June 26th was coined National Canoe Day by The Canadian Canoe Museum following a CBC campaign that, in 2007, declared the canoe one of the Seven Wonders of Canada. Ever since, and in many ways – from proclamations to paddling parties – Canadians have connected and shared their affinity for canoes. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, National Canoe Day has also been celebrated virtually.

This year’s National Canoe Day theme is #OnTheWater, signifying the Museum’s arrival at our new home at the water’s edge and our favourite place to see community members celebrating!

Plans for the day include the following:

• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: A guided Canoe Flotilla around Little Lake. Join us in one of the big canoes, bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent one! The Canadian Canoe Museum invites all paddlers to embark on a guided paddle around Little Lake.
  
  Don’t have your own canoe? Want to be part of a group experience? No problem! Celebrate with us from the seat of one of our three big canoes: the North canoe, Montreal canoe, or Haida-style canoe!
  
  Learn about our waterways, celebrate as a community, and pose for some fantastic photos as part of the flotilla.
  
  • Tickets for a seat in one of our big canoes (North, Montreal and Haida-style) are $20, with a 50% discount for members.
    
  • Canoe and kayak rentals will be available on a first-come-first-served basis throughout the day. Members save 10% on rentals on National Canoe Day!

• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Time to explore the Exhibition Hall with staff available to answer any questions you may have.
  
• 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: A Collection Hall Open House, exclusive for members! Drop in for a brief introduction and question and answer session.
  
• 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Live music in the Atrium
  
• 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Annual General Meeting in the Gathering Room
  
• 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Refreshments in the Gathering Room

Whether you are joining us in a big canoe, a rented canoe or kayak, or participating in your own watercraft, PFDs are mandatory, and a water waiver must be signed.

Our National Canoe Day celebrations are open to all ages as we encourage children, youth, adults, and seniors to all come together and enjoy time on the water and opportunities to learn about paddled watercraft. Please note our Voyageur Canoes cannot accommodate young paddlers under 30 pounds.

Registration for National Canoe Day events is not necessary, except for purchasing a seat in the big canoes. Admission is required for entrance to the Exhibition Hall. You are welcome to purchase your admission ticket in advance or at the front desk upon your arrival on the 26th.

We also invite you to join us for our Annual General Meeting which we will be hosting on National Canoe Day at 4:30 PM in the Gathering Room, as well as virtually. Details of the meeting, including the agenda, Notice of Meeting Package, how the meeting will be conducted virtually, and registration links are now available on our website. All attendees must register to attend.

Our operating hours for the day will be 10 AM – 5 PM with the Gathering Room space open for extended hours until 7 PM to accommodate the Annual General Meeting.

Our operating hours for the day will be 10 AM – 5 PM with the Gathering Room space open for extended hours until 7 PM to accommodate the Annual General Meeting.

Reminder: If you are feeling unwell or have COVID symptoms, please consider testing, masking, or staying home until you are well to help keep our staff, visitors, and community healthy. Thank you!

Participate in National Canoe Day virtually! Get out on the water and capture a photo or take a trip down memory lane and go through old photos of enjoying being out on the water and select a favourite or a few favourites to share.

Share your photos on social media the #OnTheWater, #NCD2024, and #NationalCanoeDay hashtags. Don’t forget to tag us @cndncanoemuseum in any posts to ensure we see you celebrating with us! Some posts will be reshaped on our accounts.

We look forward to seeing community members from near and far enjoying life #OnTheWater and hope you will be able to participate!

Arrive from Toronto by Canoe Bus!

For National Canoe Day and 12 additional dates this summer and fall, take advantage of our brand-new Canoe Bus service, offering convenient coach rides from Toronto to Peterborough.

Join us on National Canoe Day and enjoy the events and spirit of celebration with an easy and direct trip from St. Clair station to The Canadian Canoe Museum!

Whether you’re a history buff, a canoeing enthusiast, or looking for a unique family outing, the Canoe Bus makes it easy to embark on an unforgettable experience. 

Your ticket includes:

• A comfortable round-trip coach bus ride
• Admission to The Canadian Canoe Museum
• Breathtaking views and a day filled with adventure