The Canadian Canoe Museum, located on the Traditional Territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations, in Peterborough, Ontario, has stewarded, for the last 20 years, the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft. More than 600 in number, the watercraft and their stories have a pivotal role to play in understanding our past and, our collective future. As part of our responsibility for this one-of-a-kind collection, we are building it a new home along the water’s edge.
Why a New Museum?
The Building Overview
The Exhibits Inside
Collaborative Relations
Our Project Team
National Council
Ways to Support
Move the Collection
Opening in winter 2024!
Grand opening celebrations will be held the weekend of May 11, 2024.
The Journey

Led by avid paddling enthusiasts and local community leaders Mike Judson and Neil Morton The Move the Collection: Final Portage campaign will see the two carry a red canoe throughout downtown Peterborough this summer and fall to its new 65,000-square-foot home on Ashburnham Drive in a symbolic portage of the upcoming move of the Museum’s entire watercraft collection.
Follow the progress of our move and fundraising campaign as they portage past iconic local landmarks while building excitement for the Museum’s grand reopening!
Latest Video
News
Canadian Canoe Museum Sets Grand Opening Celebrations for Spring 2024 | Les célébrations pour l’ouverture officielle du nouveau Musée canadien du canot auront lieu au printemps 2024
The Museum continues to reach significant moving and fundraising milestones.Photo: The Canadian Canoe Museum will embark on new adventures at its lakefront location along Little Lake in Peterborough, ON when it opens in this winter with exciting...
In the Media (kawarthaNOW): New Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough will grow regional tourism and the local economy
kawarthaNOW editorial August 12, 2023 "As The Canadian Canoe Museum awaits the completion of its new state-of-the-art facility on the shores of Little Lake and begins the monumental project of relocating its world-class collection of paddled...
In the Media (CBC): World’s largest museum collection of canoes on the move
CBC News, Radio & The National August 4, 2023 "It's a portage unlike any other. Hundreds of canoes belonging to the Canadian Canoe Museum — some as long as a transport trailer — are being moved from their previous location in a former outboard...