Facilities and services

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site

Enjoy a variety of facilities and services during your visit to Kejimkujik and Kejimkujik Seaside, including new accessible and inclusive washroom and shower facilities located in Jeremy’s Bay Campground. Availability changes by season. Some facilities are open year-round.

Parks Canada is working to improve accessibility to facilities and services for all visitors. While we make changes in Kejimkujik, our web pages will help visitors know what to expect.

Kejimkujik (inland)

Open year-round

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

The public can now access an Automated External Defibrillator (AED, used for cardiac emergencies) day or night at the Kejimkujik Visitor Centre, thanks to The Jordan Boyd Foundation and Emergency Health Services - EHS.

Kejimkujik Visitor Centre

The civic address is 3005 Main Parkway, Maitland Bridge NS B0T 1B0.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at the Kejimkujik Visitor Centre.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at the Kejimkujik Visitor Centre.
 
More information
Electric vehicle charging stations
More details
Dates of operation

Open 24 hours/day year-round:

  • Visitor Centre parking lot (two stations)

    Two stations with: 

    • one plug for Tesla vehicles only
    • one plug for all other EVs

Cost: Free with admission

Open from Victoria Day weekend to October 31: 

  • Lakeview Café & Eatery (one station with one plug)
  • Near the Tuck Shoppe (two stations with one plug each)

Cost: $1.50 per hour

More details

Consult PlugShare or Flo for more details.

Accessibility

Visitor Centre parking lot

The plugs are located in an area of mulch, about 5 feet from the edge of the pavement. The access is level.

The area can become very wet and muddy.

The height of the plug is 100 cm.

The EV charging station is located in mulch about 5 feet from the edge of the pavement.
EV charging station at the Visitor Centre parking lot.

Lakeview Café & Eatery, Merrymakedge

The EV charging station is located on the side of the building next to a gravel path.
EV charging station at Lakeview Café & Eatery.

Near the Tuck Shoppe

The EV charging stations are located on the side of the building next to a gravel parking lot.
Two EV charging stations near the Tuck Shoppe.
Parking
More details
Locations

Parking is available at the following locations:

  • Visitor Centre
  • Mill Falls
  • Mersey River Trail
  • Farmlands Trail
  • Rogers Brook Trail
  • Jake’s Landing
  • Merrymakedge (P1 to P4)
  • Grafton Woods Trail
  • Eel Weir
  • Jim Charles Point 
  • Big Dam
  • Flowing Waters
  • Peter Point

Jeremy's Bay Campground:

Parking is available for two cars at each campsite.

Fall, winter, spring

The Big Dam Road (to the north) and the Eel Weir Road (to the south) are gated, which affects distance to access the trails. These gates will be locked until the spring.

Accessibility

Accessible parking is available at:

  • Visitor Centre
  • Jake's Landing
  • Jim Charles Point
  • Kedge Beach
  • Merrymakedge P1
  • Merrymakedge P4
The accessible parking spot at Jakes Landing with canoe rental building, canoes, docks, picnic tables and grass in the background.
The accessible parking spot at Jakes Landing near Whynot Adventure – The Keji Outfitter.
 
Pit privies (outhouses)
More details
Dates of operation

Open year-round.

Locations

Pit privies are available at the following locations:

  • Mill Falls Trail
  • Big Dam Road parking lot
  • Mersey River Trail (accessible)
  • Jim Charles Point
  • Jake’s Landing
  • Merrymakedge P1 (accessible) and P4
  • Sky Circle (accessible)
  • Eel Weir
Fall, winter, and spring

Not all pit privies are serviced during the winter months, so please bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Accessible pit privies (outhouses)

Accessible pit privies located at:

  • Mersey River trailhead
  • Merrymakedge P1

What to expect:

  • crushed stone path, level with the door entrance
  • hand rails in the pit privies

Merrymakedge pit privy:

  • doorway is 34.5 inches wide
  • threshold has a small 1 inch lip
  • door handle is 41 inches from the ground
Pit privy
Outside an accessible pit privy
Inside a pit privy showing handrails next to  the toilet.
Inside an accessible pit privy

Activity spaces open year-round

Picnic tables and shelters
More details
Dates of operation

Year-round: Mill Falls and Merrymakedge (P1) picnic shelters are available for day use year-round.

Victoria Day Weekend to October 31: Kedge Beach picnic shelter is open.

Fall and winter: There is no electricity in the shelters.

Great picnic spots

Quiet dining retreats along the Mersey River at places like Mill Falls, Mersey River trailhead, or Jake's Landing.

Pleasant shady spots right next to the river off of the main park road.

