Sea Kayaking Tours/Adventures

Cast off from one of more than a half dozen white sandy beaches in and around the Port Joli Bay area. Known as coastal Queens' 'Ocean Parks', this area is a growing protected and recreation zone. Almost 65% of the Bay's shoreline is protected thanks to the presence of the Thomas Raddall Park, The Port Joli Migratory Bird Sanctuary and The Kejimkujik National Seaside Park.

In Port Joli Bay mixed forests edged with pristine white beaches, large granite rock outcrops or salt marshes with 15-foot grasses meet the sea. Signs of marine life are everywhere - waterfowl and shorebirds, seals and incredible kelp beds attest to this area's unspoiled nature. The water is crystal clear, warm and easy to navigate.

During the shore excursion portion of the tour participants can pleasure in an afternoon swim or simply walk the stretches of beaches that line the quiet coves and inlets.

Port Joli Bay Tours — July and August*

This expedition begins at the Government Wharf Road in South West Port Mouton. Explore the uninhabited and historic islands of coastal Queens as part of your day's itinerary. Photograph Spectacle Island Lighthouse, a well-known landmark in the area and one of the last lights in the province to succumb to automation. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the large rocks overlooking the ocean as small fishing boats pass by. Or dig out your binoculars and observe species of shorebirds, seals, and even an occasional sea turtle, porpoise or whale.

The largest of the islands, Port Mouton Island was named in 1604 by French explorer, Samuel de Champlain on his first voyage to North America. History records that a sheep jumped ship (or fell overboard) and the word 'mouton' was given to the island and surrounding area.

Today Port Mouton Island (pronounced 'ma-tune' by local residents) is much the same as it was in 1604. This remote island is known for its protected white sand beaches, its early settlement by 'planters' from New England and its storm beaten outer coast. The water is usually cool, but a brisk swim in the salt water of the Atlantic is a pleasure.

Port Mouton Bay Tours — Daily mid-May - October.*

This extended day tour is for experienced and competent sea kayakers only. The open ocean route is sometimes susceptible to changing winds and ocean currents, thus making it a challenging, but spectacular voyage.

The 20 kilometer paddle begins along the eastern shore of Port Joli Bay. Known as Queens' 'Ocean Parks', this area is a growing protected and recreation zone. Almost 65% of the bay's shoreline is protected thanks to the presence of Thomas Raddall Provincial Park, The Port Joli Migratory Bird Sanctuary and the Kejumkujik National Seaside Park.

Giant kelp beds can be observed as you paddle out the harbour. Breakwaters, ragged rock and the storm cast debris of the bay headland are evidence of the crushing power of the sea. Most of the National Seaside Park encompasses the next 15 kilometers of paddling.

National Parks Canada works diligently trying to keep human impact to a minimum in this area. Most of Cadden Bay, a pristine three kilometer beach remains closed during the nesting season of the endangered Piping Plover. One can, however, haul up at the southern part of the beach where huge granite outcroppings are often covered with harbour or giant grey seals basking in the sun.

The route takes you along the Cadden Beach shoreline across the mouth of the St. Catherine's River. Here old timers talk of the river's 'quicksand' that once swallowed cattle that grazed along the shore. As you round Black Point, named after the numerous black bears found in the area, you are greeted by another of the park's beautiful beaches - Little Joli Bay.

At Little Joli Bay stretch your legs as your guide prepares lunch. Swim and relax on the white sandy beach, explore picturesque lagoons or do a little bird-watching along the shore.

The remainder of the journey continues on open ocean until you reach your final destination - Port Mouton.

Kedge Seaside National Park Tours — Daily from May to October*

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