Pijinuiskaq Paddle Fest

Pijinuiskaq Paddle Fest returns to downtown Bridgewater on the weekend of September 19-20, 2026, turning the LaHave River into a colourful gathering of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Presented by Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia with the Town of Bridgewater and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, the free festival celebrates Bridgewater's connection to the river that runs through its centre — named Pijinuiskaq, the traditional Mi'kmaq word meaning “having long joints or branches.” It is the paddling companion to the same weekend's Harvest Moon Music Festival, and together the two events anchor the South Shore's fall festival season.

Saturday offers Big Canoe “Try-It” paddles from Pijinuiskaq Park in the afternoon (2:00-4:00 PM, no experience necessary, part of the Pijinuiskaq Paddle Festival). Sunday's centrepiece is the third annual Parade of Paddlers - in its third year running an extended route - a welcoming group paddle that sets off from Shipyards Landing (registration 9:30-11:00 AM, departure 11:30 AM), follows the river into the downtown core, and continues on to Miller Point Peace Park for a food-truck lunch before returning. Fireworks over the river close out the festival Saturday night.

Admission is free, though registration is required for festival events. Paddlers can bring their own craft, pre-book a rental (single or tandem kayak, or SUP) from Cape LaHave Adventures for pickup at Shipyards Landing on Sunday, or join organized clinics. The festival is held right in the heart of downtown Bridgewater — steps from King Street's restaurants, the waterfront boardwalk, and the park's amphitheatre, which hosts the Harvest Moon Music Festival's headline concerts the same weekend. For visitors, it's a chance to experience the LaHave River the way locals do: from the water.

Make the most of your time in South Shore - pair Pijinuiskaq Paddle Fest with our South Shore guide, Best Day Trips from Halifax, and Lunenburg UNESCO guide. They're each packed with itinerary ideas, local tips, and everything you need to extend your stay.