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

Can’t get away this winter?

Discover the best winter vacations for retirees.

Get Hooked in Algonquin

Plan the ultimate spring brook trout canoe trip

Want a romantic getaway?

The Lodge at Pine Cove is the place to go.

Wow: Best Lookout Points

Hike to the top.

Best Golf Courses in Ontario

Plan a getaway to a green that suits your tastes and skills.

Best Cross Country Ski Spots

Explore the top trails this season.

Bundle up for Snowy Horseback & Sleigh Rides

Ontario’s best winter equine adventures.

March Break in Ontario

Discover the best camps, activities and adventures for 2026.

Take Advantage of the Staycation Tax Credit

15 incredible accommodations that will save you money.

classic algonquin

3 day guided canoe trip

A Whitewater Awakening

Teaming up on the Brightsands River

Best Outdoor Adventure Locations in Ontario

Plan a trip to one of these incredible destinations.

5 Trails Less Travelled

Amazing day hikes in Northwest Ontario.

Paddling "the Pet"

Why it's her favourite Algonquin trip.

20 Fall Views Away from the Crowds

Embrace adventure—it’ll be worth it.

Destination Dupes

Avoid the crowds at these hidden gems.

White Lake Provincial Park: A Hidden Gem

Camp, paddle, hike and swim in Northern Ontario.

Nighttime at Ontario Parks: The 10 Best All-Season Activities

Nocturnal adventures for the whole family!

Winter Romance

Fall in love with these exciting getaways.

Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in Ontario

11 places where Fido can join in the fun.