Canoe Annapolis County

Route 27 - Tobeatic Wilderness Area

Record #: MCA0393
Last Modified: 11 Apr 2019
Last Full Update: 08 Feb 2018

Location

Located In Annapolis County
Where To Find Us
Access: Lake Joli, other lakes and Shelburne River
Morganville Rd
Digby Co.
Other Site Locations Access: Carry to launch (Sixth Lake)
Digby Co.
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Access: Sporting Lake Stream
Off Gilberts Cove Rd
Doucettville (Digby Co.)
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Access: Route 6: Kejimkujik National Park (Pebbleloggitch Lake)
End of Eel Weir Rd at Peskawa/ Pebbleloggitch Lakes (No vehicle assess past Eel Weir Bridge), (Off Kejimkujik Main Pkwy)
Maitland Bridge
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Access: Launch at Upset Falls Bridge (Indian Fields)
Indian Fields Rd
Shelburne Co.
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Access:Carry to Pug Lake
Off Highway 203
Argyle Co.
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Areas Served Annapolis County ; Digby County ; South Shore Region

Description & Services

Information The Tobeatic Wilderness Area is the jewel in the crown of Nova Scotia's 31 wilderness areas. The Tobeatic, at over 100,000 hectares (250,000 acres) in size, is by far the largest, most remote and essentially roadless true wilderness left in Nova Scotia, and includes the Shelburne Heritage River within its boundaries. 
 
The Tobeatic remains wild, with no facilities, but is crisscrossed by a series of navigable waterways and carries, used by the Mi'kmaq for millennia and informally maintained by paddlers. 
 
It is possible to paddle in the Tobeatic on short trips of a day or two, or take much longer trips of up to two weeks. There is a cabin available for use in foul weather at Sand Beach Lake on the Shelburne River, but be prepared to tent otherwise. Paddlers are encouraged to follow No Trace Camping principles, and to file a trip plan with your local Department of Natural Resources or Department of Environment and Labour Protected Areas Division, and with family or friends.  
 
It should be emphasized that the Tobeatic is a very large area with large lakes and challenging rivers, without amenities and facilities, so therefore careful planning and close attention to weather and water conditions is required. 
 
The Tobeatic offers a wealth of back country paddling opportunities - so many as to be beyond the scope of this guide. At this time, no formal and detailed mapping of Tobeatic canoe routes exists. Information on particular routes may be obtained through the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour, Protected Areas Division, local paddling clubs and individuals. 
 
The accompanying map shows the network of forestry and public roads (in yellow) surrounding the Tobeatic Wilderness Area and Kejimkujik National Park. The roadless nature of these protected areas is evident, and illustrates their importance in providing a natural and undisturbed ecosystem. 
 
The map shows the traditional and popular access points for the Tobeatic. Refer to the appropriate 1:50 000 series mapping for details. 
 
Click HERE for launch location(s), map and route details.