The canoe, a bearer of traditions

The canoe, a bearer of traditions

Discover the birchbark canoe like you’ve never seen it before!

Much more than just a means of transport, the canoe is a living symbol of the culture and ingenuity of the Wenda Nation.

A journey through time and know-how of the Wendat Nation.

Discover the birchbark canoe like you’ve never seen it before! Much more than just a means of transportation, the canoe is a living symbol of the culture and ingenuity of the Wendat Nation. For over 3,000 years, it has been used for travel, hunting, fishing, and trade across the vast territory of Onyionhwentsïio’. Immerse yourself in the heart of a family canoe workshop where Maurice Picard Jr and his family pass on a unique know-how, from generation to generation. The exhibition invites you to: • Explore the different types of birchbark canoes and understand how they were used in the daily lives and economic activities of the Wendat people. • Discover the history of the canoe in the 19th and 20th centuries, from local crafts to industrialization in Lorette (now Wendake). • Discover the symbolism of the canoe through legends, songs, and works of art, and see how it continues to inspire artists and craftspeople today. An interactive and immersive exhibition Enter the workshop through videos and demonstrations, test your knowledge with games and an interactive quiz, and admire miniature canoes, traditional tools and handcrafted objects. The canoe, bearer of traditions, is not just an exhibition on the past: it is an invitation to touch, explore and marvel at a living heritage.