If you are out for a paddle there are picnic sites with tables and privies at Luxie Cove and Nancy Cove on Kejimkujik Lake. These picnic sites do not have fireplaces so you will have to bring a portable stove if you wish to cook food.

Map of picnic spots in day-use areas

The Parks Canada Perfect Picnic

Available from July to October 31.

Pick up a perfect picnic lunch on your way to Kejimkujik and Kejimkujik Seaside!

More information.

Accessibility

What to expect:

  • extended picnic tables outside all shelters and day-use areas
  • door width into the shelters is 32 inches
  • doorway into the shelter is not barrier free and has a slightly raised threshold (sill)
Picnic shelter photos
Concrete pad leads to the picnic shelter and the barrier-free, accessible washroom.
Picnic shelter and washroom facilities
Entrance to the picnic shelter with paved entrance surrounded by crushed gravel.
Picnic shelter entrance
Two buildings: barrier-free washroom with a view of the outdoor dish-washing station on the left, and picnic shelter on the right.
Picnic shelter and washroom facilities
Outdoor dish-washing station with two sinks and taps for running water.
Outdoor dish washing station
Picnic shelter at Jim Charles Point with two picnic tables, a wood-stove, seating benches, and prep table.
Inside picnic shelter at Jim Charles Point
 
Trails

Enjoy trails of varying length and difficulty by walking, hiking, biking, skiing, or snowshoeing. Trail descriptions

More details
Dates of operation

Open year-round, weather permitting.

Fall, winter, and spring conditions

Note that trails are not maintained or patrolled between November 1 and Victoria Day weekend.

You may encounter washed out or flooded sections and/or downed trees.

Emergencies: Call 911 and prepare to wait for help to arrive.

Accessibility

What to expect:

Kejimkujik’s front-country trails are designed to be relatively flat and are mostly less than < 8% grade, except in large elevation gain areas (e.g., Beech Grove).

They offer a 4-feet wide, mixed-terrain surface (mostly Class A gravel and boardwalk).

Trail surfaces vary; exposed rocks and tree roots should be expected, with some sections of the Ukme’k trail composed of cobble and coarse gravel.

Trail descriptions

Open seasonally from Victoria Day long weekend into October

All-terrain wheelchair
More details
Dates of operation

Victoria Day weekend to October 31
8:30 am to 4:30 pm

To borrow the chair, inquire at the Visitor Centre or call ahead 902-682-2772

Hippocampe all-terrain wheelchair

Available for free to allow visitors with reduced mobility to access beaches and trails.

It can easily be disassembled for transportation by van.

Our model is intended for people between 4’7” and 5’5” and has a maximum weight capacity of 286 lb.

By the Mersey gift shop

Hours of operation:

  • May 17 to June 27, 2024: 10 am to 4 pm
  • June 28 to September 1, 2024: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • September 2 to October 14, 2024: 10 am to 4 pm
  • October 15 to October 31, 2024: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm

Located at the Visitor Centre.

Find books about Kejimkujik, field guides, souvenirs and keepsakes, children’s books, clothes, warm jackets, and something fun to do on a rainy day.

Operated by the Friends of Keji Cooperating Association. All profits support programs and amenities at Kejimkujik.

Accessibility: 

There is a small ramp to the entrance.

Device charging stations
More details
Dates of operation

From Victoria Day Weekend to October 31

Details

Two three-pronged power outlets are available in the common area of the accessible washrooms.

Drinking water
More details
Campground

Washrooms have water taps and tap water is tested regularly to ensure it is safe for drinking.

Backcountry

Never assume that any water source in the backcountry is safe to drink.

Always bring drinking water or water purification (tablets, pump filter) into the backcountry with you.

Dumping station

There is a dumping station located in Jeremy’s Bay Campground.

The dumping station provides waste disposal and water fill-up for recreational vehicles.

Firewood

Fire bans and temporary closures

Check the important bulletins to see if there is a fire ban or temporary closure in place.

Be prepared for a fire ban at any time. Please plan ahead and bring a camp stove.

Charcoal is permitted but it is considered an open fire which may be banned in dry conditions. Gas camp stoves are always permitted.

More details
Dates of operation

From Victoria Day Weekend to October 31:

Firewood is available for purchase at the Sky Circle parking lot P1.

Wood supply may vary through the year and visitors should be prepared to cook on a camp stove.

Firewood Policy

To prevent the spread of invasive pests, bringing in firewood or kindling from outside of Kejimkujik is prohibited, except kiln dried wood in a sealed plastic bag.

