Guided petroglyph tours

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site

Discover one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in North America along the shores of Kejimkujik Lake. Guided petroglyph tours are available to the public from June to September.

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.

History written in stone

Elapskɨta'sikl kun'tal (“carvings in stone” or “petroglyphs”) created by the early Mi’kmaq are found on glacially polished slate outcrops along the lakeshores of Kejimkujik. These enduring images are an invaluable resource for understanding the history and lives of the Mi’kmaw ancestors.

There are over 500 individual petroglyphs within Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, making it one of the largest collections of such images in eastern North America. These petroglyphs are a unique and important component in the cultural landscape, telling the story of Mi’kmaw life before and after European contact.

More information about the petroglyphs

Preserving the petroglyphs

The petroglyphs of Kejimkujik have faded over centuries of exposure to the elements. Decades of human-induced damage in recent history have also affected the petroglyphs. To protect what remains for generations to come, the petroglyphs are in a restricted area and only accessible by guided tour. Spaces are limited so as not to disturb the environment. These petroglyphs remain a sacred place for the Mi’kmaw people—and as such, visitors are asked to abide by protocols for accessing the site.

Access for Mi’kmaw people

Mi’kmaq have an ancestral right to visit the petroglyphs of Kejimkujik. If you are Mi’kmaw and wish to see the petroglyphs during your time at Kejimkujik, please contact infopnkejimkujik-kejimkujiknpinfo@pc.gc.ca. We will do our best to facilitate site visitations.