Canadian Canoe
By the 18th. century aboriginal trading networks covered all of North America, and were responsible for moving materials such as obsidian, shells, iron, copper and silver thousands of miles, usually by canoe. When Europeans arrived, they benefited from this extensive commercial tradition, and used it to gain access to other materials, primarily furs. As European demand for furs increased, the canoes needed to transport them grew significantly, reaching more than 30 feet in length.
During the 19th century, canoes were invaluable in extending the reach of the railroad, and they were used heavily during gold rushes and expeditions by the Geological Survey of Canada.
As new modes of transportation became more practical for moving people and products around the country, paddling became a favourite recreational pastime. During the Victorian era, canoes were popular for regattas, races, and courting, reflecting the many lifestyle changes happening in Canadian society at the time. The era of cottaging, and escaping from the growing cities is profiled for visitors from a dock setting.
The wooden-plank canoe was invented in central Ontario, spawning a huge manufacturing industry that distinguished Peterborough as the "canoe capital of the world". Many of these early canoes are still paddled today, and the incredible wood-working techniques are demonstrated in the Museum's boat-building workshop.
