What to See and Do at Canadian Canoe Museum’s New Breathtaking Five-Acre Lakefront Home

The unique Canadian Canoe Museum has reopened in a new two-story, 65,000-square-foot facility on a scenic five-acre lakefront site.

Credit: Canadian Canoe Museum

Nestled on the Trent-Severn Waterway in Peterborough, this $45 million project, entirely funded, encompasses a five-acre lakefront campus that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, promoting environmental sustainability.

Per the news release, the museum’s architecture designed by Unity Design Studio, inspired by traditional craftsmanship and natural elements, symbolizes a deep connection to the land and water, much like the canoe itself. It provides a state-of-the-art environment for both preserving and showcasing over 600 watercraft, now all visible in the new space.

Notably recognized in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2024 for cultural significance, this destination blends educational and recreational opportunities aimed at enriching visitors’ understanding of canoe heritage and the broader cultural narratives of Canada.

Credit: Canadian Canoe Museum

Housing more than 600 watercraft, the museum’s collection is now displayed in an integrated Collection Hall designed to meet Class “A” controlled museum environment standards, ensuring both preservation and accessibility.

Beyond its static exhibits, the museum encourages dynamic interaction with its heritage. Guests can engage in a variety of activities, including self-guided tours of the new facilities, daily exhibition tours, and hands-on canoeing experiences on Little Lake—either in groups with a voyageur canoe or independently in rented kayaks or canoes.

At the heart of the museum’s educational initiative is the integration of Indigenous languages and stories, enhancing the visitor experience with local Anishnaabemowin dialects and other Indigenous languages, thanks to support from TD Bank Group.

The museum’s location offers breathtaking views of Little Lake and direct access to the Trans Canada Trail.

The museum officially opened today to the public and invites everyone to explore and participate in its myriad offerings, from educational workshops and certification programs to summer camps for kids.

Summer in Kawarthas & Peterborough

Canadian Canoe Museum

Credit: Canadian Canoe Museum

The new two-story, 65,000-square-foot museum, situated on a picturesque five-acre lakefront site, boasts a broad range of features and activities designed to enhance visitors’ experiences and deepen their connection to Canada’s canoeing heritage. The museum’s site offers breathtaking west-facing views of Little Lake and access to the Trans Canada Trail, surrounded by lush public parks.

Highlights:

Exhibition and Collection Halls: The museum now displays its entire collection of over 600 watercraft, in the 60,000-square-foot Exhibition Hall, thanks to the spacious, controlled museum environment meeting Class “A” artifact conservation standards.
Outdoor and Education Programming: Facilities include a canoe house, gathering circle, campfire pit, and accessible boardwalk, along with a walk-in canoe launch and adaptive canoe and kayak launch.
Indigenous Languages and Cultural Integration: From the moment of entry, visitors are greeted in the Michi Saagig dialect of Anishnaabemowin, with additional Indigenous languages highlighted throughout the exhibits, supported by the TD Ready Commitment from TD Bank Group.
Interactive and Educational Opportunities: The museum features a state-of-the-art Exhibition Hall, an Artisan Studio for hands-on learning, and a Library and Research Room for deeper exploration.
Community and Recreational Events: The site is equipped to host a variety of events and activities, including self-guided tours, daily exhibition tours, voyager canoe tours, and canoe or kayak rentals for personal adventures on Little Lake.
Café and Social Spaces: The Silver Bean Café offers a cozy fireplace and an adjacent lakefront terrace, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.