Paddle Lunenburg/Queens
Ocean Route 8-2: Kejimkujik Seaside
Record #:
LQR0014
Last Modified:
11 Apr 2019
Last Full Update:
27 Mar 2014
Comments
| Public Bulletin | Neither South Shore Connect.ca nor the Lunenburg-Queens Recreational Coordinators/Directors Association own or control the canoe routes, portages or campsites listed in this guide, and assume no responsibility or liability for the safety of those using the canoe routes, walking the portages, or using the campsites. lt is recommended that users approach all canoe routes, portages and campsites in a safe and responsible manner. Conditions can change through fluctuating water levels, natural debris, and logging activity. Arrangements must be made directly with the owners of the portages and campsites. South Shore Connect.ca and Lunenburg-Queens Recreational Coordinators/Directors Association are not liable for any errors or omissions in this guide. |
Location
| Located In | South Shore Region |
| Where To Find Us | Port Joli, NS |
| Areas Served | Lunenburg County ; Queens County (NS) |
Contact
| chaughn@chester.ca | |
| Phone | 902-275-3490 |
| Contact | Chad Haughn, President, LQRCDA |
Description & Services
| Information | An isolated spectacular stretch of coast with beaches, lagoons and coastal barrens, now a national park. Where: East of Port Joli Harbour Skill Level: Expert (No services, no roads) Time: Day trip Distance: 18 km one-way  This route takes you from Port Joli Harbour around the headlands to Port Mouton (Route 9), a journey of at least 18 km. It has an expert rating since there are three headlands to go around, shoals, exposed beaches and no road access in the park. As well, no camping is permitted. The rewards are stunning beaches in a wilderness setting, huge lagoons to explore, lots of birds and seals basking on off shore rocks. This is best done as a one-way trip south to north to take advantage of the prevalent winds. Start at Access Point Two. Your first Exit Point with road access is the beach in South West Port Mouton (See Route 9). An alternate is to come around from SW Port Mouton to Little Port Joli and return. Most of St. Catherine’s River Beach and the lagoon area behind it are closed during the nesting season of the endangered Piping Plover shore bird. Nesting begins in May and can go as late as mid-August. Eight pairs nested here in 1997 and 17 chicks were hatched, double from 1995 but still a small number. You can check with park wardens in Liverpool to find out if the beach is open before paddling around. The beach at Little Port Joli and the lagoon behind it are not protected for plovers so that may be a better bet for landing and exploring. Water Safety Notes (see also Ocean Notes) Waves - The Scotia/Fundy Marine Weather Guide has a cross seas symbol in this area. This angry sea is formed when “one train of waves moves at an angle to a second group of waves creating unusual steep waves with short sharp crests.” Currents - Watch for river-like currents as the tide goes in and out at the entrance to the lagoons and Basin Lake. Wind - The wind often gets stronger in the afternoon so get an early start on this route. Access Point Two - The Government Wharf This wharf is at the end of the St. Catherine’s River Road 6.6 kms from Highway 103 just past the trail head into Kejimkujik Seaside. The wharf is closed now and is not safe. A small beach on the right is sheltered by the wharf and provides access. Be careful to park off the road and not block local traffic. Exit at Access Point Three - South West Port Mouton (see also Ocean Route 9 map) Take Exit 21 off Highway 103 to Central Port Mouton and travel 6 km. Look for a sign that says SW Port Mouton Wharf but don’t expect to see a wharf, as a large slipway is all that remains. The slipway is unsuitable for small boats but the beach here is protected. Park at the end of the road. For more information For route information, contact the Rossignol Surf Shop. Click here for more information about Kejimkujik Seaside Connections Ocean Route 8-1: Port Joli Harbour Topographic map: Port Mouton 20 P/15 |
| Eligibility | Ages: 16 year(s) and up Children under 16 with adults - please use own discretion depending on skill level |
Special Information
| Established | 1998 |
| Tags | Canoe/Kayak ; Maps ; NS Trail Guide ; Recreation Categories ; South Shore Connect |
| Categories - General | Beaches ; Canoeing ; Kayaking ; Maps ; National Parks ; Recreational Oceanfronts |
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