Now that we’re halfway through summer, the kids might be looking for something new that’s fun and different (and maybe the grown-ups too). Or perhaps you have some family and friends visiting Peterborough and you’d like to show them a unique experience.
In either case, The Canadian Canoe Museum is encouraging residents and visitors alike to “make, paddle, play, and connect” at the museum during August by offering a range of activities for both individuals and families.
“This summer we’re thrilled to be welcoming visitors from near and far”, says the museum’s director of programs Karen Taylor. “And we’re rolling out the red carpet with an array of offerings for all ages.”
There are ongoing events like a new drop-in-to-draw activity, a new interactive water station, and pop-up exhibits throughout the summer. The museum also has artisan workshops, paddling courses, meet and greets with artisans and authors, and more.
“Whether you’re visiting us for the first time, or already know and love the museum, there are so many new reasons to spend time with us this summer,” Taylor says. “Make, paddle, play, and connect right here.”
Here are some highlights of what’s going on at The Canadian Canoe Museum for the rest of the summer:
Make at the museum
Draw something. Using an artist-quality kit, explore the artifacts and stories that connect us all by canoe. Drop-in-to-draw anytime during regular museum hours. The cost is $2 (free for members).
Create your own postcard. Discover a new collection of canoe-themed items including sheet music, records, and beautiful vintage postcards. Included with museum admission or membership.
Make a one-of-a-kind woodburned paddle. This artisan workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 17th. The cost of the workshop is $180.
Help create a 14-foot wire and textile canoe. Beginning on Thursday, August 22nd, you can take part in a collaborative community art project led by Ottawa-based textile artist Vanessa Goldschiff. For ages 8 to adult. Included with museum admission or membership.
Make a cross-stitch bookmark. In this drop-in craft workshop on the Labour Day weekend, be inspired by designs and patterns on the canoes in the museum’s collection to create your bookmark. Workshops take place from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 2nd. Included with museum admission or membership.
Paddle with the museum
Learn to paddle a canoe. The museum’s introductory-level safe canoeing evening program runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, August 12th. For ages 16 to adult, no experience is necessary, and all equipment will be provided. The cost for the course is $175.
Hone your paddling skills. If you want to advance your paddling skills even more, take a Ontario Recreational Canoeing And Kayaking Association (ORCKA) course. An ORCKA Level 1 course takes place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on August 13th and 14th, with a Level 2 course on August 15th and 16th. For ages 16 to adult. Each course costs $185.
Experience the Peterborough Lift Lock by Voyageur Canoe. This is a 90-minute guided tour by canoe of this National Historic Site. No experience is necessary. The cost is $25 per person, of you can book the whole boat (up to 16 paddlers) for a private tour for $300. The tours runs every Sunday in August (except for August 18th).
Play at the museum
Race canoes along the museum’s new interactive water station. Included with museum admission or membership.
Go ‘fishing’ on the Civic Holiday. In this drop-in craft workshop, kids can create a magnetic fishing rod and felted fish to play with in the museum’s “pool” and take them home after their visit. For ages 6+ or younger (with help). The workshop takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 5th. Included with museum admission or membership.
Go ‘retro camping’. Explore the museum’s collection of canoeing accessories in the interactive pop-up ‘Retro Camping’ exhibit, beginning Thursday, August 8th. Included with museum admission or membership.
Connect at the museum
Connect with the museum’s collection. Make a connection with the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks, and paddled watercraft through the new interactive ‘Collection Highlights’ tours, which run daily at 2:30 p.m. Each tour is 45 minutes and is first come, first served (maximum of 10 people per tour).
Connect to a local canoe story. See see a unique canoe never before on display: Daniel Herald’s patent canoe from the Rice Lake Canoe Company, donated by Peterborough paddler Doris Vallery. Included with museum admission or membership.
Connect with the first woman to kayak the Northwest Passage. Learn about Victoria Jason’s incredible paddling story. Jason was known to help others whenever she could, including during her travels. Beginning Thursday, August 22nd, the museum is re-installing a mini-exhibition featuring her story. Included with museum admission or membership.
Connect with Indigenous filmmakers. Wapikoni’s Cinema on Wheels, featuring award-winning short films directed by budding Indigenous filmmakers, is coming to the museum at 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 29th. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and admission is free.
Connect with local artisans, artists, and authors. The museum’s Tumblehome Shop presents Trading Post Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings, where you can have one-on-one conversations, ask questions, and see the creative process in action.
On August 1st, meet Stephen Kitchen, an Oshawa-based artisan formally trained in woodworking and later specializing in wooden boat restoration. On August 8th, meet Cara Jordan, paddler, pyrographer, and long-time Tumblehome artisan. On August 15th, meet Andrew Boire, a Peterborough-based beekeeper and jack of all trades.
For more information about summer events at The Canadian Canoe Museum and to register for upcoming workshops or courses, visit canoemuseum.ca.
