This Story is Archived
Please note this page may no longer be up to date. For new stories about Northern Ontario visit us here.

DON'T MISS THIS SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY

Visit the Canadian Canoe Museum prior to October 2, 2017, to experience the Jiimaan Project.

The Jiimaan Project gives you the opportunity to experience the construction of a Gitigan Ziibi-style birch bark canoe and to learn about Indigenous canoe-making traditions while visiting the Canadian Canoe Museum, an engaging, family-friendly place that explores Canadian history told through the canoe.  

Chuck Commanda, grandson of the late Algonquin elders and honoured canoe builders William and Mary Commanda, is one of the few practicing First Nations birch bark canoe makers. He will be demonstrating traditions and techniques of traditional canoe building, which are a celebration of a complex and ancient relationship with familiar landscapes and waterways. 

The Canadian Canoe Museum is located at 910 Monaghan Road, Peterborough. 

CELEBRATING THE CANADIAN CANOE CULTURE IN ONTARIO

The Canoe is a film documenting five different stories of Ontarians who have connected to the natural environment, each other, and themselves through paddling. The segment from the film below features Gail Bannon, who is teaching Indigenous youth at Fort William First Nation how to build a birch bark canoe. Read their story of how they experience the deeper meaning of learning a traditional craft. 

About Trish Manning

Trish Manning is an adventure travel writer and the content coordinator for Ontario Outdoor Adventures. 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

Crown Land Camping

What it is and where you can camp in Ontario.

2025 Triathalons

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

11 Jaw-Droppingly Beautiful Landscapes

Don't miss the splendours of Northern Ontario

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.

Beach Camping in Ontario

14 sandy places to pitch your tent and swim to your heart’s content.

9 of the Most Beautiful Fall Destinations

And they’re all in Ontario.

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.

Explore Underground: Ontario Caves

Perfect for adventurous couples and families.

Ontario Trail Races

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

Ontario Birding Checklist

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

Best Northern Lights Destinations

6 places in Ontario for incredible Aurora Borealis viewing.

Explore Ontario’s Hidden Gems

18 destinations you need to visit.

Dogs Welcome!

Top dog-friendly resorts.

Best Waterfalls in Ontario

Discover where they are and how to get there.

Top of the Giant Trail

Get tips on this amazing Sleeping Giant hike.

Pancake Bay: Ontario’s Ultimate Beach Escape

Discover the shores of an inland sea.

SUP in the city

The top 6 places to paddleboard in Toronto.

6 Best Places To Camp On Manitoulin

Book a campsite as your base to roam this chill oasis.