Kejimkujik

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site encompasses 404 square kilometers of inland forest, lakes, and rivers in southwestern Nova Scotia, along with a separate seaside adjunct on the Atlantic coast. The park protects one of the last remaining tracts of old-growth eastern hemlock-red spruce forest in the Maritimes and serves as a Dark Sky Preserve, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities. Rich in Mi'kmaq history and culture, the park features over 500 ancient petroglyphs carved into lakeside rocks, providing a unique window into Indigenous heritage. Established in 1974, Kejimkujik is a paddler's paradise with interconnected waterways, diverse wildlife including the endangered Blanding's turtle, and year-round recreational opportunities.

The park supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including larger mammals such as white-tailed deer, black bears, and coyotes. The waters host several fish species, including brook trout and white perch. Kejimkujik is particularly important for the endangered Blanding's turtle, with the park containing one of the species' last remaining populations in Nova Scotia. The park is also home to numerous bird species, including common loons, barred owls, and various waterfowl. The coastal section provides important habitat for harbor seals and various shorebirds. Several species of amphibians and reptiles can also be found throughout the park.

Kejimkujik features a diverse mix of Acadian forest species, including both northern and southern varieties. The forest consists primarily of hemlock, red spruce, white pine, red maple, and yellow birch. The park is home to several rare plant species, including the water-pennywort and the eastern mountain avens. Coastal areas support unique plant communities adapted to salt spray and wind, including coastal plain flora. The park also contains significant stands of old-growth hemlock forest, some with trees over 400 years old. Numerous bog and fen environments support specialized plant communities including orchids and carnivorous plants.

The park's landscape was shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, approximately 10,000 years ago. The bedrock consists primarily of Southern Mountain slate and quartzite, formed during the Ordovician period. Glacial erosion created the park's characteristic drumlins, eskers, and numerous lakes and streams. The coastal section features exposed bedrock headlands and cobble beaches, while the inland portion is characterized by rolling hills, shallow lakes, and streams. This glacial history has resulted in poor soil development in many areas, contributing to the unique vegetation patterns observed today.

Kejimkujik National Park experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures typically range from 20-25°C (68-77°F), while winter temperatures average between -5 to -10°C (23-14°F). The park receives significant precipitation throughout the year, with annual rainfall averaging 1,400mm. Spring and fall are mild but can be wet, making late June to early September the most popular time for visitors. Weather can change quickly, particularly near the coastal section of the park, so visitors should be prepared for varying conditions.

The park area has been home to the Mi'kmaq people for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence dating back over 4,000 years. The name 'Kejimkujik' comes from the Mi'kmaq word meaning 'tired muscles,' referring to the effort required to canoe across the park's lakes. The park contains numerous petroglyphs and traditional Mi'kmaq sites, making it an important cultural landscape that tells the story of human habitation from pre-colonial times through European settlement.

The area became a National Park in 1969, and in 1995, it was also designated as a National Historic Site, recognizing its cultural significance to the Mi'kmaq people.

Key attractions include the park's extensive network of interconnected lakes and waterways, perfect for canoeing and kayaking. The park contains over 100 kilometers of hiking trails, including the popular Mill Falls and Hemlocks and Hardwoods trails. The Dark Sky Preserve designation makes it an excellent location for stargazing, with some of the darkest skies in North America. The Merrymakedge area offers supervised swimming and interpretive programs during summer months. The coastal section (Kejimkujik Seaside) features pristine white sand beaches, coastal barrens, and seal-watching opportunities. The park also contains numerous Mi'kmaq petroglyphs, though access to these sites is restricted to guided tours to ensure their preservation.

Kejimkujik National Park's main inland section is accessed via Highway 8 between Annapolis Royal and Liverpool, Nova Scotia. The park offers three drive-in campgrounds (Jeremy's Bay with over 350 sites, Jims Charles Point group camping, and backcountry sites) plus canoe-in wilderness camping throughout the interior lakes. The Visitor Centre at Jake's Landing provides interpretive programs, exhibits, and trip planning assistance. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, along with bike rentals for exploring the park's trail system. The separate Kejimkujik Seaside section is accessed near Port Mouton and offers day-use facilities only. Both sections provide accessible facilities, picnic areas, and comfort stations. Nearby communities including Caledonia and Liverpool offer additional accommodations and services.

Kejimkujik National Park serves as a critical refuge for species at risk including the endangered mainland moose population, Blanding's turtle, and ribbon snake. The park's designation as a Dark Sky Preserve in 2010 demonstrates commitment to reducing light pollution and protecting nocturnal ecosystems. Active conservation programs focus on protecting and restoring old-growth hemlock-red spruce forests, controlling invasive species, and managing water quality in the park's interconnected lake systems. Cultural resource conservation includes ongoing protection and monitoring of Mi'kmaq petroglyphs and archaeological sites through collaboration with Mi'kmaq communities. Climate change adaptation strategies address warming temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and their impacts on sensitive species and ecosystems. The park conducts extensive ecological monitoring and research on aquatic ecosystems, forest dynamics, and wildlife populations.