GovernmentServices
CommunityDevelopment
ResidentialSevices
MunicipalOperations
NewBylawsPoliciesOtherReading
Route 27 - Tobeatic Wilderness Area

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 the time of this printing, 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 a map and more details about this route.
bottomswoosh