Canadian Canoe Museum

/**/ Create a one of a kind wet-felted scarf in this one-day workshop! Learn from the talented Christianna Ferguson.*  This workshop is an introduction to the wet felting technique. We begin with merino wool roving and create our own unique textile by adding water, soap and friction. Participants will learn how to layer, attach cords, and how to mix fibres to create different colour effects. We also explore the use of pre-felts to achieve distinct patterns in our felted pieces. Spend…

/**/ Book your spot early – this workshop fills quickly! Create your own beautiful carved and sanded black cherry paddle and go home with all varnishing supplies to see it complete. Learn to use traditional hand tools in the Museum’s Preserving Skills Gallery with the help of a supportive, expert instructor, Russ Parker. This workshop makes a terrific gift and there is no experience necessary! Contact Victoria for more information, or call 1-866-342-2663 x218

/**/ Join Amanda Harrison* for an interactive workshop dedicated to menu preparation for  canoe trips.  In the Canoe Museum kitchen, we will prepare delicious roasted eggplant baba ghanouj. We will learn how to make cous cous stuffed bell peppers that can also be prepared over hot coals of a fire. Next, we will make some za’atar (middle eastern spice) and yogurt marinated chicken skewers and homemade pita bread.  For dessert, how about peanut butter and chocolate truffles?  We will travel to the…

/**/ Each student will learn the basics of sheath design and will create their own unique sheath to fit their own favorite knife. We will do some wet-forming, some leather stamping and shaping so that each sheath fits each individual knife just as the owner makes it to be. We will learn what it means to use edge bevellers, rivet setters, snap setters, and slickers. When the sheaths are completed for design and construction, every participant will be taught how…

/**/ Join canoe builder Chuck Commanda to learn the basics of birch bark basketry here at the Canoe Museum. Start by planning your design, and learning about working with birch bark. Sew your basket together with roots while learning from Chuck in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. No experience necessary, this is great workshop to take with a friend!

/**/ Book your spot early – our paddle carving workshops fill quickly! Create your own beautiful carved and sanded black cherry paddle and go home with all varnishing supplies to see it complete. Learn to use traditional hand tools and complete your paddle with the help of a supportive, expert instructor, Russ Parker* This workshop makes a terrific gift and there is no experience necessary! *Russ Parker is a Canoe Museum volunteer and supporter who retired to the Peterborough area.…

/**/ Make a functional, decorative coat rack in this fun, crafty workshop! Enjoy an evening at the museum while you make a coat rack out of a paddle. Plan your design, choose your hooks and create this one-of-a-kind, custom piece based on your chosen design aesthetic. This would look great in your cottage, a nursery, or on any wall in your home!

/**/ Do you have a wood-and-canvas canoe at home that needs a little love? Participants in the canoe restoration clinic will learn how to re-canvas a wood-and-canvas canoe and perform basic structural repairs (for example; replacing a rib, or repairing damaged planking) from experienced canoe builder, Joe Calnan. You will leave with the confidence, know-how and hands-on experience needed to restore your own canoe. Interested participants may bring their own canoe for a thorough analysis and diagnosis and will leave…

/**/ Discover the world of natural dyeing in this new workshop for 2017! Participants will work with all natural materials, from plants to bugs to minerals, and leave with the knowledge to continue dyeing at home with guidance from our expert instructor, Julie Sinden*. On the first day, students will learn about mordanting, preparing the dye-bath, and will dye their chosen fabrics. On the second day, unique dye techniques will be explored, such as Indigo dyeing and shibori. Some materials…

/**/ This workshop fills quickly, so sign up fast! Moccasins have been worn for centuries as the primary footwear in the summer over hard portages and soft forest floors. Now you can create a unique pair of your own with the added durability of a painted on rubber sole. The sole is made with recycled tire and barge cement, which maintains the flexibility of the moccasin so you can still feel the ground beneath you. These moccasins are perfect for…

/**/ Learn the art of wood-burning in this fun and engaging workshop! The day will begin with a discussion of safety, materials, and how to use the wood-burning tool. Next, participants will practice using the different tips by making a small sampler. Once comfortable with the techniques students will select and complete a larger project from designs recommended by the instructor, Cara Jordan.* No experience is necessary! *Cara Jordan has no formal training, but has been creating and selling art…

