Kejimkujik Lake sits at the heart of Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia's interior, roughly 166 km from Halifax. The lake is large and notably shallow, which means whitecaps can develop quickly when the wind picks up, creating genuinely hazardous conditions for paddlers. Wind and waves on the larger open sections can make crossing difficult or impossible, and paddlers should be prepared to wait out weather and build extra time into any itinerary. Navigation skills and solid canoe technique are recommended before attempting open-water crossings.

The primary access point is Jake's Landing, which has a large, free, secure parking lot suitable for multi-night trips. Two additional access points within the park — Big Dam and Eel Weir — offer alternative launch options. Eel Weir is particularly useful for paddlers heading toward the southern lakes, as it can shorten the overall distance compared to departing from Jake's Landing and avoids a potential headwind crossing of the main lake.

The lake is dotted with islands featuring granite boulders and windswept pines, and island campsites are available for backcountry paddlers. A day-use picnic area at Nancy Cove provides a rest stop during island exploration. The lake connects via portages to a broader network of lakes and rivers, including the quieter Mersey River and the more remote southern lakes system (the Peskowesk Lake System, a 48 km loop). Portage E, the Big Hardwood Carry at 2.3 km, passes through old-growth hardwood forest; canoe rests are provided along most portage trails.

Backcountry campsites throughout the park require advance reservations through Parks Canada's reservation service, and a Parks Canada pass is required for all visitors. Paddlers must comply with Transport Canada's minimum safety equipment requirements for canoes and kayaks under 6 m. Petroglyphs areas within the park are marked by buoys and entry is prohibited. The paddling season runs from approximately May 20 to October 30. Canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available within the park, as is guided programming in July and August focused on Mi'kmaw culture and the park's Dark-Sky Preserve designation. The waterways have been travelled by the Mi'kmaq for thousands of years, giving the area significant cultural and historical depth.