Experience the Petroglyphs

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 October. The petroglyphs are in a restricted area and the tours are the only way visitors can access them.

Description

Join a Parks Canada interpreter and learn about Mi’kmaw culture by experiencing the wonder of the petroglyphs on the shores of Kejimkujik Lake. These fascinating stone-carved depictions make up one of North America’s largest collections and provide vital clues for reconstructing regional history.

More information about the petroglyphs

Dates, times, location and details

Dates and times

August

• Sundays from 6 pm to 7:30 pm
• Mondays from 6 pm to 7:30 pm
• Wednesdays from 6 pm to 7:30 pm
• Thursdays from 10:30 am to noon
• Fridays from 6 pm to 7:30 pm
• Saturdays from 10:30 am to noon

September

• Thursdays from 2 pm to 3:30 pm
• Saturdays from 10:30 am to noon
• Sunday, September 20 and 27, from 2 pm to 3:30 pm

October

• Saturday, October 3, from 2 pm to 3:30 pm
• Sunday, October 4, from 2 pm to 3:30 pm
• Saturday, October 10, from 10:30 to noon

Consult the guided experiences schedule

Duration

• 60 to 90 minutes

Location

• Mi'kmaw Cultural Landscape Monument (Merrymakedge P1)

Group sizes

• Maximum: 20 people — no exceptions

Languages

• English
• French

Age requirements

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

What to bring

• No pets please

Other important information

• Due to safety reasons (wet, slippery rocks), this program is cancelled if it is raining
• The petroglyphs are located on the shoreline and may be hidden when water levels are high

Reservations and payment

Prices

• Public tours: Free with admission to Kejimkujik
• Commercial groups: contact Kejimkujik

How to book

Registration is required. Registration is open during Visitor Centre hours, starting Victoria Day weekend.

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

Facilities and services

Parking at Merrymakedge P1

• Two accessible parking spots closer to the picnic shelter and washroom building
• Additional regular parking spots closer to the Mi’kmaw Cultural Landscape Monument and the beginning of the hike
• Parking lot surface is packed-gravel and level

Washrooms

• No washrooms available during the program (up to 1.5 hours)
• Accessible washrooms at Merrymakedge P1
• Accessible outhouse (pit privy) at Merrymakedge P1
• Emergency outhouse (pit privy) in the forest near the petroglyphs: travel across uneven ground from bench area to outhouse, and the entrance has a high step up and a bank edge

Food and drink

• Picnic area at Merrymakedge P1
• Lakeview Café & Eatery at Merrymakedge Beach, P4
• Ice cream at the Tuck Shoppe (operated by Friends of Keji Cooperating Association)

Gift shop

• By the Mersey Gift Shop (operated by Friends of Keji Cooperating Association) inside the Visitor Centre

Accessibility information

Distance from parking lot and description of route

• The guided hike begins and ends at the Mi’kmaw Cultural Landscape Monument
• 100 metres from the accessible parking to the monument
• 1 to 100 metres from the regular parking to the monument
• Visitors can be dropped off at the beginning

Program location and seating

• Start: Meet at the Mi’kmaw Cultural Landscape Monument
• Interpreter shares some information about the petroglyphs, safety and the hike
• Hike to petroglyph site as a group with the interpreter(s) along a forest trail: 7 minutes or 0.5 km
• Trail surface is packed down dirt, needles and pinecones, with some rocks and roots
• Bench area: stop at a bench area next to the petroglyph site to remove shoes and listen to a brief safety talk
• Benches are low to the ground and do not have backs or arm rests
• Visitors may remain in the bench area or walk out on the rocks to see the petroglyphs
• Visitors who choose to walk out on the rocks must remove their shoes (can keep socks on) at the bench area – canes and other mobility aids must have a rubber end to protect the petroglyphs
• Visitors who choose to not go out on the rocks, or can only stay out on the rocks for a short amount of time, must wait in the bench area
• Petroglyph site: The petroglyphs are carved into the slate rock outcrop on the shoreline
• Visitors will bend down to see carvings on the smooth slate rocks
• The rocks are uneven and may be wet and slippery
• The path to the main rock is a short distance of larger sand pieces, smaller stones, fine gravel and slate rocks
• End: Return to the Mi’kmaw Cultural Landscape Monument as a group

Sound and sensory

• The petroglyphs are carved into slate rock that is uneven and may be wet and slippery
• It can be difficult to hear the interpreter(s) when out on the rocks as they do not use amplified sound in their presentation
• Please let the interpreter know if you have any auditory concerns or requirements
• Wildlife encounters are possible: mosquitos, wasps, bees or other stinging insects
• Strong smells include bug repellant

Less busy times and areas

• The program is in high demand and usually full

Map