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Harbour Rocks Trail – Kejimkujik Seaside The Google rating is 4.7

South Shore, Port Joli
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From April into late summer each year, public access to St. Catherines River Beach and Little Port Joli Beach are restricted by Parks Canada staff during nesting season for the endangered Piping Plover. Please respect the closed off beach areas and do not enter roped off sections protecting vital, sensitive nesting areas.

Overview

The Harbour Rocks Trail at Kejimkujik Seaside passes through dense coastal forest, beside bogs rich with orchids, over coastal barrens, and then to a sandy beach overlooking rocky islands. Along the trail, a viewing platform provides a spectacular view of St. Catherines River Beach. 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.

At the shore, a viewing scope provides a close-up look at offshore seals and seabirds such as gannets and eiders. This route then follows the headlands and small sheltered coves to St. Catherines River Beach.

Please note that from April to August each year, public access to St. Catherines River Beach is restricted by Parks Canada staff during nesting season for Piping Plovers. Please respect the closed off beach areas and do not cross over into roped off area that protects vital, sensitive nesting areas.

Trailhead: Departs from Kejimkujik Seaside parking lot
Significant Feature: Experience one of the most spectacular beaches in Nova Scotia, pristine white sand and cobalt blue water.
Length: 2.8 km one-way to the beginning of St. Catherine’s River Beach.
Hiking Time: 1 hour
Trail surface: Gravel and unmaintained footpaths
Trail Rating: Easy

The trails at Kejimkujik (Maitland Bridge, NS) and at Kejimkujik Seaside (Port Joli, NS) showcase an incredible variety of habitats, scenery and places of cultural and historical significance. Please visit our website for maps and information on visitor safety and visitor services.

Be responsible for your safety:

  • Ensure that dogs are kept leashed, and do not approach, disturb or feed wild animals
  • Take along appropriate clothing – rapid weather changes often occur at Kejimkujik Seaside
  • Wear proper hiking footwear. Trail surface is variable and includes both graveled and natural surfaces, uneven terrain, loose beach cobble, and wet surfaces
  • Have adequate sun protection (hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses) and carry water with you, especially for longer trails, climbs or open barrens
  • Bring insect repellent, as black flies and mosquitoes are common all summer
  • Stay on designated paths and boardwalks to protect fragile vegetation and to reduce your chances of encountering ticks
  • Mountain bikes are permitted only where indicated, for visitor safety and protection of the environment
  • Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back

Date Details/Hours of Operation
Visit the website for hours and seasonal information. No maintenance in off-season.

Read more
    • Government Level

      National

    • Trail Distance (KM)

      2.8
    • Trail Distance Measurement

      one way
    • Trail Type

      Day use
    • Trail Surface

      Gravel
    • Trail Difficulty Level

      Easy
    • Trail Pet Policy

      Leashed
    • Trail Uses

      Cycling, Hiking, Snowshoeing, Walking

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