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 Parks 30x30 Nature Challenge

Get inspired with these ways of spending 30 minutes in nature.

"How to" Videos

Learn canoe tripping skills before you go

A must-watch video

Ray Mears follows The Path of Grey Owl.

How to Photograph Icicles

Tips for Stunning Winter Photography

explore Toronto by bike

Read about Louisa's top places to visit.

Ray mears on wabakimi

Canadian canoe journeys are always special.

July 15 - FREE DAY USE

At Ontario Parks

Best Seven Summer Adventures

The Planet D tell all ...

Wow: Best Lookout Points

Hike to the top.

Winter Festival Adventures

Make the most of the shoulder season with Ontario’s best celebrations.

Adventure Hotspot: Mississagi Provincial Park

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

Point Grondine Park Updates

Eco-Cabin, lakeside recreational area & more

Bundle up for Snowy Horseback & Sleigh Rides

Ontario’s best winter equine adventures.

Discover Ontario’s Least Busy Parks

12 incredible off-the-radar destinations.

Take Advantage of the Staycation Tax Credit

15 incredible accommodations that will save you money.

Love Wildlife?

Must see parks and attractions for animal-lovers.

16 Perfect Fall Hikes in Ontario

Add these trails to your bucket list.

Family Day Weekend

The best outdoor activities for adventurous families.

FEEL THE RUSH

At Ontario's dog sled races

So you think you can paddle

Test your limit at The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge