The Building

A major cultural and recreational destination between Toronto and Ottawa, the new museum will be located on the waterfront of Little Lake, in the heart of Peterborough, Ontario.

The five-acre site of the new museum will provide stunning west-facing views of Little Lake, a connection to the Trans Canada Trail and will be surrounded by public parks. It will become a vibrant community space for activities and the Museum’s canoeing and outdoor programs and events.

A Design Inspired by the Canoe

The new museum’s architecture is inspired by craftsmanship, and the use of natural elements reflects a connection to the land and the artisanship of canoe making. The new home for the collection will be as innovative as the canoe itself and will play a vital role in the stewardship of this national cultural asset.

Award Winning Architects

Lett Architects Inc.

Lett Architects is an award-winning, full-service architectural design studio known across the province as a leader in innovative design and long-lasting client relationships. Lett has developed best-in-class expertise in serving the cultural and non-profit sectors in Ontario with designs built upon deep stakeholder engagement.

Lett Architects is the only B-Corp certified architecture firm in Canada. Certified B Corporations™ (B Corps™) are for-profit companies that use the power of business to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. They meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

A Whole New Visitor Experience

The museum exhibitions will be immersive, dynamic and experiential thus allowing the visitor to engage in multiple ways. The spaces, in the building, on-land and on-the-water, will offer new and exciting experiences.

The Building

The new museum will play a vital role in shaping the region’s identity as a premier destination.

The inspiring two-storey, 65,000 square foot building will be a purpose-built facility that will serve as home to the Museum’s collection and activities, helping to preserve history through the display, restoration, and appreciation of the canoe. This will be achieved through:

An integrated Collection Hall that allows for the display of 100 per cent of the Museum’s watercraft in a Class “A” controlled museum environment, an artifact conservation standard.
A 20,000 square foot Exhibition Hall featuring a brand-new suite of exhibits.
A Lakefront Events and Education Centre with a sweeping view of the lake.
An authentic Artisan Studio and Canoe-Building Studio to facilitate hands-on learning for youth and adults alike.
An accessible Library and Research Room with Class A archival storage.
A Café with a fireplace and adjacent Lakefront Terrace.
A Canoe House with floating docks to accommodate on-water and outdoor education programming.