/**/ This rugged, attractive leather-covered journal is based on a 14th century ledger structure. You will appreciate how this beautiful book’s construction allows the pages to open flat, making it perfect for sketching while sitting on the shore, or writing in at a desk. Once filled with memories, the cover can be detached and a new text block inserted for new journeys. This will become your go-to notebook! Our talented instructor, Stuart Hill is a Canadian bookbinder whose primary interest…

/**/ Learn the art of woodburning while decorating a paddle! The day will begin with a discussion of safety, materials, and how to use the wood-burning tool. You will plan your graphics and spend the day creating a decorative design on your 3', 3.5' or 4' long paddle. Experienced instructor, Cara Jordan* will guide you through the process giving you tricks and tips to feel confident with your woodburning tool. No experience is necessary! *Cara Jordan has been creating and selling art…

/**/ Finger weaving is a traditional type of hand weaving used to create the celebrated ceinture fléchée, colourful sashes historically worn by voyageurs during the fur trade. This type of weaving is unique because it does not require a loom, or any bulky, expensive equipment. You will learn several basic techniques and weave at least 2 samples to practice your new skills. Our instructor and museum volunteer Jo Harris will guide you in selecting colours, laying out and planning your…

/**/ Join us for a hands-on class to learn both the basics of woodburning and making a coiled basket. First, we’ll discuss some of the materials and techniques used in making coiled baskets. Then, you'll learn the basics of woodburning (also known as pyrography) that will help you create a lovely insert for your basket on a basswood plaque. You’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of simple designs featuring nature and wildlife. Next, we’ll move on to making…

/**/ You will construct your trail toboggan using a very durable and low-friction plastic to easily glide over snow and ice. The toboggans can roll up for easy transportation and storage and will be completely ready to take to the trails! Learn how to tie and adjust the running and tow lines, install brass rings for lashing loops, install a break line, and your own leather hauling “tump.” Your instructors for this course are Kielyn and Dave Marrone, husband and…

/**/ Create your very own pair of hand-woven snowshoes in this popular two day workshop. This workshop begins with a large selection of the best frames on the market (high quality white ash) and incredibly durable and functional 400 pound test fishing line (monoline) from Vancouver Island. The monoline is lighter, stronger and more abrasion-resistant than traditional rawhide. Plus, it doesn't require varnish or annual maintenance and it is much less likely to stick to wet snow. Your instructors for…

/**/ Make your own pair of mittens that you will want to wear all winter! These mittens are made of 100% felted duffle wool and genuine buckskin, designed to cut the wind and protect your wool from abrasion. This workshop includes all of the materials required to complete and personalize your own pair of deerskin mittens. Using a double layer of wool for the lining these are guaranteed to keep your hands toasty this winter! Spend a fun and informative…

/**/ Create your very own pair of hand-crafted, traditional winter moccasins in this fun and inspiring two-day workshop! This class includes all of the materials required to complete and personalize your own pair of beautiful and functional, knee-high winter moccasins. Spend a fun and informative weekend learning from the best in the business, ending with a pair of hand-made moccasins. No experience is necessary and this workshop always sells out quickly. Don't miss out on one of the Canoe Museum's most popular…

/**/ Create your own anorak out of 100% cotton, tightly woven, waterproof fabric to wick moisture away and keep you warm all winter. The anoraks are designed to cover your thighs and to accommodate many layers underneath. Complete the anorak with a hood with an (optional) coyote fur ruff to trap warm air inside the hood that creates a micro-climate in front of your face. Create a beautiful, durable and windproof outer layer- no sewing experience is required and all necessary…

/**/ Book your spot early – this workshop fills quickly! Create your own beautiful carved and sanded black cherry paddle and go home with all varnishing supplies to see it complete. Learn to use traditional hand tools in the Museum’s Preserving Skills Gallery with the help of a supportive, expert instructor, Russ Parker. This workshop makes a terrific gift and there is no experience necessary! Contact Victoria for more information, or call 1-866-342-2663 x218

Enjoy a day at the museum making this wearable piece of art with amazing instructor Christianna Ferguson.

This rugged, attractive leather-covered journal is based on a 14th century ledger structure. You will appreciate how this beautiful book's construction allows the pages to open flat, making it perfect for sketching while sitting on the shore, or writing in at a desk. Once filled with memories, the cover can be detached and a new text block inserted for new journeys. This will become your go-to notebook! 

