Museum on the move

Canadian Canoe Museum has selected a visionary design

If you haven't visited the Canadian Canoe Museum, you should.

“Who knew this would be so interesting? A canoe museum? I thought it would be boring … quite the contrary! This is a thoughtful, interesting and extremely well designed exhibit. Rather than focus on Peterborough’s (significant) role in canoe and boat building, it gives a panoramic view of Canadian history, which also (finally) included the Canadian Arctic. This is well worth a visit, and more than once.” ~ Katherine 

 The Canadian Canoe Museum, in Peterborough, Ontario, is an engaging, family-friendly place that offers a fascinating look at Canadian history as seen from a canoe. It is a unique national heritage centre that explores the canoe’s enduring significance to the peoples of Canada, through the world’s best collection of canoes, kayaks and paddle watercraft.

Once financing is secured, the new organically-shaped museum will be built at water's edge at the Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site of Canada. Read more here. 

Canadian-Canoe-Museum-Family

Currently, in addition to its inspiring displays, it offers a variety of events - Summer Paddling Camps, Learn To Canoe, Explore Nature in the Kawarthas as well as interesting adult workshops - Canoe Restoration Clinic, Leather Game Bag, Carve a Canoe Paddle and more. 

About Trish Manning

Trish Manning is an adventure travel writer. She is an avid outdoor person who loves to hike, paddle, SUP, snowshoe, cross-country ski and explore Ontario's great outdoors with her golden retriever, Daisy.

Recommended Articles

Ontario Trail Races 2026

Find out where to test your limits and get out in the woods.

Crown Land Camping

What it is and where you can camp in Ontario.

Ontario Birding Checklist

Keep an eye on the skies for these 10 incredible species.

Incredible Swimming in Ontario

12 best destinations to take a summer dip.

Natural Highs

7 magnificent mountains in Ontario to climb, hike, ride, ski and more.

Go Foraging in Ontario

Learn the basics of how to harvest wild edibles found across the province.

Insider’s Guide to Sleeping Giant

Everything you need to plan a trip to this iconic provincial park.

Hidden Gem: Chutes Provincial Park

Camping, hiking and waterfall-viewing in Northern Ontario.

Plan Your Adventure

10 amazing sights you can only see in winter in Ontario.

2026 Triathalons

Swim, cycle and run your way to triathlete status at these Ontario events.

Your Family’s Best Summer Ever

Explore dozens of family-friendly outdoor itineraries.

Backpacking Trails in Ontario

7 multiday hiking trips to the province’s most beautiful places.

Best Backcountry Camping in Ontario

7 destinations that are wild with beauty and fun.

Best Northern Lights Destinations

6 places in Ontario for incredible aurora borealis viewing.

Explore Ontario’s Hidden Gems

18 destinations you need to visit.

Rock Climbing

You Know Why. Here’s How.

Algonquin Park Guide

Everything you need to know to plan a trip to this world-class destination.

Top of the Giant Trail

Get tips on this amazing hike at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

Tom Thomson Self-Guided Tour

Visit these places in Algonquin Park to learn more about the famed painter.

Ontario Old Growth Trails

Tall trees await: Ontario’s best old growth trails.