Length of stay: 1 day
Visited: August 2024
Kejimkujik is the only national park in Canada that’s also designated a national historic site. This is because of its importance to the Mi’kmaq people, an Indigenous group who are among the original inhabitants of Atlantic Canada. The park was named after Kejimkujik Lake, which is derived from a Mi’kmaq word that means little fairies. It’s spread across two locations in southwestern Nova Scotia in an inland section, which is much larger, and a seaside section. With an abundance of lakes, lush forests, historic canoe routes and hiking trails, it’s easy to be enchanted by the park.
From Annapolis Royal we headed back towards the inland region of Kejimkujik where we planned to spend the night. Regular readers will know that we’ve stayed in several oTENTiks, a hybrid between a tent and cabin, across Canada. But there are a few other options for roofed accommodations at our national parks, including an Ôasis, a teardrop-shaped cabin. It’s considerably smaller, but we decided to give it a whirl (and also because all of the oTENTiks were already reserved by the time we planned this trip).
We collected our camping permit from the kiosk at Jeremy’s Bay Campground and headed towards the lake at Jim Charles Point where most of the roofed accommodations within the park are located. The sites are all walk-in only. There’s a section for all the oTENTiks on one side of the parking lot and a separate section for the Ôasis units on the other side. Each campsite has its own designated parking spot and the park provides wagons to help haul your gear in.
From the parking lot it’s a short walk, a few hundred metres, to the Ôasis units. But it’s all uphill and that uphill is a bit steep. There are five Ôasis units, which are all identical. They come furnished with a table that converts into a bed and a suspended hammock in the loft above. They also have electricity, lighting and a small heater. Outside there’s a picnic table and fire pit with four Adirondack chairs.
We managed to lug our stuff up in one trip with the help of a wagon. After settling in, it was time for dinner. Space was a bit tight but the baby seemed content playing around on the floor. We waited until she was ready for bed to set up her travel crib and convert the table into a bed. Thankfully there were some instructions to help with the table/bed conversion. It wasn’t the most comfortable set-up and the cushions moved around a bit, but it was only for one night.
It took a bit longer to pack up the next morning as there were no free wagons in the parking lot. After eating breakfast, we took turns bringing stuff back to the car. We then headed out to explore the trails.
We started with the Peter Point Trail (3.8km round trip, rated easy). The path is wide and leads through the forest to the lake. There are no trail markers, but the path is quite obvious and easy to navigate. There is a turnoff for Snake Lake, but it was closed. But with a name like that, let’s be real, it wasn’t high on our list of trails to explore anyway. It was quite warm outside and we were thankful for the shade. And the mosquitoes seemed thankful for some fresh blood on the trail.
The trail ends at a point on the lake where one side contains a pair of Red Chairs and the other a secluded sandy beach. It’s an out-and-back hike, so once we reached the lake, we turned around and walked back the way we came.
We then headed to the Hemlocks and Hardwoods Trail (5km loop, rated easy). There’s a lot going on near the start of the trail as there’s a few turnoffs for portages and backcountry camping.
We followed the arrows towards the Hemlocks and Hardwoods Trail. Once we got to the trailhead, there’s a series of interpretive panels that provide more information about the forest, which has undergone a lot of change due to fire and logging.
The first section winds through a stand of large-toothed aspens, which are often the first trees to grow after a forest fire. They thrive in open sunlight, but are later replaced by white pines which shade them out.
The forest then transitions, passing through an old growth stand of eastern hemlocks which are among some of the oldest trees in Nova Scotia. The largest tree in the stand is estimated to be 400 years old. This section of the trail follows along a boardwalk to protect the shallow roots of the trees, which reach out as far as their outermost branches.
Once we looped back to the parking lot, we set up our picnic blanket in a shaded spot by our car and took a break to eat some lunch. We then hit the road again and headed towards Grand Pré.
L
We had this place on our radar to stop at when we did our cross Canada drive in 2018. Unfortunately, we never got there. The oTENTiks look really neat and the park and hikes look so lush. Thanks for sharing Linda. Allan
It’s too bad you weren’t able to visit. It reminds me a lot of Algonquin as it seems to be a popular spot to canoe and enjoy the backcountry. We were only there for a day, which wasn’t nearly enough time. Who knows, maybe we’ll come back someday. Definitely with some bug spray though. Thanks for reading. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Linda
The oasis tent looks small. I hope you got a good rest there. The photos of the trees were interesting.
