I make the joke often enough “Portaging is french for torture” and the uninitiated usually reply with a strange uncomfortable laugh and a quick flash of uncertainty in their eyes.

Just to make sure we’re all on the same page, portaging is simply carrying your canoe and kit between waterways via an overland trail. Sounds reasonable, right? Well, there are many variables which can impact your fun meter, such as the weight of your canoe or the number of roots which endeavour to entangle your feet. Also, a portage can be referred to as a carry.

It’s safe to assume most folks close to me wouldn’t label me a social butterfly during the off-season— hermit may be more appropriate. My wintertime existence is probably some ad hoc tactic to strike balance with the overload of social stimulus I enjoy during the warmer months. But I do enjoy the connectedness while I’m in it. This is especially so if I’m shuttling our guests throughout the Park, when there’s a chance for longer conversation.

The Southern Lakes region of Kejimkujik remains my favourite place for canoe tripping in the park. While the rocky shores and quick portages of the Park’s northern Frozen Ocean loop are hallmarks of other folk’s favourite trip, the solitude, glacial erratics and sandy beaches draw me to the south.

Going into this three day canoe trip, I did not know what to expect; this was my first time camping in the backcountry. As my dad and I met our group and Cody, our guide, and ate our final meal before entering the wilderness …

The sun is finally out and the water levels are flowing high, not to mention the black flies haven’t yet delivered their vanguard. It’s finally the start of canoe tripping season!

Kejimkujik Lake has a variety of campsites, some of which are located on islands adding to the magic and solitude of a wilderness canoe trip. Convenient access to the lake is right here at Jake’s Landing. We have a huge parking lot where you can leave your vehicle for as many nights as you need for free (the parking lots are secure and we've never had any trouble). There are two other parking lots within the park which provide different access points to canoe routes– Big Dam and Eel Weir; each with free, large parking lots.

Kejimkujik is the only national heritage location in Canada with a dual designation of National Park and National Historic Site, acknowledging the area’s rich Mi’kmaw heritage and natural wilderness beauty. Whats more, the Park rests within and provides entry to the UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve.