PIJINUISKAQ PADDLE FESTIVAL 2026

Following the phenomenal success of the Pijinuiskaq Paddle Fest in 2024 & 2025, CKNS, Cape LaHave Adventures, the Town of Bridgewater & the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg are pleased to launch the 2026 Pijinuiskaq Paddle Festival.

The Pijinuiskaq Paddle Festival will run Friday – Sunday, September 18 – 20, 2026 coinciding with the Bridgewater Harvest Moon Festival. The festival begins with Community Big Canoe paddles on Friday. On Saturday, Sept. 19 there will be a tour of the Cape LaHave Islands. The CKNS Big Canoes will run public try-it paddles from Pijinuiskaq Park in the afternoon. Free to all and no experience necessary! On Sunday, Sept 20 we will run the 3rd annual Pijinuiskaq Parade of Paddlers with a new extended route!

Registration is required for all events.

See below for details of Saturday’s Cape LaHave Islands Tour.

Big Canoe “try-it” paddles will run from Pijinuiskaq park from 2:00 – 4:00pm.

The Sunday Parade of Paddlers paddle will depart from and return to Shipyards Landing in Bridgewater. The paddle will follow the river into the downtown core, passing Pijinuiskaq Park, continuing under the Old Bridge and the ‘new’ Bridge as tidal conditions allow. We will then return down river back to Shipyards Landing, and for those who wish we will continue our paddle to Miller Point Peace Park. We will land at Miller Point Peace Park for lunch and live music before returning to Shipyards Landing.

The 2 km route will offer picturesque views for paddlers and spectators expected to line the park edges and bridges. The extended route is about 6 kms return.

Full Pijinuiskaq Paddle Fest itinerary below!

Come for the weekend and pair Pijinuiskaq Paddle Festival with Bridgewater’s Harvest Moon Music Festival, Sept 18 & 19. The 5th annual will have two evenings of live music at Pijinuiskaq Park and fireworks on Saturday evening (music line up being announced Aug 20th!). Click here for details.

SUNDAY RENTALS

Want to participate but need to rent a kayak/paddleboard?

Contact our event partners, Cape LaHave Adventures!

A limited supply of single and tandem kayaks, or SUP’s, can be pre-booked, to be picked up onsite at Shipyard’s Landing on September 20. Pre-book your watercraft for 10am – 2pm with discount code PIJINUISKAQ2026 before September 17th, online: https://capelahaveadventures.ca/

Paddle leaders are needed to support the safety of the Sunday parade of paddlers. Interested in becoming a leader or assistant leader? Please contact admin@ckns.ca for more information

PIJINUISKAQ PADDLE FESTIVAL ITINERARY

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026

Cape LaHave Adventures

Dublin Shore

9:30 – 16:30 Pijinuiskaq Paddle Festival: Cape LaHave Island Tour (see below for details)

Pijinuiskaq Park

Bridgewater

14:00 – 16:00 Big Canoe “Try it” Paddle

19:00 Harvest Moon Festival – Neon Dreams

20:30 Harvest Moon Festival Fireworks

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2026

3rd Annual Pijinuiskaq Mass Paddle

Shipyards Landing

Bridgewater

9:30 – 11:00 Registration/Check in

11:00 – 11:30 Welcoming remarks/Boat Launch

11:30 – 12:45 Paddle

This year’s paddle will begin from Shipyards and head up the river through Bridgewater, passing Pijinuiskaq Park, under the ‘Old Bridge’ and depending on tidal conditions the “New Bridge”. We will return to Shipyards Landing and for those who want an extended paddle we will continue to Miller Point Peace Park.

12:45 – 13:30 BBQ & Live Music at Miller Point Peace Park. Arriving at Miller Point Peace Park, we’ll stop for a BBQ lunch. Not paddling to Miller Point? Drive around and join us!

13:30 – 14:00 Paddle: return to Shipyards Landing

Length of Paddle: 2kms/6kms return

Expected duration: 30 minutes/2.5 hours

CAPE LAHAVE ISLANDS TOUR – SAT, SEP 19

PLEASE REGISTER DIRECTLY WITH CAPE LAHAVE ADVENTURES BY SEP 17

Join Cape LaHave Adventures for a special guided sea kayak journey to Cape LaHave Island as part of this year’s paddling festival. This tour offers the chance to explore one of Nova Scotia’s most beautiful undeveloped island landscapes alongside fellow paddlers from across the region.

Launching from the mainland, we’ll paddle through the sheltered waters of the LaHave Islands, weaving between headlands, quiet coves, and historic fishing communities before landing on Cape LaHave Island. Once ashore, enjoy time to stretch your legs, beachcomb on the island’s beaches, and take in the spectacular views before returning by kayak.

Along the way, our guides will share stories of the area’s natural and cultural history while keeping an eye out for seals, seabirds, and other coastal wildlife.

Whether you’re visiting the South Shore for the festival or paddling close to home, this guided excursion is a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of the LaHave Islands, meet other paddlers, and celebrate Nova Scotia’s incredible coastline.

Trip Highlights

Guided sea kayak tour to Cape LaHave Island (weather permitting)
Explore sheltered island waterways and rugged Atlantic coastline
Time ashore to enjoy the island’s beaches and trails
Local guides sharing stories of the area’s history and ecology

Suitable for paddlers with basic kayaking experience. All required kayaking equipment is provided.

What to bring:

Water bottle, picnic lunch & snacks
• Comfortable non-cotton layers (quick drying, fleece, wool, athletic wear etc)
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, long sleeves

A note about the route:

Our route & destination depend on the weather. Our guides are experienced in adapting tours to paddling conditions and group ability. While Cape LaHave Island is our plan, please remain flexible and bring your sense of adventure!

Registration:

https://capelahaveadventures.ca/collections/kayak-sup-tours/products/full-day-sea-kayaking?variant=42204568584441

Discount Code:

With the support of CKNS, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg and the Town of Bridgewater, this tour is offered at a special discounted rate of $64+tax (regularly $155). Use CAPELAHAVE2026 at the checkout when booking.

PIJINUISKAQ PADDLE FESTIVAL 2026