Description

A 1904 Peterborough 16 foot canoe

A Peterborough canoe is a classic style of wooden open canoe known for cedar-strip and rib construction, originating from the historic Peterborough Canoe Company in Ontario, Canada.

History and Origins;
Founded in 1892 by William H. Hill and Elihu Edwards in Peterborough, Ontario.
Grew out of early "planked dugout" designs pioneered by John Stephenson.
Merged with or collected under Canadian Watercraft Limited alongside Chestnut Canoe Company in 1923.
Ceased traditional operations in 1961 as aluminum and fiberglass boats took over the market.

Design and Characteristics;
Built using narrow wood strips or wide boards over cedar ribs, often canvas-covered.
Typically features a narrow beam and shallow arch hull.
Weighs between 45 to 55 lbs, earning the nickname "the cottager's canoe".

Legacy Today;
Preserved and celebrated at The Canadian Canoe Museum located in Peterborough, Ontario, which houses the world's largest collection of paddled watercraft.
Modern cedar-strip replicas and plans are still produced by traditional builders like Bear Mountain Boats.

Click here for our July 2026 newsletter highlighting our visit to the Wine Country Classic Boat Show 2026

Click here for some of the boats that were on display for the July 18 2026 show

WineCountryClassicBoatShow2026