This route is NOT recommended for NOVICE and INTERMEDIATE paddlers. 
 
Portions of Route 23 are also catalogued in this guide as Route 3, Sandy Bottom Lake; Route 4, Milford Lakes; and Route 6, Kejimkujik National Park. 
 
The Mersey River is a long river stretching nearly the entire width of the Province from north to south. 
 
The river begins at Sandy Bottom Lake in the Milford Lakes system, and flows south through Kejimkujik National Park, ending on the South Shore at Liverpool. The Mersey River is a traditional route used for generations by the Mi'kmaq when traveling from the Bay of Fundy to the South Shore. 
 
The Mersey River offers the wilderness traveler the charm and variety of quiet stillwaters, moving water runs, and some large lakes.  
 
In close proximity to roads for the most part, the route gives the paddler a sense of remoteness, with shorelines hosting majestic stands of second growth, mature hemlock and pine.  
 
Most of the river is deep enough to navigate most of the year, with some portages. It is advisable, however, to avoid the section between Kempton Lake and Kejimkujik Lake during periods of low water, as this portion can present long stretches of "boney" (exposed rock) riverbed.  
 
Helmets are recommended if you intend to run rapids. Longer rope is recommended for lining through rougher sections on this river. 
 
If you plan to paddle through and tent overnight in Kejimkujik National Park, please note that the numbered sites within the park must be reserved. 
 
Click HERE for launch location(s), map and route details.