the maintained portages instead of cutting new paths.
Keep to the beach above the plover nesting lines at the Seaside unit.
Use the fire pits, buy firewood locally and leave deadwood in the forest.
Camp at designated sites so the lakeshore stays as it is.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Kejimkujik National Park?

Expect roughly CAD 6–7 per adult for a day, with youth free and a family or vehicle rate around CAD 13–16 (2026 estimate). Camping and backcountry permits are charged separately. Parks Canada adjusts fees each year, so check the current rate before you drive out.

What are the best hikes in Kejimkujik National Park?

For a short visit, the Slapfoot Trail along Kejimkujik Lake is the easy pick at 2–3 hours. Backpackers take the 56 km Liberty Lake Trail over several days. At the coastal Seaside unit, Harbour Rocks Trail reaches St Catherines River Beach in about 1.5–2 hours and Port Joli Head Trail is a rockier 2–3 hour loop.

When is the best time to visit Kejimkujik National Park?

July to September for full services, warm water and the easiest paddling, with September quieter than August. May, June and October are open with limited services; from November to April expect winter conditions and few facilities.

Do I need a reservation to camp at Keji?

Yes for July and August, and for backcountry sites at any time. Frontcountry sites at Jeremy's Bay, the oTENTiks and cabins, and every backcountry campsite are booked through the Parks Canada reservation service.

Can I visit Kejimkujik without a car?

It is hard. The inland park is about 167 km from Halifax with no regular public transport; a seasonal day-trip shuttle has run on selected dates, so check whether it is operating this year. Otherwise you need a car or a tour.

Is Kejimkujik good for stargazing?

Yes. It is a Dark-Sky Preserve, so on a clear, moonless night the sky is the attraction. Stay after sunset, use a red torch and keep white lights and phone screens off.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are allowed on a leash in the inland park but not on the Seaside beaches during piping plover nesting season. Check the current Parks Canada rules before you go.

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go