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
Brewing up a new partnership: The Canadian Canoe Museum announces the Silver Bean Café as the new museum’s café operator
Carolyn Hyslop, executive director of The Canadian Canoe Museum and Dan Brandsma, owner of the Silver Bean Cafe, celebrated their new partnership by donning each other’s t-shirts and raising a cup of coffee to their future together.Drinks, light...
Truth & Reconciliation: A Report Back to Our Community
Today, September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day here in Canada. This day honours all the First Nation, Metis, and Inuit children who were taken from their homes and forced to attend residential schools – the...
Local historian and avid canoeist Shelagh Grant remembered with a $250,000 gift to the new Canadian Canoe Museum
Shelagh and Jon Grant riding the rapids together on one of their many canoe trips. (Photo by David Goslin).The Canadian Canoe Museum's (CCM) new museum capital campaign has received a significant boost with a $250,000 gift from a local family. The...