Port Joli Head Trail – Kejimkujik Seaside
Open year-round
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.
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:
Date Details/Hours of Operation
Visit the website for hours and seasonal information. No maintenance in off-season.
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