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A gently rolling landscape clothed in forest and dotted with lakes, in the remote centre of southwestern Nova Scotia, once home to the Mi’kmaq. Most of the woodlands consist of a mixture of maple, birch and spruce, lush with ferns and alive with warblers and woodpeckers. Wind-swept pines and brightly coloured orchids along the lakeshores create lasting impressions. Fifteen walking trails, from 0.5 to 6 km in length, traverse this beautiful landscape, or you can canoe or kayak on the many waterways travelled by the Mi'kmaq. Deer, snowshoe hare and porcupine are commonly seen wildlife, but rare species such as the southern flying squirrel also inhabit park forests. This 381 km2 park features the best canoeing in Eastern Canada. Smooth-flowing rivers and island-studded lakes await the canoeist. Wilderness campsites permit multi-day excursions in the home of the common loon. Short canoe and kayak outings on the still waters of the Mersey River may discover frogs and turtles peering through the water lilies, while at dusk beavers become active. Park interpretive staff lead outings on foot, by canoe or on bikes to reveal the wildlife and natural features of the park; some programs are designed especially for children. Mi’kmaq interpreters explain the stories of their culture while conducting hikes to a rock art petroglyph site or demonstrating traditional activities at a recreated campsite. Camping in a woodland setting (see p. XXX), swimming, and cycling are popular; wilderness and family sites available.
Open
Open year-round.
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