Canadian Canoe Museum Set to Open In of Winter Next Year

The Canadian Canoe Museum (CCM) is planning to open in the winter of next year, followed by a grand opening celebration in May announced on Wednesday morning.

Carolyn Hyslop, Canoe Museum Executive Director at the Exhibition Hall. Photo courtesy of he Canadian Canoe Museum.

The new museum's unveiling — which was to take place this fall — has been delayed due to nationwide construction industry issues according to a press release.

Once the facility opens, the museum will officially celebrate after the ice melts by launching canoes into the water.

“I am thrilled to announce that we will welcome our supporters to the new museum and campus the weekend of May 11th for our grand opening celebrations,” said Carolyn Hyslop, CCM executive director. “While the pandemic and its impacts on the construction industry have affected our timeline, it has not affected the spirit and enthusiasm for this project. It will be worth the wait when visitors can explore this beautiful facility and our many new offerings and then continue to the lakefront for a memorable paddling experience.”

The weekend of May 11th will have donors, partners, members, volunteers and dignitaries gather to celebrate the grand opening of the new museum and Lang Lakefront Campus which coincides with the start of the paddling season. The day also marks the launch of the CCM’s full visitor experience with on-water activities to honour Canada’s enduring paddling legacy as stated by CCM. A schedule of events will be released closer to the date.

The new museum will have 20,000 square feet of new exhibits featuring stories from around the world at their own pace or on a guided tour, Collection Hall, artisan workshops and food and drink from the Silver Bean Café.

A multipurpose room is available to rent for community and corporate meetings, conferences, events and weddings.

During the spring, the Lang Lakefront Campus will have space for on-water programming. There will be daily 90-minute Voyageur canoe tours that will offer a group paddling experience, while canoe and kayak rentals will be available for self-guided adventures. Children’s day camps, adult paddling courses and backcountry canoe trips will also run throughout the summer months.

There are 100 canoes and kayaks being moved into the new Exhibition Hall.

“Moving this first portion of the collection into its new home was an incredible moment in this organization’s history,” said Jeremy Ward, CCM Curator. “This collection is unlike any other worldwide and has been recognized for its national significance to this country. Now, it finally has a home befitting it. It was certainly an emotional moment for myself and our team.”

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, granted patronage to the CCM last year. In 2013, the Senate declared the CCM and its collection a cultural asset of national significance.

The remaining 500 watercraft are being moved to the new museum over the next two to three months.

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