Firewood purchased in Kejimkujik is kiln dried and bug free. More information.

Firewood permit

Visitors require a Firewood Permit from the Campground Kiosk.

Campsite fireplaces

A fireplace is provided for evening fires at each campsite. Open fires may be built in these fireplaces only.

Please build small fires to conserve firewood.

Roofed accommodations

No open flames or cooking is permitted inside the roofed accommodations.

Fires are allowed outside the roofed accommodations, using the fire pit provided. Please build small fires to conserve firewood.

Internet access
More details
Wireless (Wi-Fi) internet access

Available in the campground by the Tuck Shoppe, Visitor Centre, and Merrymakedge Eatery.

Please note that bandwidth is limited given Kejimkujik's remote location.

Lakeview Café & Eatery

Hours of operation: Please check Facebook

  • Open May 17, 2024 to June 20, 2024, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only
  • Open June 21, 2024 to September 30, 2024, daily

Located at Merrymakedge Beach (P4).

902-809-0359

Accessibility:

Lakeview Café & Eatery has an order window with a counter height of 770 mm.

Various seating options are available on the wooden deck, including a picnic table with an extended tabletop.

Building and picnic table.
Tuck Shoppe
The Tuck Shoppe order window
The Tuck Shoppe order window

Hours of operation: 

  • June 28 to September 1, 2024, from 1 pm to 8 pm

Located in Jeremy's Bay campground.

Enjoy ice cream, drinks, and slushies.

Operated by the Friends of Keji Co-operating Association. All profits support programs and amenities at Kejimkujik.

Accessibility: 

There is a small wooden deck beside the Tuck Shoppe order window.

The wooden deck is 7" high and 48.5" wide.

Visitor Centre
More details
Dates of operation

May 17 to October 31, 2024

8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Sunday to Saturday)

Phone

902-682-2772

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

The public can now access an Automated External Defibrillator (AED, used for cardiac emergencies) day or night at the Kejimkujik Visitor Centre, thanks to The Jordan Boyd Foundation and Emergency Health Services - EHS.

An Automated External Defibrillator at the Kejimkujik Visitor Centre.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at the Kejimkujik Visitor Centre. The civic address is 3005 Main Parkway, Maitland Bridge NS B0T 1B0.
 
Things to do

Begin your visit at the Visitor Centre! Talk with staff about what to see and do.

Find a special keepsake at the By the Mersey Gift Shop, operated by the Friends of Keji.

Explore Mill Falls Trail that begins right outside the doors and leads to the Ukme'k Trail. More information.

Accessibility

What to expect:

  • wheel-chair accessible parking lot
  • button-operated exterior doors to Visitor Centre
  • male and female washrooms with hand rails and motion-sensor lights
  • water fountains in each washroom
  • free WiFi
Washrooms with flush toilets and showers
More details
Flush toilets

Flush toilets are available at the following locations:

Open: May 17 to October 31, 2024

  • the Visitor Centre
  • Mill Falls
  • Kedge Beach

Open: Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend

  • Jakes Landing
  • Merrymakedge Beach (P4)
  • Merrymakedge (P1) (accessible)
Jeremy’s Bay campground facilities

Each of the ten new facilities at Jeremy’s Bay campground has:

Washrooms (gender inclusive):

  • 2 accessible family washrooms (only 1 family accessible washroom at Jim Charles Point)
  • 3 standard washrooms (4 standard washrooms at Jim Charles Point)

Showers (gender inclusive):

  • 1 accessible shower
  • 2 standard showers

Common area with:

  • accessible water fountain
  • sitting bench
  • charging station

Accessibility features of the building include:

  • level and barrier-free concrete walkways to the washrooms
  • push-button operated interior and exterior doors
  • motion activated interior lights
  • exterior lights
Accessible family washrooms

Each accessible washroom at Jeremy’s Bay campground has:

  • push-button operated door and lock
  • accessible flush toilet
  • hand rails at the toilet
  • baby change table
  • motion-activated interior lights
  • universal symbol and braille labeling on the door
  • electrical outlet
A sign with braille and a push-button operated door to access the family accessible washroom, including toilet and change table.
Door to accessible family washroom
The family accessible washroom contains a toilet with handrails, sink, mirror, hand drying station, a small shelf, a baby change table.
Inside an accessible family washroom
The family accessible washroom contains a baby change table, electrical outlet, waste bin, and push-button operated door.
Inside an accessible family washroom
 
Accessible family washroom at Jim Charles Point

An adult change table is available at Jim Charles Point only.

