ACCUEIL | Headwaters Canoes

top of page

Bienvenue à

Headwaters Canoes

Construction des canots de bois et toile de qualité depuis plus de 35 ans

Voir l'atelier en action

RENCONTREZ LES ARTISANS

CANOTS SUR MESURE

RÉPARATIONS

IMG_3914 - Copie.JPG

"Pour un vrai Prospecteur, il faut retourner au canot de bois et toile. Une seule forme originale de Chestnut [Prospecteur] reste en service commercial aujourd'hui. Le constructeur Headwaters Canoes, basé à Wakefield, QC, fabrique un ou deux Prospecteurs de 18 pieds par an. .."

We have cruisers and prospectors both big and small. There are square sterns and V sterns and all the regulars this fall.

We have Old Towns, Chestnuts and Norwester’s too. We’ve got broken ones, dirty ones and rotten keel shoes.

Some come from lives covering many hard miles. Others have lasted generations in style.

Cracked up on rocks, carried through spruce on our travels. Still willing to support us pushing on with our paddles.

They come into the shop ready for work. We’ll get to know them, feel them, and accept each one’s quirk.

We’ll take them apart, wash and prepare. We’ll replace, mend and fix everything with care.

Hours of labour, sanding and paint. Better drink something besides coffee or I think I’ll faint.

It’s a fun progression from old to new. Can’t wait for next summer, to ride your canoe.

We have cruisers and prospectors both big and small. There are square sterns and V sterns and all the regulars this fall.

We have Old Towns, Chestnuts and Norwester’s too. We’ve got broken ones, dirty ones and rotten keel shoes.

Some come from lives covering many hard miles. Others have lasted generations in style.

Cracked up on rocks, carried through spruce on our travels. Still willing to support us pushing on with our paddles.

They come into the shop ready for work. We’ll get to know them, feel them, and accept each one’s quirk.

We’ll take them apart, wash and prepare. We’ll replace, mend and fix everything with care.

Hours of labour, sanding and paint. Better drink something besides coffee or I think I’ll faint.

It’s a fun progression from old to new. Can’t wait for next summer, to ride your canoe.

Gunwale photo shoot!

Gunwales are the spine of the canoe. They provide shape and structure. The inwale is the first thing installed on the building form, setting the shape for all construction to follow. It is the fixing point for all ribs, seats and thwarts. The outwale is the protector; it shields the trimmed edge of the canvas and it’s tacks from life in the elements, it caps the sheeting and completes the construction.

White ash is the preferred wood for our gunwales. Though there are several good options canoe builders may use, ash is highly sought after. It is strong, flexible and durable. It can withstand years of J strokes, portage rubbing or frequent sliding across roof racks to and from the water. The ring porous nature of ash allows it to absorb heat and steam if a canoe’s upturn requires, and has a beautiful grain.

We’re privileged to work with stunning 18’ boards, and cognizant that the trees are in a tough fight against the emerald ash borer. Long May they live.

We meticulously label the gunwales as we work with them, so they can be paired and sorted to partners from the same boards. This keeps quality, length, and aesthetic consistent.

We’re happy to work with them, and happy to get them out of the shop into winter storage to open up space for more canoes!

Gunwale photo shoot!

Gunwales are the spine of the canoe. They provide shape and structure. The inwale is the first thing installed on the building form, setting the shape for all construction to follow. It is the fixing point for all ribs, seats and thwarts. The outwale is the protector; it shields the trimmed edge of the canvas and it’s tacks from life in the elements, it caps the sheeting and completes the construction.

White ash is the preferred wood for our gunwales. Though there are several good options canoe builders may use, ash is highly sought after. It is strong, flexible and durable. It can withstand years of J strokes, portage rubbing or frequent sliding across roof racks to and from the water. The ring porous nature of ash allows it to absorb heat and steam if a canoe’s upturn requires, and has a beautiful grain.

We’re privileged to work with stunning 18’ boards, and cognizant that the trees are in a tough fight against the emerald ash borer. Long May they live.

We meticulously label the gunwales as we work with them, so they can be paired and sorted to partners from the same boards. This keeps quality, length, and aesthetic consistent.

We’re happy to work with them, and happy to get them out of the shop into winter storage to open up space for more canoes!

A few days spent turning rough boards into finished sheeting is not a bad way to spend sunny November days. It’s hard not to drool over each piece as it rolls past. This opportunity for a photo shoot is not lost.

Sheeting is the muscle of the canoe. It encases the ribbed skeleton, and is made water proof by the canvas skin. The body of the canoe comes alive.

