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.

Design & Build News
Museum on the Move: Canadian Canoe Museum Commences Construction
The Canadian Canoe Museum (CCM) will host a formal event, today starting at 11:00am, celebrating the beginning of the building of its new world-class museum at the Johnson Property located at 2077 Ashburnham Drive in Peterborough, ON.
Canadian Canoe Museum completes purchase of Johnson Property, signs construction contract
The Canadian Canoe Museum (CCM) announced that on September 22, 2021 it completed the purchase of Johnson Property, from the City of Peterborough. The land at 2077 Ashburnham Drive in Peterborough, ON is the site where it will build its new world-class museum slated for completion in 2023.
Canadian Canoe Museum to host virtual public meeting
Consultation next step in planning for new museum buildThe Canadian Canoe Museum (CCM) announced today that it is hosting a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at 6:30 pm EDT, via Zoom, when it will unveil details about its new museum. This will...