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.
2017September19-jiimaan_project-0005.jpg

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. 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

Tips for 2026 Camping Reservations

Use these best practices to get the sites you want, when you want them.

The Best Camping in Ontario

25 of the best car camping and backcountry destinations.

Rock Climbing

You Know Why. Here’s How.

Discover Hardy Lake Provincial Park

Your hiking guide to this sublime park in Muskoka.

Guide to Skijoring with your Dog

Best places to skijor and how to get started in this fun activity.

Can't-Miss Skating Trails & Outdoor Rinks

15 best places to lace up.

Want to photograph moose?

Go on a moose safari in Algonquin in early June

Canoeing in Toronto

Locals share best places to paddle in the GTA.

11 Jaw-Droppingly Beautiful Landscapes

Don't miss the splendours of Northern Ontario.

"How to" Videos

Learn canoe tripping skills before you go

Free Day Use at Ontario Parks

Find out how to get into parks for free this year.

Hike the Lake Superior Coastal Trail

Discover beaches, lookouts, and sacred sites on this 65 km trail.

16 Perfect Fall Hikes in Ontario

Add these trails to your bucket list.

Best Seven Summer Adventures

The Planet D tell all ...

Pancake Bay: Ontario’s Ultimate Beach Escape

Discover the shores of an inland sea.

Best Cross Country Ski Spots

Explore the top trails this season.

9 Reasons To Visit Ontario this Fall

Hello all things autumn.

Wildflowers of Ontario

Find out where to see the prettiest blooms in the province.

Best Northern Lights Destinations

6 places in Ontario for incredible aurora borealis viewing.

The Best Killarney Hikes

Take to the trails in Ontario’s crown jewel park.