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

Ontario Birding Checklist

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

Backpacking Trails in Ontario

7 multi-day hiking trips to the province’s most beautiful places.

Teenagers & whitewater?

The Smedleys tackle the Turtle

Hidden Gem: Chutes Provincial Park

Camping, hiking and waterfall-viewing in Northern Ontario.

Where to See Ontario's Coolest Wildlife

Get expert tips on how to spot these iconic species.

Adventure Hotspot: Mississagi Provincial Park

Get the lowdown on camping, hiking and paddling north of Elliot Lake, Ontario.

Hike The Best Trails

Discover your next great adventure.

Hike the Pukaskwa Coastal Trail

Discover awe-inspiring waterfalls, beaches and vistas on this epic 60-km trail.

Best Stargazing in Ontario

Can’t-miss night sky events for 2025

Affordable Weekend Getaways

13 exciting escapes for couples in Ontario.

Explore Underground: Ontario Caves

Perfect for adventurous couples and families.

The Best Camping In Ontario

Discover the best car-camping and backcountry locations.

7 Reasons to Explore Ontario This Winter

Grab your parka—it’s time to plan a snow-filled adventure.

Dog Sledding in Ontario

Your guide to this exhilarating winter activity.

Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in Ontario

11 places where Fido can join in the fun.

Best Waterfalls in Ontario

Discover where they are and how to get there.

Best Small Towns in Ontario

These 9 communities are gateways to outdoor adventure.

Need to Escape?

Wabakimi is your answer.

Ontario’s National Parks

Protected for posterity. And deservedly so.

Windy Lake: Your Travel Guide

Discover year-round outdoor fun in Ontario’s stunning Northeast.