Enjoy an evening at the museum carving a mini paddle!

Carve a 24" paddle while learning the woodworking techniques to take their rough, poplar blank to a smoothly-sanded, finished paddle. You will have a beautiful mini paddle to take home and treasure. 

No experience is necessary!

Workshop instructor, Matthew Morval Vukson* is a Tlicho Dene Bead Artist that specializes in the two needle method and owns 7th Fire Beading Designs.

Participants in this class will learn traditional techniques, beading on to fine wool and at the end of the workshop they will have their own beaded medallion. All materials are supplied.

Learn the art of woodburning while decorating a paddle!

You will plan your graphics and spend the day creating a decorative design on your 4' decorative paddle. Experienced instructor, Cara Jordan will guide you through the process giving you tricks and tips to feel confident with your woodburning tool.  

Join Sandra D Moore as we create beautiful flowers using caribou hair on velvet.  Participants will enjoy a day completing a 6" x 6" piece that can be put into a shadowbox frame (not included).  All supplies including more than 10 colours of caribou hair will be provided. This art form, found more readily in the north, is at risk of being lost if not shared. 

Create your own beautiful carved and sanded black cherry paddle and go home with all varnishing supplies to see it complete. Learn to use traditional hand tools in the Museum's Preserving Skills Gallery with the help of a supportive, expert instructor, Russ Parker.

Combining art with practicality, enjoy a day with Sandra D Moore while she teaches you the techniques of Porcupine Quill art. In this class you will make your own key chain.  Sandra will share her knowledge of harvesting quills, harvesting birch bark, as well as dyeing and storing quills and much more.  All supplies and tools are provided.  This ancient Anishnaabe art form is at risk of being lost if not shared. 

Join us for a hands-on class to learn both the basics of woodburning and making a coiled basket.

First, we'll discuss some of the materials and techniques used in making coiled baskets. Then, you'll learn the basics of woodburning (also known as pyrography) that will help you create a lovely insert for your basket on a basswood plaque. You'll be able to choose from a wide variety of simple designs featuring nature and wildlife. Next, we'll move on to making the coiled basket using fibre rush, twine, and a large darning needle. Coiling involves spiraling a coil outward and upward, stitching each new row to the previous one. After learning the basic techniques, you can personalize your project by choosing your own basket shape and even embellishing your project with beads or coloured string.

Create your very own pair of hand-crafted, traditional winter moccasins in this fun and inspiring two-day workshop!

This class includes all of the materials required to complete and personalize your own pair of beautiful and functional, knee-high winter moccasins. Spend a fun and informative weekend learning from the best in the business, ending with a pair of hand-made moccasins.
No experience is necessary, and this workshop always sells out quickly. Don't miss out on one of the Canoe Museum's most popular courses!

Create your very own pair of hand-woven snowshoes in this popular two day workshop.
This workshop begins with a large selection of the best frames on the market (high quality white ash) and incredibly durable and functional 400 pound test fishing line (monoline) from Vancouver Island.

Your instructors for this course are Kielyn and Dave Marrone, husband and wife team and owners of the Sudbury-based company Lure of the North.

Create your own anorak out of 100% cotton, tightly woven, waterproof fabric to wick moisture away and keep you warm all winter. The anoraks are designed to cover your thighs and to accommodate many layers underneath. Complete the anorak with a hood with an (optional) coyote fur ruff to trap warm air inside the hood that creates a micro-climate in front of your face. Create a beautiful, durable and windproof outer layer- no sewing experience is required and all necessary materials are provided! 

Make your own pair of mittens that you will want to wear all winter! These mittens are made of 100% felted duffle wool and genuine buckskin, designed to cut the wind and protect your wool from abrasion.

This workshop includes all of the materials required to complete and personalize your own pair of deerskin mittens. Using a double layer of wool for the lining these are guaranteed to keep your hands toasty this winter! Spend a fun and informative two days learning from the best in the business, ending with a beautiful pair of highly functional, hand-made mittens. 

Enjoy an evening at the museum folding and weaving a birch bark star ornament.

Learn the technique first with paper strips, then move on to making your ornament out of ethically harvested birch bark. These beautiful, simple birch bark stars can be turned into an ornament, garland or earrings - the possibilities are endless!

No experience is necessary, but some manual dexterity is required.