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. 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

6 Affordable Family Adventures

Have fun without breaking the bank.

WANT A PERFECT CANOEING COMPANION?

These tips will make your pup canoe-ready.

13 strangers, 1 big canoe

Find out what happens.

POWERFUL ENERGY

Explore Temagami's spiritual sites with the utmost respect.

How wilderness art can enrich your life

Read Rob Mullen's story about the Missinaibi

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

Eat, Play, Love: A cycling getaway in the Madawaska Valley

Going solo?

Watch videos on how to paddle on your own.

Top 10 parks Canada Adventures

find out more

Heart, spirit and passion

Huskies make dogsledding magical

get on board

Go Stand UP Paddling

Looking for a rush?

Rock climbing is exhilarating.

Love dogs?

Find a "pawlooza" near you.

ARe you tough enough?

World's longest single day paddling race

Kayak Georgian Bay

Experience a guided sea kayak trip on the bay.

Dog-Friendly Hikes in Ontario

Check out these stunning on- and off-leash trails.

Girls’ Getaways

21 ideas for an adventurous escape or bachelorette party in Ontario.

Hidden Gem: Chutes Provincial Park

Camping, hiking and waterfall-viewing in Northern Ontario.

Explore and Relax: Ontario Spas for Outdoor Lovers

Thrills, trails and tranquility.

Outdoor Photography Workshops

Learn the best tips and tricks from the pros.

Hike the Pukaskwa Coastal Trail

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