The Canadian Canoe Museum
About This Museum
Let me tell you, this place is unlike any museum you've ever visited. It’s not just about looking at old boats; it’s about feeling the soul of Canada, a story told through the vessels that shaped this nation. You walk in and are immediately surrounded by hundreds of canoes and kayaks, each with its own quiet history. The sheer scale and artistry on display, from a tiny child's bark canoe to a massive 19th-century freight canoe, is honestly breathtaking.
Collection Highlights
You'll find everything here, from iconic birchbark canoes painstakingly built by Indigenous communities to a beautifully weathered prospector's kayak from the Klondike Gold Rush. One of the most striking exhibits is their collection of ornate vintage recreational canoes, their deep reds and greens still vibrant after all these years. Don't miss the massive voyageur canoe suspended from the ceiling—it really puts the physicality of fur trade travel into perspective.
Visitor Information
It's super family-friendly with hands-on activities for kids where they can try paddling or even sit in a canoe. Give yourself a good two hours to really take it all in without rushing. They're currently located on Ashburnham Drive in Peterborough, but definitely check their website as they're moving to a stunning new waterfront location soon!
Architecture & Building
The current building is a practical, unassuming former factory, which somehow makes the treasures inside feel even more authentic and discovered. The new building, which I saw renderings for, looks incredible—a modern, wave-like structure right on the water that the collection truly deserves.
Contact & Location
Address: Canadian Canoe Museum, 2077, Ashburnham Drive, Ashburnham, Peterborough, Central Ontario, Ontario, K9L 1R4, Canada
Phone: +1 705-748-9153
Website: Visit Website
