Care for the Collection
Join us in caring for this one-of-a-kind collection of storied watercraft.
The Canadian Canoe Museum is proud to care for the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks, and paddled watercraft, which the Senate of Canada recognized as a cultural treasure of national significance in 2013.
Our new home is designed to honour and steward this essential part of Canadian heritage, enabling us to share its stories and cultural impact in powerful new ways. As we continue to grow the collection, it is our privilege to care for them at the highest standards.
With your support, we can expand our ability to care for this unparalleled collection, share its stories, and create meaningful experiences that inspire connection, curiosity, and deeper understanding.
Help Us Care for the Collection
Your support enables us to care for the collection with the highest professional standards, honouring Indigenous knowledge, inspiring new lines of inquiry, and inviting hands-on learning experiences that connect people to the role of watercraft as a path to inspiration, self-discovery and well-being. Together, we paddle forward, inspired by the stories that our collection holds and by the curiosity it sparks.
Support the Care of the Collection at one of the following levels:
The Collection
$10,000 donation
Category
$5,000 donation
Cluster
$2,500 donation
Column
$1,000 donation
Models
$500 donation
Paddles
$100 donation
Photo Credit: Eden Photography
Caring For A One-of-a-Kind Collection
The Canadian Canoe Museum is home to more than 600 watercraft, with over 100 on display in our Exhibition Hall. Together, they span the country from coast to coast to coast, representing many of the major watercraft traditions of this country and even the world.
The Museum also stewards a collection of paddles and paddling accessories, small artifacts including canoe and kayak models, an archival collection that includes photos, postcards and canoe manufacturing history, and a reference library and a rare books collection.
This unique collection is as diverse as the people, stories, and makers and reflects the deep connection people have with these iconic watercraft.
The Museum’s artifacts range from the great dugouts of the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest to the singular bark canoes of the Beothuk of Newfoundland; from the skin-on-frame kayaks of northern peoples from Baffin Island in the east to the Mackenzie River Delta in the northwest to the all-wood and canvas-covered craft manufactured by companies with names like Herald, Peterborough, Chestnut, Lakefield and Canadian. Over the years, paddled watercraft from as far away as Samoa and Kenya have helped the Museum expand its reach and scope to include international examples.
In total, the Museum cares for:
600+ watercraft
2000+ Square feet of small artifacts
200+ Linear feet of archival collection
16,000+ Titles
450+ Rare books
The Canadian Canoe Museum’s care philosophy goes beyond preservation. We see each artifact as a living story, an invitation to explore, reflect, and appreciate the intricate link between past and present, inspiring all who visit.
Our commitment to stewardship upholds the highest standards that reflect the quality and importance of the collection. It is guided by a holistic approach and profound respect in caring for the physical, cultural, and spiritual needs of each canoes and kayaks.
Here’s how we ensure the care and accessibility of this national cultural treasure:
Integrated, On-Site Storage: The new 20,000-square-foot Collection Hall offers state-of-the-art, on-site storage, making the collection easily accessible and safeguarding its preservation.
Enhanced Artifact Care: The Collection Hall adheres to Class “A” Museum Environmental Control standards, maintaining optimal conditions for every artifact, ensuring longevity and respect for each piece.
Honouring Cultural Histories: Traditional care practices, such as smudging ceremonies, are welcomed in the Collection Hall, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment.
Open Access and Shared Stories: The entire collection is available for public viewing through the windows on the mezzanine, guided tours, and scheduled research visits, promoting engagement, learning, and connection. Sharing the stories within is one of the most significant ways we can care for the collection! The Collection Hall also allows for visitorship by those who have donated watercraft, or for their families or communities, allowing individuals to reconnect with the stories and memories behind a vessel.
Iconography Credits
Canoe icons created by Rodrigo Guerios - Flaticon
Oars icons created by Fliqqer - Flaticon
Postcard icons created by nawicon - Flaticon
Book icons created by Freepik - Flaticon
Study icons created by Design View - Flaticon
The Collection Hall is a living narrative where stories of the past and present find a vibrant home, ready to inspire and connect us all.
Help us to steward and keep sharing this legacy today – your contribution is vital to the care of the collection!
