Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site of Canada
Facilities and services
Kejimkujik's quality visitor services and facilities ensure that your Parks Canada experience is comfortable, safe and memorable.
Visitor Centre
By the Mersey Gift Shop
Campgrounds
Trails
Beaches
Merrymakedge Canteen
Picnic Tables and Shelters
Accessibility
Equipment Rentals
Waste Sorting Stations
Kejimkujik Seaside
Enjoying the exhibits at the Visitor Centre© Parks CanadaThe Visitor Centre is a good place to begin your visit to Kejimkujik. A beautiful film introduces you to Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, and knowledgeable staff will answer your questions or offer suggestions about what to do and see. Browse the interactive exhibits to learn about the cultural and natural histories of Keji, and learn about our efforts to protect endangered species. Three short trails begin right outside the doors of the centre: Mill Falls, Beech Grove and Mersey Meadow.
Hours:
Mid-June to Labour Day 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
Labour Day to mid-October 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Mid-October to April 30 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
May 1 to mid-June 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Closed weekends in November and December
Phone: (902) 682-2772
By The Mersey Gift Shop© Parks CanadaLocated in the Visitor Centre, the shop is operated by The Friends of Keji Cooperating Association. There you will find books about Kejimkujik, field guides, children’s books, clothes, fun stuff, souvenirs and more. This is a great place to find a gift, a warm jacket, or something to do on a rainy day. Proceeds help finance the many projects supported by the association.
Hours (7 days a week):
Mid-May to mid June: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Mid June to Labour Day: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Labour Day to Thanksgiving: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Phone: (902) 682-2653
Camping is one of the best ways to really experience Kejimkujik. Keji has three different kinds of camping experiences; choose the one that is right for you:
Front Country Camping
Jeremys Bay Campground
has 295 unserviced sites and 91 sites with electricity which can accommodate tents, tent trailers, trailers, and motorhomes.
Group Camping
If your youth or family group is interested in camping together find out about Jim Charles Point Group Campground.
Backcountry Wilderness Camping
When you seek solitude or adventure in the wilderness, one of the 46 backcountry camping sites might be the place for you.
There is no camping at Kejimkujik National Park Seaside. There is camping at nearby Thomas Raddall Provincial Park.
Exploring Keji's Trails© Parks CanadaKejimkujik has trails of varying lengths so you can explore on foot, by bike, by wheelchair, on skis, or snowshoes. Read our trail descriptions.
White sandy beach at Kejimkujik Seaside© Parks CanadaAlong the shores of Kejimkujik Lake there are beautiful sandy beaches in the campground and on some of the backcountry sites. The only supervised beach is Merrymakedge, with warm water and excellent swimming.
White sand beaches stretch along the Atlantic coastline at the Kejimkujik Seaside. This beautiful beach makes for a great walk, reached by hiking a 2.2 km trail. Swimming is not recommended due to dangerous currents, strong undertows and cold water temperatures. One of the Kejimkujik Seaside’s most important 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.
The Friends of Keji Cooperating Association manages the canteen at Merrymakedge Beach, using the profits to support programs and projects in Kejimkujik. The menu includes breakfast items, burgers, fries, sandwiches, salads, and ice cream. You can also buy bread, milk, bottled water, small propane cylinders, bug spray, batteries, and camping supplies. The large roofed deck in front of the canteen provides dry dining space on a rainy day. Just a few steps away are the supervised swimming area and a playground. A multi-use trail leads from the Merrymakedge canteen along the lakeshore to Jakes Landing, and there is ample parking for vehicles.
Hours
last week of June 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
July 1 to Labour Day 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Phone: (902) 682-2257
Picnic Tables and Shelters 
If you are looking for a spot for a picnic, Kejimkujik offers some great choices. You will find quiet dining retreats along the Mersey River at places like Mill Falls, Mersey River trailhead, or Jakes Landing. There are pleasant shady spots right next to the river off of the main park road too.
You can use one of the picnic shelters at Mill Falls, Merrymakedge Playground, or Merrymakedge Beach. These shelters have woodstoves for year round enjoyment and are stocked with firewood in the winter. Merrymakedge Playground has a large grassy area with plenty of tables, perfect for a big family gathering.
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.
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 practices
The trails and facilities in Kejimkujik are in a natural setting that can prove challenging to some visitors. Several of the facilities are fully accessible, while others require some assistance. The Visitor Centre is fully accessible, with a captioned film available. The nearby self-guided Mersey Meadow Trail (0.2 km loop) as well as the Mill Falls picnic shelter, with its outdoor deck, extended top picnic tables and washrooms, are fully accessible. The two roadside look-off points, as well as the lower level of the viewing tower provide access to interpretative information. Merrymakedge Beach area provides wheelchair access to washrooms, change rooms, canteen, outdoor dining area, playground, and extended-top picnic tables. A ramp and deck provides access to the sandy beach. The washrooms, boat rental area, dock, and picnic sites at Jakes Landing also provide lake accessibility. A paved trail goes from Merrymakedge beach along the lakeshore with several picnic spots along the way.
There are six reservable campsites in Jeremys Bay Campground that offer flat terrain, extended top picnic tables and close proximity to a fully accessible washroom/shower facility.
Please visit Tourism Nova Scotia for information about accessible accomodations near Kejimkujik.
Canoes and kayaks at Jakes Landing© Parks CanadaBicycles, single and double kayaks, canoes, and rowboats are available for rent within Kejimkujik. Jakes Landing Outfitter offers hourly, daily, and weekly rental of recreation equipment. Included in the rental fee is the safety equipment required by law. Jakes also runs a shuttle service within Kejimkujik for hikers and paddlers. For more information, hours of operation, and fees, visit their website or telephone (902) 682-5253.
You can sign out soccer balls and basketballs from the kiosk staff if you are camping at Jeremys Bay Campground, to use at the playing field which is next to the shower building.
Kejimkujik is careful with its waste in order to protect the environment, reduce animal habituation, and provide a great experience for everyone.
Sorting stations are located throughout the park and in Jeremys Bay Campground. They are also located at the exit points for backcountry camping. Sort your waste into the appropriate bags. Bring your compost, recycling, and garbage bags to the nearest sorting station and place them inside the appropriate container. Wash your dishes at the outdoor sinks. Keep your home-away-from-home beautiful.
Viewing platform at Kejimkujik Seaside© Parks CanadaWhen you arrive at Kejimkujik Seaside you will find the Visitor Information Kiosk adjacent to the parking area, at the trailhead. Staffed from mid-June to mid-October by knowledgeable park attendants, this is where you can get a map and advice about your hike, and purchase your entry permit to visit the Seaside. Close by are the wheelchair accessible washroom facilities and pay phone. Bottled water is available for sale.
A short stroll takes you to a picnic shelter with a fabulous view. Two beautiful hiking trails allow you to further explore the Seaside. There are pit privies at Harbour Rocks. Check the Kejimkujik Seaside map for more information.
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.