Paddle Lunenburg/Queens
Lake Route 1: Big Mushamush Lake
Record #:
LQR0036
Last Modified:
11 Apr 2019
Last Full Update:
07 Nov 2014
Comments
| Public Bulletin | Neither South Shore Connect.ca nor the Lunenburg-Queens Recreational Coordinators/Directors Association own or control the canoe routes, portages or campsites listed in this guide, and assume no responsibility or liability for the safety of those using the canoe routes, walking the portages, or using the campsites. lt is recommended that users approach all canoe routes, portages and campsites in a safe and responsible manner. Conditions can change through fluctuating water levels, natural debris, and logging activity. Arrangements must be made directly with the owners of the portages and campsites. South Shore Connect.ca and Lunenburg-Queens Recreational Coordinators/Directors Association are not liable for any errors or omissions in this guide. |
Location
| Located In | South Shore Region |
| Where To Find Us | Big Mushamush Lake, NS |
| Areas Served | Lunenburg County ; Queens County (NS) |
Contact
| chaughn@chester.ca | |
| Phone | 902-275-3490 |
| Contact | Chad Haughn, President, LQRCDA |
Description & Services
| Information | BIG MUSHAMUSH LAKE - LAKE ROUTE 1 A large lake (6 km long) with wooded islands, coves and beaches. It has public access and is close to Highway 103. Where: Near Bridgewater Skill Level: Beginner Time: Day trip Distance: 12 km around lake  Mushamush does not mean “Oatmeal again?” as one friend suggested. However, my efforts to find out the real meaning were fruitless though I did discover that at one time, Mushamush refered to the whole region around Blockhouse and Mahone Bay. The southeast end of this lake is a steady line of cottages and a few year-round homes. The rest of the lake has small groupings of cottages and some fine undeveloped areas. The shore line is rocky with frequent stone or sand beaches. This is a busy spot in summer with motor boats and water skiers. The best paddling is likely in the fall when the water is still warm, most of the boats are put away and the fall colours are coming on. It is quite shallow in some spots like around Birch Island, making it ideal for canoes and kayaks. The north west end of the lake has a wilderness feel to it. There is an enchanting channel on the west side of Silver Island with big pines, and small beaches on Flat and Partridge. These islands all appear to be uninhabited by people. Directly east of Flat Island are some rocky outcrops and secluded coves. The Mushamush River flow out is on the north shore of the lake and is used by sea trout and gaspereau. Alocal environmental group, the Bluenose Atlantic Coastal Action Program (BACAP- See Ocean Route 5) is working to restore the river habitat. The lake is also home to loons and osprey. Water Safety Notes Boat traffic - Expect motor boats, jet skiis and water skiers in the summer. Swimmers Itch - This rash is caused by a small parasite and affects some people more than others. It occurs only in the first metre of water extending from shore. Wind - See Lake Notes. Points of Interest 1 Scout camp 2 Lutheran Church camp How to get there 1 - Take Exit 11 off Highway 103 and turn south over the over pass. Continue into Blockhouse, turn rightat the stop sign and travel 4.5 km to Maitland. Turn right at the Midway convenience store, over Highway 103 and travel about 8 km toward Lower Northfield. Turn right at the sign for Sweetland, and after one km, turn left at the sign to Mushamush Beach Park. 2 - If you are not adverse to gravel roads, take Exit 11 but turn north. About 3 kms along, turn left onto a gravel road and travel through Farmville to Sweetland. Just past Sweetland, look for Mushamush Beach Park sign and turn right. Access Point One - Mushamush Beach Park This 13.6 ha (30 acre) municipal park has a ramp for boat access, a fine beach with wheel chair access, lots of parking, picnic tables, portable toilets and is open from 9 am till dusk. The Park is open from Victoria Day weekend in May until Thanksgiving in October.As with provincial parks, a gate prevents vehicle entry when the park is closed but use is still permitted.This will mean a very long carry - bring your canoe wheels! Also you can call the Recreation Department below to unlock the gate for you out of season. No connections to other routes. For more information about the park, contact the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, Recreation Department, 902-541-1343, Extension 49. Topographic map - Bridgewater 21 A/7 |
| Eligibility | Ages: 16 year(s) and up Children under 16 with adults - please use own discretion depending on skill level |
Special Information
| Established | 1998 |
| Tags | Canoe/Kayak ; Maps ; NS Trail Guide ; Recreation Categories ; South Shore Connect |
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