The Canadian Canoe Museum: Connecting culture and the natural world
Just a short, scenic 90-minute drive from the GTA, is an amazing destination to add to your spring and summer getaway plans – whether you’re a paddling enthusiast, history buff or a family that loves adventure!
Located on the Traditional Territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations in Peterborough, Ontario, The Canadian Canoe Museum has stewarded, for over 25 years, the world’s largest and most significant collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft. From the Exhibition Hall to the Lakefront Campus, the Museum encourages visitors not only to learn, but to engage – sparking curiosity, reflection and a lasting connection to water, place and each other.
Rooted in one of the most water-rich landscapes in the country, The Canadian Canoe Museum uses the canoe as a powerful lens to explore this nation’s identity, bringing together Indigenous knowledge, global perspectives and deeply personal stories.
Exceptional experiences
- Exhibition Hall: Explore the world’s largest and most significant collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft (more than 650). The Canadian Canoe Museum’s new home has 20,000 square feet of exhibits, designed in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, featuring watercraft from around the globe. Go at your own pace or take a guided tour – and be sure to peek into the integrated Collection Hall to witness the incredible depth and diversity of the collection!
- Builders in Residence: Watch canoe and kayak makers from across the country share their skills, stories, and knowledge in an immersive, hands-on setting.
First up islandscape painterHolly Ann Friesen (May 13-31) who will spend three weeks working from the Living Traditions Studio as an Artist in Residence at The Canadian Canoe Museum. During her residency, Holly Ann will transform the studio into a working artist’s space, creating new paintings inspired by the landscapes, waterways and atmosphere of the Museum’s Lakefront Campus. Visitors will have the opportunity to see her creative process up close as she develops two original works: one to be featured at the Museum’s annual fundraising event, the Lakeside Gala, and another that will remain on display at the Museum.
- Temporary Exhibit: The Museum’s 2026–2027 temporary exhibition opens to the public on May 14 with Canoe Perspectives: The McCreath Art Collection at The Canadian Canoe Museum, exploring the canoe in Canadian art.
- The exhibition will bring together works by prominent artists, including Cornelius Krieghoff, Frances Anne Hopkins, William Armstrong, F.H. Johnston, David Milne, Alex Colville, Ken Danby, Marc-Aurèle Fortin and others, alongside canoes from the Museum’s collection. Together, the artworks and watercraft explore the canoe as both subject and symbol within Canada’s artistic, cultural, and landscape traditions.
- The exhibition will bring together works by prominent artists, including Cornelius Krieghoff, Frances Anne Hopkins, William Armstrong, F.H. Johnston, David Milne, Alex Colville, Ken Danby, Marc-Aurèle Fortin and others, alongside canoes from the Museum’s collection. Together, the artworks and watercraft explore the canoe as both subject and symbol within Canada’s artistic, cultural, and landscape traditions.
- Canoe & Kayak Rentals & Voyageur Tours: Half-day or full-day rentals allow visitors to enjoy the nearby waterways and immerse themselves in the joys of paddling.Guided voyageur canoe tours offer a unique on-the-water experience for groups, families, and first-time paddlers. canoemuseum.ca/visit/paddling
- Events & Workshops: The Museum offers a variety of hands-on workshops, family activities, paddling experiences, and its popular Speaker Series.
Discover the details and plan your trip at canoemuseum.ca.
