Kemptville: Lakes, Rivers and History

Kemptville brings together a waterside landscape, forest and local history as themes to consider when planning a trip. If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Kemptville, you can decide whether nature, water activities or historical connections should be the focus of your stay.

Water, Lakes and Forest

Kemptville is on Pearl Lake. Little River runs through the community and is a tributary of the Tusket River; the Tusket River runs along Kemptville. The community is also shaped by numerous sizable lakes and rivers. Pine, fir, spruce and deciduous trees grow in the wooded areas.

When choosing a vacation rental, these features can help you narrow down your interests: would you rather plan your trip around the lakes and rivers or the wooded areas? The waterways have different connections to the community: Little River runs through Kemptville, the Tusket River runs along it, and Kemptville is on Pearl Lake.

Water Activities

Water activities vary by location: you can kayak on the small rapids of the Tusket River near Kemptville, and go boating on the many lakes near Kemptville. A large recreation area is associated with camping and sport fishing. The river, lakes and recreation area each offer something for different interests. Check current local conditions before planning a specific kayaking trip.

Kemptville’s History

Kemptville’s heritage includes Mi’kmaq history and the settlement of people from Argyle and Roberts Island in the early 19th century. In 1821, Kemptville was named in honour of Sir James Kempt, the Governor of Nova Scotia.

Birchdale in Kemptville was built in 1911 and served as a fishing and hunting lodge from 1911 to 1920. Birchdale was renamed Nova Nada and used as a Carmelite hermitage after being acquired by the Spiritual Life Institute. Along with its naming and settlement history, this historic site is one of the diverse features that distinguish Kemptville alongside its waterside landscape and forests.

More Nature and Culture in Yarmouth County

The Acadian Skies & Mi’kmaq Lands destination in Yarmouth County was the first destination in North America to receive Starlight Certification. In Ellenwood Lake Provincial Park in Yarmouth County, a 1.5-kilometre hiking trail passes through traditional Acadian forest. The park offers opportunities for swimming, boating and fishing. In the off-season, the park grounds and trail are suitable for walking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing; the buildings and summer facilities are closed then.

Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse in West Pubnico, Yarmouth County, includes an old Acadian cemetery and five 19th-century buildings. The visitor reception centre features interpretive exhibits about Acadian history and culture in Nova Scotia and other areas, as well as a gift shop with items by local artisans. Chebogue Meadows is an interpretive trail in Yarmouth County.

There are a variety of themes to choose from: Kemptville’s lakes, rivers, forests and local history, as well as other nature and heritage topics in Yarmouth County.

Discover more destinations: Argyle, Pubnico, Tusket, Yarmouth, Port Maitland.

For the broader travel overview: Yarmouth County.