The Oasis was definitely on the small side and it felt a bit cramped for the three of us. But we were just there for one night, so it wasn’t bad. It was neat to try out something new. And it’s always nice to sleep in the forest under the stars.
Wow, the forest is very beautiful, Linda! I wonder how the tree took root on the boulder?
It’s always nice to have some shade when hiking in the summer. The forest was so peaceful, except for the mosquitoes of course. It’s pretty amazing how some trees are able to grow in the most unlikely of places, like over that massive boulder. It’s too bad it’s no longer there, except for its roots.
The skeeters make me crazy! 🤪😠
Oh gosh, me too. And they just looooove my blood.
As a kid on the lake in Michigan, they tormented me to no end! 😠😠
I feel your pain! And it seems like they are becoming immune from bug spray!
I hope not!
Thankfully we don’t have to worry about mosquitoes for another half a year or so!
Yes, it’s great!
Looks like a lovely spot and the Oasis tent is cute. Some great pictures!
Thanks! The Oasis was rather small, but we managed to make it work. It was neat to try it out though. I really like that it was up in the trees and let in a lot of light. I bet it would be very cozy and super pretty in the fall when the leaves are changing colour.
That oasis tent looks tiny! Good job on managing to make it work! The trails look like a nice easy jaunt with the wee one up top. I am a fan of red chairs and this park hits both my loves; heritage and outdoors. We haven’t explored the Maritimes together and that is on our list for a fall in a few years. Bernie
The Oasis was pretty small. We weren’t there long though, just for dinner, bed and breakfast. It was neat to try it out though. It’s always fun to come across a pair of the Red Chairs. They’re often located at a scenic viewpoint. That’s exciting that you’re planning to visit the Maritimes in a few years. I’ve heard it’s beautiful in the fall when all the leaves are changing colour.
Yes we are so looking forward to the fall down east as they just don’t last long here on the prairies. I love that you guys just keep exploring; locally, nationally and internationally. She’s going to be a great little traveler.
I sure hope so! It’s been a lot of fun to share these experiences with her! It’s too bad the fall is so short in the prairies. It’s my favourite time of the year. It’s also a great time to travel!
It is and we always try to take advantage of it.
Great minds think alike!
I haven’t been to this park before, so thanks for the introduction, Linda. Those trails look beautiful; your pictures are gorgeous. The Oasis tents look cramped although quite cute from the outside! Cheers.
We wish we could have stayed for a bit longer as there were a few other trails we would have liked to explore, along with the seaside section of the park. The park also offers guided tours of a large collection of petroglyphs. Oh well, next time! The Oasis was neat to try out but probably would have been better if M was a few years older.
We also didn’t make it there. It looks like a very beautiful park (sans mosquitoes). Love the oTENTiks!
It’s an underrated park, especially in comparison to Cape Breton Highlands. But we had a wonderful time exploring some of the trails. It also contains one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in North America. But they’re only accessible by guided tours offered by the park and unfortunately we didn’t have enough time. Even though the Oasis was small, it sure beat having to sleep in a tent!
This was another place we never made it on our Nova Scotia travels, but I wish we had. It looks lovely! Those red chairs are somewhere I could relax all morning. The Oasis looks interesting too. I wasn’t expecting it to be so far off the ground, and the interior design is… interesting. I guess options are limited when it’s a circle.
We wish we could have stayed a bit longer to explore more of the trails, petroglyphs and seaside section of the park. Plus it seems like there are some great canoe routes and backcountry camping there. The Oasis was definitely a unique camping experience. It wasn’t the most comfortable for sleeping, but it was better than being in a tent! I think it would have been better if M was a bit older and could have slept in the loft.
Wonderful and so beautiful place and photos.
Thank’s for share Linda and l¿keep enjoying nature.
Have a relaxing weekend.
Thanks so much for reading and for your kind words. Going for a hike was a great way to start our day. It was very peaceful. Hope you had a wonderful weekend as well. Cheers. Linda
Thanks for the post. I’ve been to the oceanfront part of the park, but not the interior.
Thanks so much for reading. It’s too bad we weren’t able to spend more time in Kejimkujik to see the petroglyphs and seaside section of the park. Something to add to the list for next time!
What a lovely spot, thanks for sharing. I am fascinated with the oTentiks and oasis, but the beauty of the woods is inspiring.
The forest was very peaceful and it was neat to camp among the trees in the Oasis, even if it was a tad small. But hey, it’s better than sleeping in a tent!
That is an interesting accommodation for sure! Glad everyone could fit 🙂 Looks like a peaceful and beautiful place for some hikes.
