Big Dam Lake is located within Kejimkujik National Park in southwestern Nova Scotia, accessed via a 400-metre portage from the Big Dam parking lot. The portage is marked with a fork; paddlers should follow the left branch (marked Q) for the most direct route to the water.

The lake has a distinctive two-part character. The southeastern half is clear and spring-fed, with water lilies rooted in the shallows and a generally sheltered aspect that keeps it calm even when winds pick up elsewhere. A narrow passage connects this section to the northern expanse, where bog-fed waters run a dark brown colour. The entire shoreline is forested, with particularly impressive stands of pine and hemlock along the eastern side.

Wind exposure is a consideration on the northern portion of the lake, though paddlers can typically hug one shoreline or the other for protection when conditions are breezy. Campsites 1 through 4 are situated on Big Dam Lake, making it a practical first-night stop for those starting a multi-day trip late in the day.

Big Dam Lake serves as the starting point for the Frozen Ocean Loop, widely considered Kejimkujik's most popular canoe route. The full loop covers approximately 26 kilometres with six portages totalling 2,500 metres, and is recommended as a three-day trip. The counterclockwise direction is suggested, beginning at the Big Dam parking lot and finishing at Jake's Landing. Paddlers without a second vehicle at Jake's Landing should arrange a shuttle in advance. An AllTrails route also documents a point-to-point paddle from Big Dam Lake to the campground on the north shore of Frozen Ocean Lake.

Beyond the lake itself, the route connects via Still Brook and portages to Frozen Ocean Lake and eventually to Kejimkujik Lake, where paddlers can explore Minards Bay with its granite boulders, island-dotted waters, and rugged shoreline. Labour Day weekend tends to draw a significant number of backcountry users, with most campsites occupied. Outside of peak summer weekends, the route sees relatively light traffic, and it is not unusual to complete the full loop encountering very few other paddlers.

Backcountry reservations through Parks Canada are required for overnight trips in this area.