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Kejimkujik Overview

Kejimkujik National Park, affectionately known as Keji, is located in Nova Scotia, Canada, and offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty and cultural history. Established in 1967, the park spans approximately 404 square kilometers (about 156 square miles) of inland territory and an additional 22 square kilometers (about 8.5 square miles) of coastal lands in Kejimkujik National Park Seaside. Kejimkujik is unique among Canada’s national parks for being designated both as a National Park and a National Historic Site, reflecting its significance as a cultural landscape that has been inhabited by the Mi’kmaq people for thousands of years.

The park’s landscape is characterized by its diverse ecosystems, including dense forests, crystal-clear lakes, and flowing rivers, which provide a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Kejimkujik is known for its dark skies, offering some of the best stargazing opportunities in Eastern Canada, and its pristine waterways, which are popular for canoeing and kayaking. The park’s extensive network of hiking trails allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of the Acadian Forest and discover the park’s rich biodiversity.

Kejimkujik’s cultural heritage is deeply rooted in the Mi’kmaq traditions, with numerous petroglyph sites throughout the park that provide insight into the lives of its ancient inhabitants. These historic carvings depict scenes of hunting, fishing, and social life, offering a window into the spiritual and cultural significance of the landscape to the Mi’kmaq people.

In addition to its cultural and natural attractions, Kejimkujik National Park is committed to conservation efforts, protecting its unique ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. The park serves as a sanctuary for endangered species such as the Blanding’s turtle and provides educational programs that emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship.

Kejimkujik National Park invites visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Nova Scotia, offering a serene and enriching experience that connects them to Canada’s natural heritage and the enduring legacy of the Mi’kmaq people.

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Kejimkujik National Park Highlights

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Kejimkujik National Park, nestled in Nova Scotia’s picturesque wilderness, is a haven for a diverse range of wildlife species, each playing a role in the park’s vibrant ecosystem and offering visitors a chance to connect with nature’s untouched beauty.

Blanding’s Turtle Endangered and cherished, Blanding’s Turtle is easily recognized by its bright yellow throat and dome-shaped shell, thriving in the park’s freshwater habitats.

Common Loon The haunting call of the Common Loon, a symbol of Canadian wilderness, resonates across Kejimkujik’s lakes, captivating visitors with its eerie beauty.

White-tailed Deer Graceful and ubiquitous, White-tailed Deer are frequently observed throughout the park, browsing in meadows and forest edges at dawn and dusk.

Snap Turtle The formidable Snapping Turtle, with its powerful beak and prehistoric appearance, inhabits the park’s slow-moving waters, often basking on logs.

Monarch Butterfly Migratory and mesmerizing, Monarch Butterflies add a splash of color to Kejimkujik, especially during their migration, highlighting the park’s role in their journey.

Red Fox Adaptable and cunning, the Red Fox is a common sight, its reddish fur and bushy tail visible as it hunts or explores across various habitats.

Barred Owl The mysterious Barred Owl, with its distinctive “who cooks for you” call, is often heard at night, a ghostly presence in the park’s forests.

Ribbonsnake The threatened Eastern Ribbonsnake, slender and swift, slithers through the park’s wetlands and along water edges, a rare sight for the keen observer.

Atlantic Salmon Once abundant, efforts are underway to restore Atlantic Salmon to the park’s rivers, symbolizing hope for the revival of this iconic species.

Wood Turtle The Wood Turtle, with its sculpted shell and terrestrial habits, meanders through the park’s forests and streams, an ancient dweller of the landscape.

Kejimkujik National Park’s wildlife, from the serene Common Loon to the elusive Wood Turtle, paints a picture of the rich biodiversity within this protected area, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe and appreciate the natural inhabitants of Nova Scotia’s wilderness.

Kejimkujik National Park Pictures

Engaging Kejimkujik National Park

Discover the beauty of Kejimkujik National Park on its network of hiking trails. Explore old-growth forests, rocky shorelines, and scenic viewpoints as you hike through the park’s diverse ecosystems.

With trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks, hikers of all abilities can enjoy the park’s natural beauty and wildlife. Highlights include the Hemlocks and Hardwoods Trail, which winds through a lush forest of towering trees, and the Coastal Loop Trail, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Hiking in Kejimkujik provides opportunities to connect with nature and experience the tranquility of Nova Scotia’s wilderness.

Explore the tranquil waterways of Kejimkujik National Park by canoe. Paddle along winding rivers, serene lakes, and peaceful streams, immersing yourself in the park’s pristine wilderness.

With over 100 kilometers of interconnected water routes to choose from, canoeists can embark on day trips or multi-day expeditions, camping at backcountry sites along the way. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as bald eagles, loons, and beavers as you glide through the park’s diverse ecosystems.

Canoeing in Kejimkujik offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and tranquility of Nova Scotia’s natural landscapes from a different perspective.

Kejimkujik National Park Trails

Hemlocks and Hardwoods Trail

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 3.1 miles (5 km) loop with minimal elevation gain

Description: This trail offers a peaceful walk through one of Nova Scotia’s oldest hemlock and hardwood forests. Along the way, hikers can discover 400-year-old hemlock trees and a rich understorey of ferns and mosses.

Educational panels provide insights into the old-growth forest ecosystem, making it a perfect trail for nature lovers and families looking for an educational experience.

Mill Falls Trail

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 1.2 miles (2 km) loop with minimal elevation gain

Description: Following the Mersey River to the beautiful Mill Falls, this trail is an easy and scenic walk ideal for families. The sound of cascading water accompanies hikers as they explore a mix of forested areas and riverbank.

Picnic spots along the route offer a chance to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Peter Point Trail

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 1.1 miles (1.8 km) loop with minimal elevation gain

Description: A short but sweet trail leading to a quiet, secluded beach on Kejimkujik Lake. It’s an excellent spot for swimming or picnicking, with beautiful views across the water.

The trail gently meanders through mixed forest, offering a quick escape into nature and a perfect viewpoint for sunsets over the lake.

Mersey River Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 3.1 miles (5 km) round trip with minimal elevation gain

Description: This trail follows the meandering Mersey River, offering serene views of the water and surrounding forest.

Boardwalk sections protect sensitive wetlands while providing close-up views of the river’s ecosystem. It’s an excellent trail for bird watching and spotting other wildlife like turtles and otters.

Liberty Lake Trail

Rating: Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 38.5 miles (62 km) loop with significant elevation gain over the entire loop

Description: The most challenging trail in the park, Liberty Lake Trail, offers an extended backcountry experience around Liberty Lake. This multi-day hike traverses through a variety of landscapes including dense forests, wetlands, and lakeshores.

It’s an adventure for experienced hikers seeking solitude and the opportunity to explore the deeper wilderness of Kejimkujik National Park.

FAQ’s

1. What is Kejimkujik National Park known for?

Kejimkujik National Park, located in Nova Scotia, Canada, is known for its rich cultural history, diverse ecosystems, and abundance of recreational activities.

The park is home to ancient Mi’kmaq petroglyphs and pictographs, showcasing the indigenous heritage of the region. It is also renowned for its pristine wilderness, including old-growth forests, crystal-clear lakes, and winding rivers.

Visitors come to Kejimkujik to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, canoeing, camping, and wildlife viewing.

The park’s tranquil beauty and cultural significance make it a popular destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking to connect with Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.

Sources
  • All Trails, Best Trails in Kejimkujik National Park, https://www.alltrails.com/parks/canada/nova-scotia/kejimkujik-national-park-and-national-historic-site retrieved April 2024.
  • Canadian Encyclopedia, Kejimkujik National Park, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/kejimkujik-national-park-and-national-historic-site, retrieved April 2024.
  • ational Geographic, National Parks of North America, Canada-United States-Mexico, National Geographic Society, 1995.
  • Nova Scotia, Kejimkujik, https://www.novascotia.com/see-do/attractions/kejimkujik-national-park-and-national-historic-site/1386, retrieved April 2024.
  • Parks Canada, Kejimkujik, https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ns/kejimkujik, retrieved April 2024.
  • World Lake Database, Lake Kejimkujik, https://wldb.ilec.or.jp/Display/html/3457, retrieved April 2024.