It was neat to try something new. It would be fun to sleep in one of these again when baby M is a bit older and can sleep in the loft.
A beautiful and scenic park! Something we’ll have to add if we make it back to this part of the East one day, Linda.
The OTentik looked interesting how you had to climb a long flight of stairs to make it to the top. Was there a specific reason for it to be so high? And you’re right, the bed did not look comfy! The portable bed phase will be a good fond memory one day for you and K!
It reminds me a lot of Algonquin as it seems to be a popular spot for canoeing and backcountry camping. It’s not too far from Halifax and is definitely worth checking out.
It was neat to try out a different type of roofed accommodations, even if space was a bit tight. The stairs gave us an extra workout, especially when we were bringing everything in (and then back out the next morning). I think they were designed that way to be closer to the canopy of leaves in the trees. I bet it would be lovely to stay in the fall when the leaves are changing colour.
And yes, I’m so looking forward to ditching the travel crib when baby M gets a bit older. It takes up so much space (and weight) in our suitcase!
Enjoy the rest of the week. I bet T is looking forward to Halloween!
Halloween is definitely in the air! Enjoy yours. 😊
For sure. We went for a walk in the evening and it definitely felt a bit spooky with all the fog. I love it! Fingers crossed it doesn’t rain tomorrow.
We lucked out with great Halloween weather.
Oh I know! It was really windy, but it was also very warm and, more importantly, it didn’t rain. We all dressed up as kitties and did a lap around the block to say hi to our neighbours before returning home to hand out candy. Hope you guys had fun and that T got a good haul of goodies!
I’d never heard of the Mi’kmaw people, how interesting. I like the look of your Ôasis unit while you did some great trails, I particularly like that peaceful lake scene at the end of the Peter Point Trail. Your closing shot of the twisty roots over the boulder is excellent too.
There are more than 600 First Nations communities in Canada and it’s been interesting to learn more about them and their culture during our travels to the different provinces. The Oasis was pretty small, but it was fun to try it out. I imagine it would be better to stay in when baby M is a bit older and can sleep in the loft. It’s a fabulous way to appreciate the forest and sleep under the stars ..without being in a tent of course. It’s amazing how trees are able to grow in the most unlikely of places, like over large boulders.
Not without its challenges, I am sure, but I adore that you travel with your baby. What a beautiful life beginning! Safe travels and thank you for sharing your wonderful discoveries!
Aww thanks! It’s definitely a lot more work and requires packing waaaay more stuff, but it’s been fun to share these new experiences with her. And she just loves being outside!
Inspiring in every way. 😊
Absolutely!
The Oasis Tent is a very unusual design and interesting to view. I can’t imagine a table converted into a bed with cushions could be very comfortable but as you say it was only for one night. The trails looked impressive and the typical Canadian red chairs great too.
The Oasis was a bit snug for the three of us, but it was neat to try it out. I think it would have worked better if baby M was a bit older. We had a wonderful time exploring the trails and wished we could have stayed longer. I’m sure there were more Red Chairs for us to find in the park!
Kejimkujik is certainly a beautiful location, and your photos are lovely! We have seen those tear-drop shaped tents in locations around Europe; particularly in Norway. They look cozy and inviting. Lovely post!
Thanks so much for your kind words. The tear-drop shaped tent was pretty cool. It was a bit small, but quite nice to sleep in the forest among the canopy of leaves. And it was quiet. Good to know that similar things exist in Europe. Something to keep in mind when we visit Norway someday. We’ve never been before, but it’s high on our travel list.
While it looks small from the outside, I’m surprised that the Ôasis tent can fit the all the three of you. It’s nice that you decided to give it a try though. I love the look of the boardwalk and its immediate surroundings. I can imagine how clean and fresh the air must have been, a reminder to myself to go on hiking more often.
It definitely looks smaller than it is from the pictures, but it was still a tight fit. I think it would have worked better if M was a bit older as she could have slept in the loft and we could have made use of the picnic table and red chairs outside. Oh well, it was still neat to try something new and still be able to sleep in the forest under the stars.
A pleasure visit your blog Linda.
Thank’s for share and kindness.
My weekend was great, thanks.
Hope yours as well.
Have a wonderful new week!
Thanks so much! Glad to hear you had a wonderful weekend. It always goes by way to quickly!
I have never seen Ôasis units before, what a curious set-up. I adore the boardwalk trails. And that tree growing on top of the rock, with the top was cut off; it really is an interesting and puzzling photograph. How did it manage to grow that way, and why would someone cut only a certain amount off?
