Summer – something many of us in Canada look forward to all year long and I’m no exception.JS NCD 2012 03 - 650 pixels I always love that first warm and sunny day of the season when people instantly seem to be in a better mood because of the nicer weather. For many of us, summer means vacations or weekend getaways.packed-carPacking up the car or truck – trying to find the right combination of ‘Tetris’ pieces so that everything actually does fit into the vehicle (or on top). Hitting the road for camping or cottage weekend adventures, or to experience a never visited or much loved attraction or summer festival. I’ve noticed that during the summer months, it’s hard to drive on a highway without seeing a vehicle with a canoe or kayak strapped on top (sometimes both) or find a lake without a seeing a canoe or kayak gliding through the water.

exploring ontario by canoeFor many of us, summer means trying to find new ways to keep the kids busy, entertain our out-of-town guests, find affordable options close to home (a ‘stay-cation’), or something to do on those rainy days. Look no further for your ticket to summer fun and beyond – a Canoe Museum Membership. A Family (or Dual) Membership is just $45 and lasts for a full year from the day you join. Good for 2 adults and up to 4 children (aged 17 and under). So I realize some of you reading this may be thinking ‘yeah right, how can a Museum Membership benefit me all summer long?’ Take a look…

karen kain paddling-26 MHOne of the great perks of Museum Membership are the discounts. Members receive member pricing on summer camp registrations (a few spots still remain for this summer). Your kids can enjoy a local day camp that specializes in canoeing and outdoor adventure. Our popular camp programs are designed by outdoor educators that understand the significance of teaching kids how to explore and love their natural world; and to do so from the stern seat!

Goofy basket head photo IMG_1403Members also receive discounts on hands-on workshops (no experience necessary) like paddle carving, pack basketry, canoe restoration, and more.

Seat Caning WorkshopThis August you could take the Seat Caning Workshop and learn how to hand-cane new seats for your canoe.

IMG_4245Maybe you like to shop? Members also receive member pricing in the Museum Store. Our museum store offers a wide range of canoe-themed clothing, books, artwork, media and gifts. We offer free parking, and we’re accessible.

Great shot of kids in puppet theatreRainy day? No problem. You can visit the Museum as many times as you want with a Museum membership – for FREE. And bring the kids too – they’ll have fun and learn something new.  We’re an engaging, family-friendly museum with more than 100 canoes and kayaks on display. Visitors will enjoy interactive, hands-on galleries, a scavenger hunt, model canoe building and puppet theatre for children.North Canoe at Beavermeade- L. Wicks photoWhat better way is there to enjoy your Canadian summer than by visiting a place dedicated to one of the 7 wonders of Canada – the canoe. It makes a great road trip, because it’s only 90 minutes from Toronto.

IMG_0330Your membership demonstrates your support for The Canadian Canoe Museum – a truly irreplaceable treasure of national significance to our Canadian heritage. Your membership shows you support this not-for-profit museum, home to the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks, and paddled watercraft, by helping to present and preserve stimulating exhibits, offer engaging programs, and acclaimed public education programs to a broad and diverse public now and for future generations.galleryStill want more? Summer may end in September in Canada, but a Canoe Museum Membership doesn’t. Museum Memberships last all year long, starting from the day you join. Join the passionate network of Canoe Museum supporters (cross-country and international) and become a Museum member today. Summer fun may be just a paddle away…canoe bow

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