2nd Annual Pijinuiskaq Paddle Fest in Bridgewater Declared a Success
by Donna Hatt
Bridgewater’s 2nd annual Pijinuiskaq Paddle Festival, hosted as an expanded 2-day event on September 20 and 21 has been declared a huge success by the organizers, but more importantly, by the participants.
Attracting well over 120 paddlers from near and far, Sunday’s parade of paddlers on the LaHave River, Pijinuiskaq in Mi’Kmaq, became a beautiful bouquet of boats. Novice and experienced paddlers in canoes, kayaks and SUPs were joined by 10-person Big Canoes, the Bosom Buddies Cancer Survivors Dragon Boat from Mahone Bay, and even a traditional dory from Lunenburg.
Following welcoming remarks and a Smudging Ceremony with Mi’Kmaq Elder Todd Labrador and his family, departing from Shipyards Landing Park the Parade of Paddlers following the 2 km paddle route once again created quite a stir in Downtown Bridgewater as the group paddled ‘through’ Town. Passing under two bridges before returning to the park, spectators lined the shoreline and decks of the bridges to cheer on the paddlers.
An exciting addition to the festival this year was the addition of paddling clinics offered on Saturday in partnership with Cape LaHave Adventures. Thanks to support from Paddle Canada, the subsidized registration fees made the ½ day clinics even more accessible, and successful.
Embraced by paddlers of all ages and under sunny skies, the 2025 once again exceeded expectations of the event organizers, Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia, Cape LaHave Adventures, and the Town of Bridgewater.
Participant feedback continues to reinforce that the event is heading in the right direction. Creating an opportunity to remind participants of the Mi’kmaq ancestral and cultural connection to Pijinuiskaq and highlights the LaHave River as a resource to be respected and enjoyed sustainably, through paddling.
Feedback from participants onsite and in the follow up survey suggests it is working. For many participants the attended so they could paddle the river for the first time. Most suggested they participated because they wanted to share in a unique experience with other paddlers.
Back again this year was the South Shore Multicultural Association who filled two 10-person Big Canoes with newcomers to our region, nearly all being first-time paddlers. For one of their guests, it moved them to tears as they realized a life-long dream of ‘paddling’.
On hand was Pauline Halstead who showcased adaptive paddling while Sheri MacNiel of NS Invasive Species Council offered boat rinsing to reduce potential transfer of invasive species.
Brian Crooks, CKNS Board member and planning committee member for this event says they are thrilled with the event. Crooks says the Pijinuiskaq Paddle Festival embodies the mission of CKNS, fostering safe, inclusive, and environmentally responsible paddling across Nova Scotia. “This event brings people together to connect and enjoy paddling the scenic LaHave, together we’re growing the paddling community in the region, and the province.”
The 2025 Pijinuiskaq Festival was made possible with the assistance of many paddling champions that included the volunteer certified paddle leaders and instructors, the Bridgewater Fire Department for on-water support, and financial support from Paddle Canada, the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, and the Town of Bridgewater.
SAVE THE DATE FOR 2026! Plans have already begun for the 3rd Annual Pijinuiskaq Paddle Festival, with an expanded program for Saturday September 19 and Sunday September 20, dovetailing with the Harvest Moon Festival in Bridgewater.
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the first two years of this event, we look forward to welcoming you in 2026.
