3-Day Medway Lakes Canoe Trip: Nova Scotia Wilderness

Three days paddling between pine-sheltered coves and more beaches than anywhere else on offer

A 3-day canoe tour of the Medway Lakes Wilderness Area in Nova Scotia, where you paddle small ancient lakes studded with islands, camp on sandy beaches in quiet coves, and listen to coyotes and beavers each night. The trip includes a professional guide, all meals and camping gear, and operates year-round with groups of 4 to 8 paddlers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Rendezvous and paddle into wilderness

• Meet at Milford Community Hall
• Follow guide to Boot Lake property
• Unload canoes and gear
• Receive waterproof pack
• Have lunch provided by guide
• Pack canoes and paddle off

Day 2: Explore the Medway Lakes

• Breakfast cooked over fire
• Paddle through Medway Lakes
• Lunch prepared on the go
• Find sandy beaches and pine shade
• Dinner cooked on campfire
• Overnight camping in wilderness

Day 3: Return to Boot Lake Outpost

• Breakfast in camp
• Paddle back to Boot Lake Outpost
• End at vehicle parking

The experience

The Medway Lakes Wilderness Area hosts the headwaters of two of Nova Scotia's finest rivers, and the route strikes a balance between rugged paddling and time to rest on shore. You'll meet your guide at the Milford Community Hall (5439 Hwy 8, South Milford) at noon on day one, then drive together to the private Boot Lake outpost where the canoes and gear are waiting. After a lunch your guide provides, you'll load the waterproof packs and paddle into the wilderness for your first night under the stars.

Day two takes you deeper into the lakes, where you'll find the sandy beaches tucked into quiet coves and explore the deepest point of the trip before paddling back toward camp. The third day is the return paddle to Boot Lake, where your vehicle is parked and waiting. Throughout, your guide handles navigation and camp setup while you paddle at the day's rhythm. Wildlife (coyotes, owls, beavers) shows up most nights, though sightings are never guaranteed. The operator provides all meals and snacks, tents, canoes, safety equipment, sunscreen and bug repellent. You bring clothes suited to the weather and a willingness to paddle.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the route.
• all meals, snacks and drinks.
• 2 nights camping in the wilderness.
• tents and canoes.
• safety equipment.
• sunscreen and bug repellent.
• all group gear.
• secure vehicle parking at Boot Lake.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

AgesAdult (14 to 69 years) · Senior (70 to 85 years) · Youth (11 to 13 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 6 days before the start.Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund.After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 28 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Whynot Adventure Outfitters

Is this one for you?The rendezvous at Milford Community Hall cuts the drive time and entrance fees, making the trip accessible whether you're staying in Halifax or elsewhere in the province without a car. Your guide handles the transport from there to the outpost and back.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 13 years); Child (5 to 10 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 6 days before the start.

Do I need paddling experience to book this 3-day canoe trip?

The Medway Lakes trip is suitable for all physical fitness levels, so prior paddling skill is not required. Your professional guide will handle the technical aspects of navigation and camp management, and groups stay small at 4 to 8 people.

What's the rendezvous point and how do I get there?

Meet your guide at the Milford Community Hall, located at 5439 Hwy 8 in South Milford, Nova Scotia, between noon on day one. From there you'll drive together to the Boot Lake outpost where the canoes are based, saving you an entrance fee to Kejimkujik National Park and a longer drive into the wilderness.

What meals and accommodations are included over the 3 days?

All meals, snacks and drinks are provided by your guide throughout the trip. You'll sleep in a tent at two campsites deep in the wilderness, with the operator supplying all camping gear and equipment. Vegetarian options are available if you advise at booking.

What should I pack and what does the operator provide?

Pack clothes appropriate to the weather, as the trip operates in all conditions. The operator provides safety equipment, sunscreen, bug repellent, all canoes and tents, meals, snacks and drinks, and secure parking for your vehicle at Boot Lake. Rain gear is not included, so bring your own if needed.