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’s National Parks

Protected for posterity. And deservedly so.

Kevin's Best Trip Ever

Woodland Caribou Provincial Park

The Best Camping In Ontario

Discover the best car-camping and backcountry locations.

Best Waterfalls in Ontario

Discover where they are and how to get there.

Want to go snowshoeing?

Discover Ontario’s best trails and getaways.

Attention Detroit

A short drive gets you a lot of vacation fun in Ontario, Canada

A must-watch video

Ray Mears follows The Path of Grey Owl.

Winter Wonderland Fun

The best winter activities in Ontario.

Your Outdoor Adventure Vacation Starts Here

10 best activities in Lake Superior Provincial Park.

Kids are Simply Happy in Nature

A family adventure on the French River

Your Family’s Best Summer Ever

Explore dozens of family-friendly outdoor itineraries.

Outdoor Playgrounds

Discover the best Ontario Provincial Parks.

Best Cross Country Ski Spots

Explore the top trails this season.

Wilderness by day, Pampered at night

A perfect way to experience Algonquin.

Best Trail Running in Ontario

From forest paths to coastal routes.

Best Stargazing in Ontario

Can’t-miss night sky events for 2025

Top Summer Vacations In Northern Ontario

25 places brimming with outdoor adventures.

Dogs Welcome!

Top dog-friendly resorts.

Stargazing in Ontario

4 of the best places to see the night sky.

Can't-Miss Skating Trails & Outdoor Rinks

15 best places to lace up.