Photo Credit: Justen Soule
Learn More About Supporting Care for the Collection
With your support, we can expand our ability to care for this unparalleled collection, share its stories, and create meaningful experiences that inspire connection, curiosity, and deeper understanding.
With the Care for the Collection program, you have a unique opportunity to customize your gift to support a type of watercraft (wood and canvas, all wood, bark, dugout, composite, or skin on frame) when you give at the Category, Cluster, or Column levels.
This personal connection allows you to celebrate the traditions and craftsmanship that mean the most to you—whether it’s supporting Indigenous cultural heritage with a gift to the bark category, honouring family memories made at the cottage with wood and canvas canoes, or fuelling your passion for innovation with composite materials.
Select a type of watercraft to support that reflects your story, your family’s legacy, or your love for paddling—and make a lasting impact.
Learn more by exploring the giving levels below:
Collection Supporter
Support up to 500 watercraft!
Stewarding the collection is our greatest responsibility. As a Collection Supporter, your donation guarantees the ongoing care of these priceless artifacts. Your support empowers us to preserve these remarkable pieces of history for future generations to explore, experience, and find inspiration in.
With your donation, you are supporting the following categories within the collection:
WOOD AND CANVAS
A classic combination of a wooden frame and tightly stretched canvas.
ALL WOOD
Traditional canoes crafted entirely from wood.
BARK
Historic vessels created from bark, honouring Indigenous methods.
DUGOUT
Canoes carved from a single log.
COMPOSITE
Innovative canoes built with fiberglass or other lightweight materials.
SKIN ON FRAME
An ancient technique using a frame covered with fabric or skin
CANOE AND KAYAK MODELS
Small-scale representations reflecting Indigenous traditions and factory-built replicas.
PADDLES
Over 550 paddles that are diverse in shape, size, and materials – many were used to propel specific watercraft in the collection.
Photos by Eden Photography, Justen Soule, Fusionriver, and The Canadian Canoe Museum.
Interested in learning more about the different construction methods, or the stories of canoes and kayaks in the collection? Visit our Collection page and learn about:
- Haida Dugout by Victor Adams (1977.1.1)
- Uqqurmiut Qajaq (Kayak) (2023.4.1)
- Bill Mason’s Prospector (1999.16.1)
- The Orellana (2002.5.1)
- More stories coming soon!
Benefits of Becoming A Collection Supporter
By supporting the Care for the Collection Campaign, you’re not only helping us look after and honour a rich legacy of watercraft and the stories they carry; you’re joining a community dedicated to stewardship and exploration.
In appreciation of your generosity, you will receive:
- A tax receipt acknowledging your charitable contribution
- A personal thank-you expressing our heartfelt thanks for supporting the care of the collection
- Monthly newsletter with exclusive updates on the latest news and events, collection updates, and more
- Recognition of your support in The Canadian Canoe Museum’s Annual Report
- An exclusive code to redeem a complimentary behind-the-scenes tour of the Collection Hall led by our Curator Jeremy Ward, a unique experience designed to deepen your connection to the collection!
Category Supporter
Support up to 50 watercraft!
Join us in our mission of preserving the world’s most extensive collection of paddled watercraft. As a Category Supporter, you play a vital role in ensuring the care and safeguarding of these remarkable vessels, from timeless wood and canvas canoes to the exquisite birchbark creations and beyond.
With your donation, you can choose to customize your gift in support of one of the following construction types within the collection:
WOOD AND CANVAS
A classic combination of a wooden frame and tightly stretched canvas.
ALL WOOD
Traditional canoes crafted entirely from wood.
BARK
Historic vessels created from bark, honouring Indigenous methods.
DUGOUT
Canoes carved from a single log.
COMPOSITE
Innovative canoes built with fiberglass or other lightweight materials.
SKIN ON FRAME
An ancient technique using a frame covered with fabric or skin
Interested in learning more about the different construction methods, or the stories of canoes and kayaks in the collection? Visit our Collection page and learn about:
- Haida Dugout by Victor Adams (1977.1.1)
- Uqqurmiut Qajaq (Kayak) (2023.4.1)
- Bill Mason’s Prospector (1999.16.1)
- The Orellana (2002.5.1)
- More stories coming soon!
