CANADIAN CANOE MUSEUM

Nestled on the banks of the Trent-Severn Waterway, next to the Peterborough Lockstation, the Canadian Canoe Museum has been modernizing and welcoming visitors to its brand-new building since 2024 (featuring superb architecture, sustainable design and a LEED Silver designation). Founded in 1997 from the collection of the late Professor Kirk Wipper, the Canadian Canoe Museum houses a collection of over 600 canoes, kayaks and other rowing boats, some 100 of which are on display in the various galleries. They represent the country from coast to coast to coast: canoes of the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest, birchbark canoes of the Beothuk of Newfoundland, kayaks of the peoples of the North, all-wood and canvas-covered boats made by companies such as Herald, Peterborough, Chestnut, Lakefield and Canadian, and more. The collection is so historically rich that the Senate of Canada even declared it a "Cultural Property of National Significance" in 2013. But the museum doesn't stop there, also preserving boats from the Amazon to include an international component on the subject. Guided tours are offered (see website for timetable). Several activities are also organized, including a paddle-carving workshop and a voyageur canoe trip on the Trent-Severn waterway. Guided tours are also available. The museum was named one of National Geographic's Best Cultural Spots of 2024.