The Collection:  A National Treasure

The collection features examples of Aboriginal craft that span the continent of North America.  They range from great cedar whaling dugouts of the West Coast, to fine bark canoes used along the rivers of Eastern Canada to the skin kayaks of the Arctic.  These vessels exemplify the skills and ingenuity of the builders who constructed them using available resources from the land and sea.  The canoe was an integral part of the lives of the people who used them for hunting, fishing, trade and warfare.  Today, these vessels serve as teaching tools, bringing about a revival in canoe-building traditions, fostering an awareness and appreciation of heritage and culture in communities across the nation. 

The Museum houses a variety of historic wooden canoes, built in the canoe manufacturing centres of Ontario, Nova Scotia and Maine during the late 1800's to early 1900's.  Through these craft, we discover the importance of the canoe in the lives of Canada's first settlers, both in work and in leisure. 

Historical and contemporary stories of paddling are told at the Museum including that of George Douglas, who led a remarkable trip to the Coppermine River in 1911 and Don and Dana Starkell, famous for their incredible 12,181 mile canoe trip from Winnipeg to the mouth of the Amazon River.  Presently, the canoes of former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, and artist, filmmaker and renowned paddler, Bill Mason are on display. 

Examples of International craft from Senegal, Africa, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, and Polynesia are also found in the collection.  From large dugout craft with outriggers, to unique sewn plank canoes, these examples offer a glimpse into the lives of people whose cultures are intrinsically connected to the canoe.

As you explore the collection, we encourage you to reflect on your own unique relationship with this remarkable craft.  Enjoy your journey!