This Gorgeous National Park In Canada Offers Scenic Camping & Tons Of Outdoor Recreation

Deep within Nova Scotia, Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site is a dream for travelers craving a mix of wilderness and rich cultural history. Known simply as "Keji" to locals, this 154-square-mile park is the only one in Canada that's both a national park and a national historic site. Its landscape of old-growth forests, glassy lakes, and winding rivers has been a gathering place for the Mi'kmaq people for thousands of years. Today, visitors can follow their canoe routes, hike along centuries-old portage trails, and even see ancient petroglyphs carved into the stone.

The park is about two hours by car from Halifax Stanfield International Airport, the region's main travel hub. From there, you can rent a car and follow scenic highways west toward the interior. The drive is part of the adventure, cutting through rolling farmland and small fishing villages before giving way to Keji's thick woods. If you're looking to trade the bustle of Halifax for a few days of forest air and starry skies, this is a perfect stop along an epic Canadian road trip.

Camping is one of the main draws at Kejimkujik, and with good reason. The park offers everything from drive-up campsites and cozy oTENTik cabins (a cross between a cabin and a tent) to backcountry sites only accessible by canoe or on foot. A night in the national park runs about $25 to $45 depending on the site and season, making it an affordable base for outdoor adventure. Make sure to reserve early, especially in summer when campsites book up fast.

Once you've settled in, there's no shortage of recreation opportunities. Canoeing is a must –  the park's chain of lakes and rivers creates endless paddling routes that range from gentle afternoon loops to multi-day expeditions. Hiking trails weave through red maple forests and granite ridges, with the 3.1-mile Hemlocks and Hardwoods Trail offering an especially memorable walk beneath 300-year-old trees. You should also plan to stay up after dark: Kejimkujik is designated a Dark Sky Preserve and its night skies are among the clearest in North America, making it a spectacular place to go stargazing.

If you only do one thing here, make it a visit to Kejimkujik Seaside, one of Canada's beautiful coastlines about an hour south of the main park. This coastal extension offers a striking contrast to the inland lakes, with white sand beaches, azure water, and abundant wildlife, including seals basking on offshore rocks. The seaside is open year-round, but summer is the best time for swimming and long walks along the Atlantic shoreline.

When you should visit the main park all depends on your interests. Summer is peak camping and paddling season, with warm days and plenty of ranger-led programs. Fall brings brilliant foliage and quieter trails, while winter offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for those willing to bundle up. Spring can be muddy, but is a great time to spot migrating birds. Whenever you go, stop by the visitor center for maps, trail updates, and to learn about the Mi'kmaq history that makes this park so unique. With its blend of cultural heritage, endless recreation, and accessible wilderness, Kejimkujik National Park is more than just a camping trip — it's a full immersion into Nova Scotia's wild heart. Before or after you explore the park, make sure to spend some days in Halifax, one of many underrated Canadian cities you should visit at least once.