Eastern white cedar is strong, flexible, and naturally rot resistant. With the help of a builder, steam and a plane, it wraps itself around the hull. Fastened with brass tacks, and no adhesives, it can move with the seasonal fluctuations of temperature and moisture. There is a reason these canoes, when cared for, can last generations.

We are grateful to the trees these boards came from, and hope that the life this cedar leads will bring people back to the environment of their origin, to continue and deepen our connection and understanding of the natural world.

A few days spent turning rough boards into finished sheeting is not a bad way to spend sunny November days. It’s hard not to drool over each piece as it rolls past. This opportunity for a photo shoot is not lost.

Sheeting is the muscle of the canoe. It encases the ribbed skeleton, and is made water proof by the canvas skin. The body of the canoe comes alive.

Eastern white cedar is strong, flexible, and naturally rot resistant. With the help of a builder, steam and a plane, it wraps itself around the hull. Fastened with brass tacks, and no adhesives, it can move with the seasonal fluctuations of temperature and moisture. There is a reason these canoes, when cared for, can last generations.

We are grateful to the trees these boards came from, and hope that the life this cedar leads will bring people back to the environment of their origin, to continue and deepen our connection and understanding of the natural world.

Sometimes, all a canoe needs is a little sanding, varnish and paint. This canoe, a 14’ muskrat, came to us for some love. To early for a new canvas, but in need of paint and varnish. It was also an opportunity to return it to it’s original colour, red!

The muskrat is a sweet little canoe. It is fast and smooth, maneuverable and delicate. It’s one of our favourite canoes to solo. While instructing a group of youngsters on the water before a canoe trip, it was my go to canoe to teach from. Zipping around like a water bug between boats was effective for individual notes, and kept sessions fun for the teacher.

On the trail it’s great for young travellers, or solo. Portages are a dream with this little guy, and the effortless speed on the water is sublime.

We don’t get to many orders for the muskrat as it’s tenderness can intimidate the novice paddler, but as comfort and balance grow, the opportunity to feel what this canoe can offer reveals itself.

Sometimes, all a canoe needs is a little sanding, varnish and paint. This canoe, a 14’ muskrat, came to us for some love. To early for a new canvas, but in need of paint and varnish. It was also an opportunity to return it to it’s original colour, red!

The muskrat is a sweet little canoe. It is fast and smooth, maneuverable and delicate. It’s one of our favourite canoes to solo. While instructing a group of youngsters on the water before a canoe trip, it was my go to canoe to teach from. Zipping around like a water bug between boats was effective for individual notes, and kept sessions fun for the teacher.

On the trail it’s great for young travellers, or solo. Portages are a dream with this little guy, and the effortless speed on the water is sublime.

We don’t get to many orders for the muskrat as it’s tenderness can intimidate the novice paddler, but as comfort and balance grow, the opportunity to feel what this canoe can offer reveals itself.

We managed to sneak in a quick trip on the Coulonge River to close out our September. 10 days was just enough time to see the River top to bottom.

The river is continuously beautiful, and a treat to experience. The fall colours were well on their way, really picking up steam for the last couple of days. The browns and yellows highlight grasses and shores of the many meandering turns of the river. The shaded white pines lay the back drop to some glowing birch leaning over the water reaching for sunlight, and the many chutes and falls set us up for beautiful camping on their portage trails.

The context of the lumber industry’s influence on the area is not lost on us. The sadness of losing many old growth pines to forestry is contradicted by the encouragement in observing a healthy recovery and thriving environment. It’s all very complicated, but being close to the sights and sounds of rich wildlife is good for the heart.

Travelling in our canoes gets the mind right for a season of working on them in the shop. We’re reminded of their toughness, and their sensitivity.

There is a real belief that working with these canoes keeps us safe. The canoe is a member of our group that we make decisions for, and in return they keep us humble to the river and wise to its risks.

It’s tough to photograph a single canoe trip in a satisfying manner. A few days with moisture in the lens and a drive to keep paddling didn’t leave too much time for action shots. However there are a few shots to help paint the picture of our trip that will now send us into the heart of another Shop season at Headwaters.

We managed to sneak in a quick trip on the Coulonge River to close out our September. 10 days was just enough time to see the River top to bottom.

The river is continuously beautiful, and a treat to experience. The fall colours were well on their way, really picking up steam for the last couple of days. The browns and yellows highlight grasses and shores of the many meandering turns of the river. The shaded white pines lay the back drop to some glowing birch leaning over the water reaching for sunlight, and the many chutes and falls set us up for beautiful camping on their portage trails.

