Since its inception in 2008, National Canoe Day has encouraged individuals and communities across Canada to connect – by canoe.
National Canoe Day was coined 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 and more significantly, the stories they carry.
Not unlike canoes or kayaks that belong to individuals and families, the 600 examples of watercraft in museum’s collection carry stories of significance. As diverse as the watercraft themselves, these stories are part of our history – and they connect us to each other and the world around us.
To recognize National Canoe Day, the museum will be taking to social media to share the stories associated with some of the artifacts in the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft. This day-long artifact-an-hour campaign will see the museum share stories from behind the scenes, and invite others to share their stories, as well.
“The idea of the canoe is such a simple one. But it’s never just that; it’s a vessel that carries stories, it’s a connection to the environment around us, and it’s an expression of cultural and geographic diversity across this country. The canoe can be a guide, offering us new ways to learn from each other,” says Jeremy Ward, Curator
Celebrating locally
The museum is pleased to be opening the first of a series of summer pop-up exhibits. The birchbark canoe that was built at the museum by Algonquin builder Chuck Commanda and his helpers will be on exhibit at Venture North at 270 George Street North.
At the museum:
- Half-price adult, senior and family admission
- Free 45-minute tours (included with admission) at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
- 20% discount in the Tumblehome Shop,
- A special Float and Flow Yoga session (with paddles!) at 5:30 pm, by donation