Benefits of Becoming A Category Supporter
By supporting the Care for the Collection Campaign, you’re not only helping us look after and honour a rich legacy of watercraft and the stories they carry; you’re joining a community dedicated to stewardship and exploration.
In appreciation of your generosity, you will receive:
- A tax receipt acknowledging your charitable contribution
- A personal thank-you expressing our heartfelt thanks for supporting the care of the collection
- Monthly newsletter with exclusive updates on the latest news and events, collection updates, and more
- Recognition of your support in The Canadian Canoe Museum’s Annual Report
- An exclusive code to redeem for a complimentary behind-the-scenes tour of the Collection Hall, led by our Curator Jeremy Ward, a unique experience designed to deepen your connection to the collection!
Cluster Supporter
Support up to 25 watercraft!
Each canoe and kayak in our collection holds a unique story, reflecting our deep connection to the land, water, and each other. As a Cluster Supporter, your contribution plays a vital role in stewarding a cluster of up to 25 watercraft within a specific construction type, ensuring these vessels continue to inspire and educate for years to come.
With your donation, you can choose to customize your gift in support of one of the following construction types within the collection:
WOOD AND CANVAS
A classic combination of a wooden frame and tightly stretched canvas.
ALL WOOD
Traditional canoes crafted entirely from wood.
BARK
Historic vessels created from bark, honouring Indigenous methods.
DUGOUT
Canoes carved from a single log.
COMPOSITE
Innovative canoes built with fiberglass or other lightweight materials.
SKIN ON FRAME
An ancient technique using a frame covered with fabric or skin
Interested in learning more about the different construction methods, or the stories of canoes and kayaks in the collection? Visit our Collection page and learn about:
- Haida Dugout by Victor Adams (1977.1.1)
- Uqqurmiut Qajaq (Kayak) (2023.4.1)
- Bill Mason’s Prospector (1999.16.1)
- The Orellana (2002.5.1)
- More stories coming soon!
Benefits of Becoming A Cluster Supporter
By supporting the Care for the Collection Campaign, you’re not only helping us look after and honour a rich legacy of watercraft and the stories they carry; you’re joining a community dedicated to stewardship and exploration.
In appreciation of your generosity, you will receive:
- A tax receipt acknowledging your charitable contribution
- A personal thank-you expressing our heartfelt thanks for supporting the care of the collection
- Monthly newsletter with exclusive updates on the latest news and events, collection updates, and more
- Recognition of your support in The Canadian Canoe Museum’s Annual Report
- An exclusive code to redeem for a complimentary behind-the-scenes tour of the Collection Hall led by our Curator Jeremy Ward, a unique experience designed to deepen your connection to the collection!
Column Supporter
Support up to 6 watercraft!
By becoming a Column Supporter, your gift helps us steward a section of the collection, maintaining the integrity and care of up to 6 watercraft. This level of contribution allows you to champion an essential part of our mission, ensuring these cultural artifacts receive the care they deserve.
With your donation, you can choose to customize your gift in support of one of the following construction types within the collection:
WOOD AND CANVAS
A classic combination of a wooden frame and tightly stretched canvas.
ALL WOOD
Traditional canoes crafted entirely from wood.
BARK
Historic vessels created from bark, honouring Indigenous methods.
DUGOUT
Canoes carved from a single log.
COMPOSITE
Innovative canoes built with fiberglass or other lightweight materials.
SKIN ON FRAME
An ancient technique using a frame covered with fabric or skin
Interested in learning more about the different construction methods, or the stories of canoes and kayaks in the collection? Visit our Collection page and learn about:
- Haida Dugout by Victor Adams (1977.1.1)
- Uqqurmiut Qajaq (Kayak) (2023.4.1)
- Bill Mason’s Prospector (1999.16.1)
- The Orellana (2002.5.1)
- More stories coming soon!
Benefits of Becoming A Column Supporter
By supporting the Care for the Collection Campaign, you’re not only helping us look after and honour a rich legacy of watercraft and the stories they carry; you’re joining a community dedicated to stewardship and exploration.
In appreciation of your generosity, you will receive:
- A tax receipt acknowledging your charitable contribution
- A personal thank-you expressing our heartfelt thanks for supporting the care of the collection
- Monthly newsletter with exclusive updates on the latest news and events, collection updates, and more
- Recognition of your support in The Canadian Canoe Museum’s Annual Report
- An exclusive code to redeem for a complimentary behind-the-scenes tour of the Collection Hall led by our Curator Jeremy Ward, a unique experience designed to deepen your connection to the collection!
