Paddle and paint outdoors this summer

The Canadian Canoe Museum and The Land Canadian Adventures offering unique en plein air experience on July 23, August 12 and 19, and September 24

A participant in a plein air painting and paddling workshop held earlier this April. You'll be wearing summer clothes for one of the four experiences during July, August, and September offered by The Canadian Canoe Museum and The Land Canadian Adventures. (Photo courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum / The Land Canadian Adventures)
A participant in a plein air painting and paddling workshop held earlier this April. You'll be wearing summer clothes for one of the four experiences during July, August, and September offered by The Canadian Canoe Museum and The Land Canadian Adventures. (Photo courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum / The Land Canadian Adventures)

If you’ve ever dreamed of following in the footsteps of famous Canadian outdoor artists like Tom Thompson, Emily Carr, or A. Y. Jackson, here’s your chance.

The Canadian Canoe Museum, in partnership with The Land Canadian Adventures, is offering an exciting new workshop experience: plein air painting and paddling.

“The museum has been dreaming of offering a paddling and painting experience for a long time now,” says Stacey Arppe, the museum’s Volunteers and Public Programs Manager. “We’re so happy that it’s finally come to fruition through our partnership with The Land Canadian Adventures.”

After paddling to a day campsite, you'll receive a lesson in plein air painting and then proceed to create your own painting. Lunch will be provided. (Photo courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum /  The Land Canadian Adventures)
After paddling to a day campsite, you’ll receive a lesson in plein air painting and then proceed to create your own painting. Lunch will be provided. (Photo courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum / The Land Canadian Adventures)

The one-of-a-kind experience, guided by local artist Paul Teleki and experiential canoe tripping guide Bretton Clark, begins with a scenic paddle through the Peterborough Lift Lock and north along the Trent Severn Waterway in the museum’s 36-foot canoe.

After arriving at a shoreline day campsite, you’ll receive a lesson in plein air painting and then proceed to create your own personal masterpiece that — like the masters of yesteryear — reflects the natural beauty around you.

As well as a lunch inspired by wild edibles, the experience includes all the supplies for painting and paddling and optional transportation to and from the museum (you also get free admission to the museum).

Participants at the April workshop holding their landscape paintings, with local artist Paul Teleki in the background. (Photo courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum /  The Land Canadian Adventures)
Participants at the April workshop holding their landscape paintings, with local artist Paul Teleki in the background. (Photo courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum / The Land Canadian Adventures)

“The best part is that no previous paddling or painting experience is required,” Arppe says. “This experience has been professionally crafted to offer the perfect combination of canoeing, exploring our local waterways, and learning the art of plein air painting from an expert instructor.”

The first workshop takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 23rd, with three more opportunities on Saturday, August 12th, Saturday, August 19th, and Sunday, September 24th.

The cost to participate is $189 (or $170 for members of the museum). For more information and to register, email paddle@canoemuseum.ca or call 705-748-9153 ext. 210.

VIDEO: Path of the Masters plein air painting