The canoe has been identified as the most popular Canadian symbol. It allows you to leave the modern world and enter the natural world — one characterized by beauty, simplicity, wonder, and less stress. Buying a canoe is your ticket to freedom and adventure.
The first thing to do is identify what you want a canoe for: day paddling, canoe tripping, cottage fun, whitewater river paddling, fishing, etc. That's the function. Now let's discuss the technical details.
Where to Buy
For private sales, check Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and other buy/sell platforms. For stores: I suggest connecting with Swift Canoes (Hwy 11 near Bracebridge), Frontenac Outfitters (north of Sydenham), and Algonquin Outfitters at Oxtongue Lake on Hwy 60 — they allow customers to take a boat out for a test paddle.
Manufacturers
There are several reputable Ontario canoe makers: Swift, Nova Craft, Holy Cow, Langford, and H2O.
Cost
Used Kevlar canoes from a rental store could be around $2,500 or less — stores sometimes sell stock in August–September. Used fibreglass could be around $1,000, but it depends. Private sales vary widely; best to compare.
Length
You'll probably want about 16½ feet, which is versatile for families, day paddling, and overnight tripping. Shorter is fine for solo day paddling.
Material
- Kevlar — light and reasonably durable, more expensive, great for tripping
- Fibreglass — about 65 lbs, good "cottage" canoe
- Polyethylene — very sturdy but heavy and sluggish
- Wood/cedar — beautiful Canadian classic, expensive
Design Details
- Rocker — the upsweep at bow and stern; prospector style allows better manoeuvrability
- Hull integrity — check for line cracks; patched cracks are inevitable but should be repaired
- Skid plates — protect the bow and stern; add weight but worth it
- Yoke — look for a deep-dish yoke thwart for solo portaging
- Gunwales — ash wood is beautiful; aluminum or vinyl require less maintenance
- Seats — nylon or cane webbing are most comfortable
- Keel — properly constructed canoes don't need one
Ultimately, the most accurate test of a canoe is how it handles in the water. Paddle it before you buy. Good luck on your search.
Lewis Williams, 2020