Models Supporter
In addition to our renowned watercraft collection, we also care for a remarkable collection of small artifacts, including a significant number of small-scale representations of full-sized canoes and kayaks.
Many of these models reflect Indigenous traditions and techniques from across the continent and around the world, as well as factory-built replicas used in showrooms for sales.
Just as a canoe or kayak model captures the essence of craftsmanship and history, your contribution as a Model Supporter helps us care for these incredible artifacts for future generations, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire.
Benefits of Becoming A Model Supporter
By supporting the Care for the Collection Campaign, you’re not only helping us look after and honour a rich legacy of watercraft and the stories they carry; you’re joining a community dedicated to stewardship and exploration.
In appreciation of your generosity, you will receive:
- A tax receipt acknowledging your charitable contribution
- A personal thank-you expressing our heartfelt thanks for supporting the care of the collection
- Monthly newsletter with exclusive updates on the latest news and events, collection updates, and more
- Recognition of your support in The Canadian Canoe Museum’s Annual Report
Paddles Supporter
The collection showcases a diverse range of paddles and paddling accessories, each as unique as the canoes and kayaks they propel.
These paddles come in all shapes and sizes, colours, and designs, from manufactured paddles that were made on a production line, to one-of-a-kind, hand-carved works of art.
Contribute to the vital care, restoration, and research of these invaluable elements of the paddling journey by becoming a Paddle Supporter. Supporting the paddle collection also makes for a great gift in honour of the paddlers in your life!
Benefits of Becoming A Paddle Supporter
By supporting the Care for the Collection Campaign, you’re not only helping us look after and honour a rich legacy of watercraft and the stories they carry; you’re joining a community dedicated to stewardship and exploration.
In appreciation of your generosity, you will receive:
- A tax receipt acknowledging your charitable contribution
- A personal thank-you expressing our heartfelt thanks for supporting the care of the collection
- Monthly newsletter with exclusive updates on the latest news and events, collection updates, and more
- Recognition of your support in The Canadian Canoe Museum’s Annual Report
Frequently Asked Questions
By supporting the Care for the Collection, you’re helping to preserve and share remarkable watercraft and their stories. Your contribution ensures that this extraordinary collection will continue to inspire and educate future generations!
When you support the Care for the Collection, your contribution helps care for the museum’s artifacts for one full year, with the option to renew and continue your impact. As a donor, you’ll have the option to be acknowledged in our Annual Report, joining a community of supporters dedicated to the legacy of this unique collection.
Please note that donations are non-exclusive and artifacts remain in the dedicated care of The Canadian Canoe Museum.
The Care for the Collection program replaces the former Adopt-an-Artifact and Move the Collection campaign.
Your generous contribution supports the Museum’s overall mission to steward the world’s largest collection of paddled watercraft, providing it the best home and care possible. When needed, your gift may also help fund special conservation treatments of a particular artifact to ensure the well-being of these vessels for generations to come.
Yes! Making a donation in honour or memory of someone special is a heartfelt tribute or gift. We’d be delighted to send an acknowledgment to your honoree or their loved ones to recognize your kind contribution.
As per Canada Revenue Agency guidelines, the tax receipt will be issued to you, the donor, in your name.
There are numerous ways for you to experience the collection! The Collection Hall can viewed from the main floor or stair landing, which offers a fantastic view into the breadth and depth of the more than 500 canoes and kayaks in the collection. We also offer regular ticketed guided tours to take you deeper into the stories behind the watercraft.
As a Collection, Category, Cluster or Column Supporter, you will receive a discount code for a complimentary admission to one (1) Collection Hall tour a year, allowing you to explore the collection up close.
While your support is not assigned to a specific artifact, every donation to the Care for the Collection contributes to preserving the entire collection for future generations. Your generosity helps ensure the long-term care of all watercraft, allowing visitors and supporters like you to experience the powerful and transformative stories they hold.
We would be happy to answer your question(s). Please reach out to our Development Manager, Kate Kennington, by email at [email protected].