The adult change table in the family accessible washroom.
Adult change table
Accessible showers

Closures and changes affecting accessible showers

The accessible showers in two washroom buildings (the one at Meadow Beach and the one opposite sites 293/296 in Jim Charles loop) are currently closed due to a serious safety issue.

To mitigate this issue as we plan for a permanent solution, the fixed shower seats in the other eight accessible showers have been removed and replaced with moveable bariatric transfer benches.

In addition, both grab bars were removed from the accessible shower near M11, the L-shaped grab bar was removed in the accessible shower opposite site 233 in Slapfoot loop, and the side grab bar (previously beside the bench) was removed in the accessible shower opposite site 337 in Jim Charles loop. If you are camping by these washroom buildings and would prefer to use a different accessible shower, please note the one located at Kedge Beach has parking available nearby.

These measures are necessary to ensure the safety of visitors, which is of the utmost importance to Parks Canada. We are working diligently to address the issue and apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding and your patience.

Each accessible shower at Jeremy’s Bay campground has:

  • push-button operated door and lock
  • accessible shower fixtures including grab bars and height adjustable controls with a detachable wand
  • bench in changing area
  • motion-activated lights and exhaust fan
  • universal symbol and Braille labelling on the door
A sign with braille and a push-button operated door to access the accessible shower.
Accessible door to the accessible shower
Accessible shower with an adult folding bench, a detachable shower wand, a horizontal handrail, and two vertical handrails.
Inside the accessible shower
Two accessible push-buttons to open and lock doors.
Push buttons to open and lock and unlock doors
 
Standard washrooms
The standard washroom has a toilet, sink, soap dispenser, mirror, waste bin, hand-drying station, and braille signage on the door.
Inside a standard washroom
Standard showers
Standard shower with wooden sitting bench, detachable shower wand, dressing hooks, soap rack, and handrail.
Inside a standard shower
Mill Falls and Merrymakedge

What to expect:

  • concrete walkway to the washroom
  • Larger washrooms and hand rails
  • stall doorways are 32 inches wide

Activity spaces open seasonally

Beaches
More details
Dates of operation

From Victoria Day Weekend to October 31

Kejimkujik Lake

All beaches at Kejimkujik are unsupervised.

Enjoy beautiful sandy beaches in the campground and at Merrymakedge beach on the shores of Kejimkujik Lake.

Meadow Beach, Slapfoot Beach and Kedge Beach offer excellent swimming. They are close to the campsites, connected by the Slapfoot Trail, and have beautiful views of Kejimkujik Lake.

Pets are welcome at the pet-friendly area at Merrymakedge Beach. Pets are not allowed on all other public beaches.

Map of beaches and day-use areas.

Accessibility

What to expect:

Wheelchair access to the edge of the sand.

No mobi-mat for the sandy area of the beach.

Accessibility at Merrymakedge Beach

What to expect:

  • paved path from parking lot to beach with clearly marked accessibility parking
  • charcoal BBQ available from paved path
  • wheel-chair accessible picnic tables by the path on the beach
  • paved path and ramp to canteen
  • extended picnic table
  • wheel-chair accessible change room, with a ramp
Campfire circle 
More details
Dates of operation

Open from Victoria Day Weekend to October 31

Accessibility

What to expect:

  • path is mulch, not granular compact
Guided experiences

Guided experiences are offered from July until September.

Schedule

Campsites and roofed accommodations
More details
Dates of operation

From Victoria Day Weekend to October 31

Camping and accommodations

Camping is one of the best ways to experience Kejimkujik.

Kejimkujik offers a variety of camping experiences:

  • campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs. Some sites are serviced with electricity
  • backcountry camping
  • roofed accommodations: oTENTik, Ôasis, rustic cabin, yurt
Accessible campsites

Six campsites in Meadow Loop are accessible: four with electricity and two without electricity.

What to expect:

  • wheel-chair accessible terrain and washrooms
Accessible oTENTik at Jim Charles Point (#401 and #402)

Two wheel-chair accessible oTENTik at Jim Charles Point include:

  • doorway width: 830 mm
  • ramps
  • extended picnic tables
  • parking next to units and is accessible by car for passenger/gear drop-off
  • a pit toilet with ramp, approximately 30 m away
  • an accessible flushable toilet and shower located 70 m away on a gravel roadway
Accesible oTENTik at Jim Charles Loop (#335)

One wheel-chair accessible oTENTik at Jim Charles Loop includes: 

  • ramp
  • extended picnic table
  • parking for one vehicle next to the unit
  • flushable toilet located 60 metres away on a gravel roadway
Crushed gravel and wooden ramp access to an oTENTik
Crushed gravel and wooden ramp access to an accessible oTENTik
Docks at Jakes Landing
More details
Accessibility

What to expect:

Access to the docks can be affected when the water is high.

