Thomas Raddall Provincial Park covers 1,675 acres and is home to an interesting range of habitats. The wooded areas are home to many songbirds, osprey, eagles, deer, snowshoe hares, while the lakes and streams offer mink, otter and beaver. Particularly beautiful in the Fall. In addition to the walking and bicycle trails, the Park offers wooded campsites.
Port Joli Trail (2.2 km return – ¾ hour – all skill levels – walking/hiking)
This is an easy hiking trail that follows the winding pebbled shoreline through stands of white spruce and balsam fir. Both white sand and rock beaches are in abundance amongst large boulders all along the shoreline. Across the bay, Kejimkujik National Park Seaside is visible from a number of observation points.
Sandy Bay Trail (1.4 km return – ½ hour – all skill levels – walking/hiking)
This trail is an extension of the multi-use trail leading to Sandy Bay Beach. Follow the shoreline through stands of white spruce that will eventually lead you back to the MacDonald House. Archaeologists have found old cellars, a well, and many stone walls from early homesteads along this trail. Rest for a moment at the long forgotten site of the lobster cannery and skid way. This area was once home to a thriving fishery. It is common to see seals and sea ducks just offshore.
Coastal Hardwood Ridge Trail (2.6 km return – 1 hr – all skill levels – walking/hiking)
This is a scenic coastal trail that meanders through a mixed forest of maple, spruce, and balsam fir until you reach a sheltered beach on the shore of Port Joli Bay.
Herring Rock Trail (1.0 km – ½ hour – all skill levels – walking/hiking)
This is a short shoreline trail that follows the coast along a headland that overlooks sheltered coves and Port Joli Bay. Still visible along the shoreline are the remnants of an old fish storehouse, camp, and wharf pilings that will remind you that this area was once part of a thriving inshore fishery.
Moody Barrens Trail (4 km return – 1 ½ hours – all skill levels – walking/hiking)
This trail leads northward to Moody Barrens and then eastward past the southern tip of Moody Bog where it then connects to the Coastal Hardwood Ridge Trail.
Historic Port Joli Road (2 km return – ¾ hour – all skill levels – walking/hiking/bicycling)
This trail will lead you from the campground southward to Cove Lake where the day use area of the park is located. The trail returns northward to the park office and then back along the road to the trailhead.
Location: Port L’Hebert.
Contact: 902-683-2664
Dates & Rates: Open Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving Day weekend. No fee for day use.
Directions: Drive west along Hwy 103 toward Yarmouth, taking Exit 22. Turn left on the Port L’Hebert Road and travel 8km to the park entrance. GPS (Park Visitor Centre): 43.834366, -64.892220
For your comfort and safety: Comfortable hiking boots or other sturdy footwear is recommended. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Remain on the established trails and obey all signs. Carry a first aid kit. Animals must be leashed at all times and cleaned up after. Dress for the weather. Carry bug repellent, sunscreen, and drinking water. Pack in pack out.
Visitor Services: The office kiosk is open from Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend. There are trail maps and park information available at the kiosk. Camping is available for a fee. Please check at the kiosk for availability. There are picnic tables, firepits, and washroom facilities available at the day use parking area.
