Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct

At the end of the boardwalk on the Harbour Rocks trail lies this beautiful beach. We could have stayed here all day.

From the observation point along the Harbour Rocks trail, you can see St. Catherines River Beach in the distance. A sparkling jewel!

Sam heads off for a stroll alone along the Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct beaches

Blue waters at Keji.

Here are our little hikers on the Harbour Rocks Trail, with the ocean in the distance.

We found this little guy on the side of the trail.

Playing around at the observation point on the Harbour Rocks trail. In the distance is the St. Catherines River Beach.

All rivers lead to the ocean.

When we got to the beach we found another frog/toad. We are not sure what species this is, but after a careful inspection from four little people he hopped away.

After lunch we went on an adventure climbing over the rocks.

Here is another view of the beach at the end of the boardwalk.

Description

The Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct is a 22 sq. km. piece of unspoiled spectacular Atlantic coastline. There are two scenic trails that lead to the coast.

The Harbour Rocks Trail is 5.2 km round trip hike to the coast and back to the parking lot. With an easy grade, this is suitable for families with young children or folks who prefer a leisurely walk. This trail passes through dense coastal forest, beside bogs rich with orchids,over coastal barrens, and then to the sandy beach and rocky islands at Harbour Rocks.  Along the trail, an observation platform provides a spectacular view of St. Catherines River Beach: a white sweep of sand that contrasts beautifully with the turquoise waters of the Atlantic.

In the thick growth of shrubs at the trail's edge you may see birds such as the common yellow-throat, savannah sparrow, and palm warbler feeding on insects or berries. Bring your binoculars for a close-up view of offshore seals and seabirds like gannets and eiders. If you continue to follow the headlands and small sheltered coves you will end up at the St. Catherines River Beach. Be advised that this beach is closed during the piping plover nesting season to project this endangered species. 

For the more adventurous and energetic, there is a longer 8.7 km hiking trail called the Port Joli Head Trail that loops around Port Joli Head. This trail branches from the Harbour Rocks Trail and crosses an extensive bog to a viewing platform overlooking Boyds Cove. The trail then skirts clumps of coastal forest, and then follows the coast to Port Joli Head where the full force of the ocean comes crashing ashore. The scenery is spectacular!  Winds whip salty sea spray into the air, while the cries of gulls and eiders drift ashore.

Be sure to wear proper hiking boots or walking shoes when you explore these headlands and be careful to keep your distance from the water's edge since rogue waves can wash across them. From here the Port Joli Head, the trail loops along the shoreline back to Harbour Rocks. Interpretive exhibits along the trails provide information on the rich diversity of plants and wildlife.

Seaside Safety

Remember these points to ensure that you have a safe visit and to protect the wildlife at the Seaside:

·        The trails are not for bicycles. Out of respect for hikers, please leave your bicycles in the rack at the trail entrance.

·        Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. They can kill or harass wildlife and they may frighten other visitors. Keep your scoop handy. Cleaning up after your dog is required.

·        Stay on the designated trails to avoid ticks - and also to avoid trampling the vegetation.

·        In the open,coastal environment, protection from the sun is important, so a hat and sunscreen are recommended.

·        Swimmers are cautioned that the water is cold; dangerous currents and strong undertows may occur.

·        Hikers should use caution on rocky headlands. Unusually large waves can sweep people off rocks.

·        To approach seals on the beach is dangerous. While black bears are seldom seen,they are often feeding on berries and insects. Please respect all wild animals by viewing them only from a distance.

Location

The nearest cottages to this Provincial Park are:

The Frances Louis House which is about a 5 - 7 minute drive from the park entrance.

Sea Star Cottage and Harbour Tide House in Port Mouton are about 15 minutes away.
 
Moose Harbour View Cottage is approximately 25 minutes away.,/br>

Driving Directions:
From Halifax (185 km): Take Highway 103 west for approximately 177 km. Pass Exit 21 (Southwest Port Mouton).  Continue on for another 7 km or so and then turn left onto St. Catherines River Road (watch for this sudden left turn). Travel 6km to the park entrance. Driving time is approximately 2.25 hours.

From the inland portion of Kejimkujik (97 km):  Follow Route 8 for 66 km to Liverpool.  Turn right on to Highway 103 West.  Continue along this road passing Exit 21(Southwest Port Mouton).  Continue on for another 7 km or so and then turn left onto St. Catherines River Road (watch for this sudden left turn). Travel 6 km to the park entrance. Driving time:approximately 1.25 hours.

From Yarmouth(173 km): Drive east on Highway 103 for approximately 130 km passing Exit 23 (Sable River). Continue for another 14 km or so until you come to St. Catherines River Road.  Take the sudden right hand turn onto Catherines River. Travel another 6 km to the park entrance. Driving time: approximately1.75 hours.

Other

A friend and I took our children to the Keji Seaside Adjunct in May.  It was a gloriously sunny day and temperatures were warm enough for short sleeved shirts and shorts.  We packed a picnic and set off on one of the hikes.  Since we were taking six, seven and nine year olds, we decided to stick to the shorter length of the Harbour Rocks trail.  A 5.2 km round trip, it was long enough for everyone to be tired at the end, but not so tired that I had to carry anyone!   The children loved exploring the area.  They climbed up rocks, tried to catch butterflies, found frogs and toads, played in the sand and the surf.  We were not fortunate enough to see seals offshore.  But that is something to look forward to on our next visit.

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