Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct

The Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct is a 22 sq. km. piece of unspoiled spectacular Atlantic coastline. 

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.

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.