Petroglyph Paddle

Petroglyph Paddle is a guided paddle program offered at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site in July, August and September.

On this page

• Description
• Dates, times, location and details
• Reservations and payment
• Facilities and services
• Accessibility information
• Map
• Image gallery

Description

Paddle together in a big canoe with your guides out onto Kejimkujik Lake and into a restricted petroglyph site. Here you can see and touch the petroglyph carvings and feel the presence of the Mi’kmaq, since time immemorial, on this cultural landscape.

• The petroglyphs viewed in this program are the same ones that are viewed in the walking petroglyph tour
• The petroglyphs are in a restricted area, and the tours are the only way visitors can access them
• The petroglyphs are located on the shoreline and may be hidden when water levels are high

Dates, times, location and details

Dates and times

• Tuesday, September 1, 8, 15 and 29
• 4 pm to 6 pm
• Please come a bit early to get suited up
• If you have special concerns or requirements, please contact the Visitor Centre 2 days in advance and come 30 minutes early to talk with interpreters
• Consult the guided experiences schedule

Duration

• 2 hours

Location

• Meet at the Parks Canada Boathouse at Jakes Landing
• This experience is outdoors in a canoe on Kejimkujik Lake
• This program is cancelled when it is raining

Languages

• English

Age requirements

• Visitors 16 and under require adult accompaniment
• Not recommended for children under 12

What to bring

• Be prepared, weather can change at any time
• No pets please
• An EpiPen or any medication you may require
• Your own personal floatation device (PFD) if you wish
• Sunglasses and hat
• Bug spray
• Water bottle and water
• Layers of clothes — the weather can start hot and get cool

We will provide

• Personal flotation devices (PFDs) and paddles
• Waterproof bags that float (to store personal belongings)

Other important information

• This program is cancelled when it is raining
• Two interpreters on the tour are trained in basic first aid and as big-canoe paddlers

Reservations and payment

How to book

• In person: Register at the Visitor Centre
• Telephone: 902-682-2772

Prices

• See program fees at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site

Cancellation policy

Please cancel your reservation if you are unable to attend, out of respect for other visitors who may like to join this tour. This program is in high demand and space is limited.

Cancellation is required a minimum of 24 hours in advance.

• Telephone: 902-682-2772

This program is cancelled when it is raining and in unsafe weather conditions (such as high wind or lightning).

Facilities and services

Parking at Jakes Landing

• One designated accessible parking spot with paved surface
• Main parking lot with gravel surface

Washrooms

• No washrooms available during the program (up to 2.5 hours)
• Gender-specific washrooms at Jakes Landing (not accessible)
• Accessible washroom nearest to Jakes Landing: Merrymakedge P1
• Accessible outhouse (pit privy) nearest to Jakes Landing: Merrymakedge P1

Accessibility information

Distance from parking lot and description of route

• 50 metres from parking lot to boathouse
• Visitors can be dropped off at the boathouse

Program location and seating

• Start: Meet at the boathouse and get fitted with a personal flotation device (PFD) and a paddle
• Proceed to the dock
• Climb into the canoe: step down 1.5 to 2 feet (46 cm to 61 cm) from the dock to the canoe
• Canoe seats are low and visitors need to get down low, balance and step in — or sit on the dock and ease into the canoe
• Paddle to the beach near the petroglyphs (same petroglyph site as the walking tour)
• Disembark the canoe on the beach: wet, uneven terrain (there is no dock)
• Walk in sand for 20 metres to reach the petroglyph site
• Hold and examine replicas of the petroglyphs
• Remove shoes (can keep socks on)
• Walk across uneven rocks that can be slippery
• Walk back to the beach and climb into the canoe
• Paddle back to the dock at the boathouse
• End: Disembark the canoe at the dock

Sound and sensory

• Canoe is a confined space and there are many people in tight quarters
• The floating dock is unstable and moves underfoot
• The interpreter does not use amplified sound — it can be difficult to hear the interpreter when out on the rocks
• Please let the interpreter know if you have any auditory concerns or requirements
• To protect the petroglyphs, shoes must be removed to visit the petroglyphs (visitors can wear socks)
• Insects like mosquitos, wasps and bees can be present
• Strong smells include bug repellant

Sign language and touch tours

• Visitors can hold replicas of the petroglyphs near the petroglyph site

Less busy times and areas

• The program is in high demand and usually full

Map