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

Call Us Crazy

23 Adrenaline Rushes Found Only in Ontario

Rock Climbing

You Know Why. Here’s How.

classic algonquin

3 day guided canoe trip

Adventure Films

8 can’t-miss film festivals for cyclists, hikers and paddlers.

Want a magical day?

Fly & hike on the bay.

A Journey He Will Never Forget

A National Geographic Adventurer in Wabakimi

Best Backcountry Camping in Ontario

7 destinations that are wild with beauty and fun.

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.

Love dogs?

Find a "pawlooza" near you.

ARe you tough enough?

World's longest single day paddling race

Big views, no big backpack

Lake Superior's 10 best hikes you can do in a day

Ontario Ski Getaways

5 must-take ski vacations.

Hidden Gem: Rainbow Falls Provincial Park

Explore the trails, waterfalls and campsites of this little-known Ontario treasure.

Summer Fun Ideas

8 new things to add to your Ontario bucket list.

Horseback Trail Riding in Ontario

Discover the best horseback riding trails and clubs.