This was our first time seeing an Oasis too. We don’t have them in Ontario. It was rather small, but it was neat to try it out for a night. It’s amazing how trees are able to grow in the most unlikely places sometimes. Apparently the tree that was growing over the boulder was damaged by people climbing on the rock and trampling its roots and was later cut down. Sigh.
So awesome post 🌷🙏👍🏻 very beautiful place full of nature’s beauty the calm sea and surroundings so lovely , clean earth 🌏 thank you for sharing to view my dear friend, Best Wishes 💞👏🍂
Thanks for your kind words and for leaving a comment. We had a wonderful time exploring the trails, enjoying the scenery and appreciating nature.
Beautiful post 🌺🌺
Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment. It’s always fun to explore a new national park and spend time in nature.
I’ve never seen accommodation like the Ôasis – it’s absolutely unique. I think I would have sat on those red chairs for a while to enjoy the lovely view … except, of course, if there are mosquitoes around! The tree roots over the rock in your last photo are fascinating.
The Oasis was rather small, but it was neat to sleep in for a night. The Red Chairs are typically located at a scenic viewpoint, which is always a great excuse to take a break. Except the key to avoiding mosquitoes is to keep moving!
I think the name is perfectly fitting as it really does have a magical feel to it like you would expect fairies to be flying around. Also I really like your lodging- so different from anything I’ve seen.
The forest was very enchanting, especially through the old growth stand of hemlocks. The Oasis was quite cozy, but it was neat to sleep underneath the canopy of leaves in the forest. It was fun to try out something new!
We never saw anything like this Oasis tent. It looks tiny.
The area looks like Scandinavia where we grew up as children.
Thanks for showing your fine pictures
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thanks for your lovely comment. This was our first time staying in an Oasis. We don’t have them in Ontario, but they are in a few national parks across Canada. It was definitely a bit cramped and cozy, but it was only for one night, so no big deal. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Linda
Looks like a nice forest and I like the two chairs by the water. I am less keen on the bed though. I need a comfortable bed 😂.
The forest was so peaceful, minus the mosquitoes of course. It was neat to sleep among the trees in the Oasis. The bed situation wasn’t the greatest, but it was just for one night. And hey, it sure beats sleeping in a tent!
Another pleasant park to hike. I do like what the Canadian parks do with boardwalks. The Ôasis looks like a space pod! Hope it wasn’t too small for you to be comfortable.
I’m such a fan of boardwalks. It’s a great way to visit an area that otherwise would have been inaccessible, or in this case, to protect a fragile environment. The Oasis was rather small, but we made it work. We were only there for the night, so it wasn’t that big of a deal. I think it would have been better to stay in with baby M is a bit older and could have slept in the loft. But either way, it was neat to try out something new.
The park is well maintained and everything seems perfectly planned in a beautiful natural setting. As you said, it may be necessary to stay for several days to avoid the feeling of merely passing through without really taking advantage of the park’s resources.
The trails were all well-signed and maintained. But yes, it would have been nice to have stayed for longer. There’s apparently some great canoeing and backcountry camping here as well. Something to keep in mind when our little one is a bit older.
This looks like a beautiful hike, and the beach area looks relaxing with the chairs!
The forest was very picturesque and peaceful. It’s always fun to stumble upon the Red Chairs. They’re often at a scenic overlook, which is the perfect spot to take a break and admire the views.
What a lovely place!
It’s always nice to spend time in nature. We had a wonderful time exploring a few of the trails in the forest and wished we could have stayed longer.
It amazes me how Canada is not too far from where I live, yet, there are so many different trees and different camping methods available. That oasis thing looks really futuristic on the outside and cozy on the inside. I’d love to try the hammock part. Are you able to lie on the hammock.portion? I also really appreciate that, that particular park provides wagons to assist visitors with bringing their things to the campsite. I’ve never experienced a camping trip with those available, here. That’s so awesome
Oh I know! There’s a huge difference in the landscape even within Ontario from the south compared to north. This was our first time staying in one of the oasis units. It was pretty small, but I liked the seating area and that it let in a lot of natural light. You can sleep in the loft with the hammock, but I think it only works well if you’re short (or a kid). I couldn’t fully stretch my legs out up there. And yes, the wagons are definitely handy when you have to walk into your site. They were all taken when we were packing up the next morning which created a bit more work for us as we had to make multiple trips to the car. But, at least it was a nice day.