The Mi'kmaq had a nomadic lifestyle. They moved their encampments according to the availability of game and fish. They followed the food sources.

They had established routes from one location to the other. They would return to the same place in winter or summer year after year. Their belongings were limited and were quite portable.

Winter encampments consisted of smaller number of families. The summer encampments were by water. Traditionally a larger number of Mi'kmaq (up to 300) would gather.