An asphalt path leads to a floating river dock with plastic docking platform and a wooden section.
Floating dock at Jakes Landing
Crushed rock next to a floating river dock with plastic docking platform and a wooden section.
Floating dock at Jakes Landing
 
Sky Circle
More details
Dates of operation Open year-round, weather permitting
Accessibility

What to expect:

  • accessible by a compacted granular gravel trail to the ramp
Guided experiences

Guided experiences are offered from July until September.

Schedule

Whynot Adventure, The Keji Outfitters – Equipment rentals and guided tours
More details
Reservations

Reserve online

Dates of operation

From Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend: May 17 to October 14, 2024

Hours of operation

Online reservations 24 hours in advance are recommended.

October 15 to October 30, 2024

Overnight rentals are available from October 15 to October 30. The last day to rent overnight is October 29.

Reservations must be made through the website at least one day in advance.

Location

Located at Jake's Landing.

Rental information

Whynot Adventure requires all rentals and reservations to be accompanied with either a Visa or MasterCard as security.

A waiver and release of liability document must be signed by each participant (19 years old) before receiving rental equipment.

Underage renters must have their waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian (this can be done in advance of arrival, online).

Equipment rentals

Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and bicycles.

Camping equipment and gear, including tents, sleeping bags, stoves, mess kits, waterproof bags, barrel packs, and backpacks.

Guided tours

Daily 2-hour and 4-hour guided tours (by advance reservation).

Packages

Complete outfitting packages which include all canoeing and camping equipment and camping permits.

Shuttle service

Equipment shuttles are available but must be booked in advance online. Prices vary depending on the point of departure and arrival.

Accessibility

What to expect:

  • paved access to the canoe-rental building at Jake's Landing
  • paved access near (within 10 m) the docks
  • unpaved path to the washrooms

Kejimkujik Seaside

 

No camping

There is no camping at Kejimkujik National Park Seaside. Due to its small size and sensitive habitats, the Seaside is a day-use park so camping and open fires are not permitted.

There is camping at nearby Thomas Raddall Provincial Park. Tourism Nova Scotia offers information about other places to stay. Call 902-742-0511 or 1-800-565-0000 (toll free in North America).

Open year-round

Beaches
More details
Dates of operation

Open year-round.

What's closed

One of the Kejimkujik Seaside’s residents is the endangered piping plover. During the April to August nesting period, part of St. Catherine’s River Beach is closed to public access.

Things to do

White sand beaches stretch along the Atlantic coastline at Kejimkujik Seaside.

This beautiful beach makes for a great walk, reached by hiking a 2.2 km trail.

No swimming. Swimming is not recommended due to dangerous currents, strong undertows, and cold water temperatures.

Due to its small size and sensitive habitats, the Seaside is a day-use park so camping and open fires are not permitted.

Parking area and trailhead
More details
Dates of operation Open year-round.
Things to do

Adjacent to the parking area, at the trailhead, you will find

  • wheelchair accessible washroom facilities,
  • a pay phone,
  • a trail map, and
  • around the corner, a picnic shelter.

Due to its small size and sensitive habitats, the Seaside is a day-use park so camping and open fires are not permitted.

See the Kejimkujik Seaside page for more information.

Picnic tables and shelter
More details
Dates of operation

Open year-round.

Great picnic spots

At Kejimkujik Seaside, there are sheltered picnic tables near the trailhead.

You may also stop to eat along the trail or on the beach; just remember to pack out everything you bring in with you.

No open fires are permitted at the Seaside, so if you wish to cook a meal you will need to bring a portable stove.

Learn more about Leave No Trace principles.

The Parks Canada Perfect Picnic:

Available from July to October 31.

Pick up a perfect picnic lunch on your way to Kejimkujik and Kejimkujik Seaside! 

More information

Pit privies (outhouses)
More details
Dates of operation

Open year-round.

Locations

Parking lot and Harbour Rocks.

Trails
More details
Things to do

Trails allow you to explore Kejimkujik Seaside on foot, by wheelchair, on skis, or snowshoes.

The trails at the Seaside are for hiking only. Please leave your bicycles in the rack at the trail entrance.

Trail descriptions

Open seasonally

Washrooms
More details
Dates of operation

June 1 to Thanksgiving weekend

Accessibility

What to expect:

  • Accessible washrooms are located adjacent to the parking area, at the trailhead.
  • Granular compact entrance and hand rails.

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