Paddling safety

Please follow Transport Canada's regulations and these actions for your safety when using canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, watercycles, or stand-up paddleboards at Kejimkujik.

On this page

• Potential dangers and risks
• Rules
• Navigation equipment requirements
• Safety equipment requirements
• Equipment rentals
• Plan ahead
• Clean, drain, dry

Potential dangers and risks

Paddlers may encounter high winds and waves at Kejimkujik.

Fast-moving water can be extremely dangerous, especially when there are high water levels.

Kejimkujik Lake is a dark-water lake and is extremely rocky when shallow (from mid-July onward).

Paddlers should have navigational and canoe camping skills.

Rules

No glass bottles are allowed on the river.

Boating under the influence of alcohol, or drugs is illegal. It is also a danger to yourself and others. 

Navigation equipment requirements

Visitors must come prepared to navigate to their campsite via Backcountry Guide Map for Kejimkujik and compass and GPS enabled device. There are no navigation buoys on the lake.

Use navigation lights between sunset and sunrise, and in periods of restricted visibility (for example, fog).

Safety equipment requirements

Please refer to the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide (pages 15-19) (PDF, 4.9 MB) for a list of safety equipment required for boats by type and length.

Equipment requirements include:

• Always wear a properly fitting personal flotation device (PFD), with a whistle

• Carry:
  • a heaving line of at least 15 m
  • a bailer
  • a noisemaking device for attracting attention if you require help
  • a magnetic compass
  • a radar reflector

• In addition:
  
  • each canoe must have two paddles and one extra is suggested
  • wear closed-toed water shoes
  • be prepared with a communication device such as a phone, GPS, or SPOT device in a dry bag
  • dress for all weather – ensure you have hats, sunscreen, and clothing for changing conditions

Plan ahead

Before you go, tell someone you trust where you are going and what your plans are. Contact this person when you have completed your trip.

Foul weather may force you to stay put until conditions permit safe travel. Ensure your trip plan allows for extra time and provisions in case this happens to you.

Check current conditions

Check the updated weather forecast.

Talk to staff at the Visitor Centre or Jakes Landing about water levels and paddling conditions.

Portages

Portages are provided around all areas that are hazardous during high-water periods, or impassable when water levels are low. Portages are marked with clear signs. You will have to carry your canoe at all portages.

Portage information

Kejimkujik Lake

Wind and waves on Kejimkujik Lake are often strongest at mid-day. For your safety we suggest paddling either early morning or late afternoon.

Rivers and streams

Most rivers and streams are slow and easy to travel on in general, but some may be impassable in certain conditions.

AdventureSmart

Safety tips for outdoor activities: hypothermia, risks for swimmers, rip currents, river features, hazards and signals. Be adventure smart and learn the essentials.

Clean, drain, and dry

Aquatic invasive species travel on boats to new water bodies and put stress and pressure on ecosystems. It is therefore important to clean, drain and dry (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) all types of watercraft and nautical equipment before and after use.

Before entering and after leaving the water, remember three steps:

1. ‎Clean any visible debris and plants off your watercraft, trailer and gear;

2. Drain any water from your watercraft and gear; and

3. Dry your watercraft, trailer and gear.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada: Clean, Drain, Dry, and Decontaminate