Kejimkujik National Park

Kejimkujik National Park in Canada is an area containing historical sites covering periods from pre-colonial times to the present day. It is a popular site to escape the hustle and bustle of the world and immerse yourself in Nova Scotia’s natural beauty.

History of Kejimkujik National Park

Occupied for over 4,000 years, Kejimkujik National Park has historically been home to several indigenous peoples, and the native Mi’kmaq have been living in the area for the last 2,000 years. The park takes its name from Kejimkujik Lake, which is a Mi’kmaq word believed to mean ‘land where fairies abound.’

A number of rock carvings (or petroglyphs) can still be seen on slate outcroppings along the shore. They depict scenes from traditional Mi’kmaq life over the centuries, such as hunting, fishing, and wildlife.

These can only be viewed as part of a guided walk of Kejimkujik National Park.

From around 1820, European settlers began to arrive in the area and many industries grew up including farming, logging and gold mining. A number of sites from this era can be viewed, including sawmills, pits, and mining cabins.

The main part of Kejimkujik was first established as a National Park in 1969, as it was recognised for its old growth forest, rare wildlife, and traditional Mi’kmaq waterways.

Kejimkujik National Park Today

Today, visitors looking for a very active and outdoors-oriented experience flock to Kejimkujik. It is possible to explore the traditional waterways by canoe which were the same routes used by Indigenous people over many centuries.

The hiking trails are extensive, with some taking 16 days and cutting through a wide range of forest, including Acadian forests, red maple floodplains, windswept pinetrees, and old growth hemlocks. There is also an extensive oceanfront and seaside, which is a hiker’s paradise.

There are also a number of campsites – some with electricity, some lit only by the light of the stars – where visitors can pitch their tents among the stunning scenery. Indeed, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada designated the park as a Dark Sky Preserve in 2010, which restricts the use of artificial light in most of the park.

There are also options for those who are looking for something a little more robust, with glamping options available.

Getting to Kejimkujik National Park

From the capital, Halifax, the park is a two to two and a half hour drive to the park, via the NS-103 W road. It is possible to drive between different locations at the site itself.