The context of the lumber industry’s influence on the area is not lost on us. The sadness of losing many old growth pines to forestry is contradicted by the encouragement in observing a healthy recovery and thriving environment. It’s all very complicated, but being close to the sights and sounds of rich wildlife is good for the heart.

Travelling in our canoes gets the mind right for a season of working on them in the shop. We’re reminded of their toughness, and their sensitivity.

There is a real belief that working with these canoes keeps us safe. The canoe is a member of our group that we make decisions for, and in return they keep us humble to the river and wise to its risks.

It’s tough to photograph a single canoe trip in a satisfying manner. A few days with moisture in the lens and a drive to keep paddling didn’t leave too much time for action shots. However there are a few shots to help paint the picture of our trip that will now send us into the heart of another Shop season at Headwaters.

September greetings from Headwaters!

The seasonal progression is driving things at the shop now. Buckle up and hold on! Our season’s repairs have flooded in and now fill our briefly emptied canoe racks. Our list of fall jobs is tackled and we’ll soon set our sights on milling this years components.

As we get back into the rhythm of things we’ll look forward to sharing sights and sounds of the shop along the way.

We hope you all had wonderful summer’s and are looking forward to a beautiful autumn.

September greetings from Headwaters!

The seasonal progression is driving things at the shop now. Buckle up and hold on! Our season’s repairs have flooded in and now fill our briefly emptied canoe racks. Our list of fall jobs is tackled and we’ll soon set our sights on milling this years components.

As we get back into the rhythm of things we’ll look forward to sharing sights and sounds of the shop along the way.

We hope you all had wonderful summer’s and are looking forward to a beautiful autumn.

16ft guide special, A grade, Boston Maroon

The guide special is built on our 100 year old, original Chestnut cruiser form. It has the same specs as the cruiser, with closer rib spacing making a very durable hull.

Building the guide special is a coveted project, and a test of our skills. First, working with the quirks of the 100 year old form requires added attention. Then, the curves, lines and tumblehome take extra effort in shaping and bending the cedar around the hull. The finished canoe, however, is pleasing to the eye and a dream to paddle.

16ft guide special, A grade, Boston Maroon

The guide special is built on our 100 year old, original Chestnut cruiser form. It has the same specs as the cruiser, with closer rib spacing making a very durable hull.

Building the guide special is a coveted project, and a test of our skills. First, working with the quirks of the 100 year old form requires added attention. Then, the curves, lines and tumblehome take extra effort in shaping and bending the cedar around the hull. The finished canoe, however, is pleasing to the eye and a dream to paddle.

It’s an exciting time in the canoe world. The water is warm and trails are ready. Folks have opened cottages, camps and cabins. We dip paddles in the water for their first times and shake off the winter’s rust.

Expedition preparations are ramping up. Food is dehydrating, maps spread over tables are marked and noted.

Camps are in full hustle mode with excited young camper’s arrivals around the corner.

And at the canoe shop, we finally feel the pressure release and storage open up as most of our seasons work has returned home.

Here are a few shots of spring life in the shop. We share with giddy excitement as the season to enjoy these vessels is upon us.

It’s an exciting time in the canoe world. The water is warm and trails are ready. Folks have opened cottages, camps and cabins. We dip paddles in the water for their first times and shake off the winter’s rust.

Expedition preparations are ramping up. Food is dehydrating, maps spread over tables are marked and noted.

Camps are in full hustle mode with excited young camper’s arrivals around the corner.

And at the canoe shop, we finally feel the pressure release and storage open up as most of our seasons work has returned home.

Here are a few shots of spring life in the shop. We share with giddy excitement as the season to enjoy these vessels is upon us.

These canoes live a life of taking young people on canoe trips across many of Canada's vast waterways.

We are grateful and privileged to be a part of the camps in Temagami who use wood canvas canoes. The experience they provide is so important to so many of us: past, present and future.

We wish all these trips a safe and wonderful summer of adventure.

Good luck and best wishes from all of us at Headwaters Canoes!

These canoes live a life of taking young people on canoe trips across many of Canada's vast waterways.

We are grateful and privileged to be a part of the camps in Temagami who use wood canvas canoes. The experience they provide is so important to so many of us: past, present and future.

We wish all these trips a safe and wonderful summer of adventure.

Good luck and best wishes from all of us at Headwaters Canoes!

Chestnut Pal in Green, Epifanes #6

What’s your favourite green? We’ve enjoyed several shades of green this spring. It is a pleasure for us painters to mix it up a keep things interesting.

These canoes are heading home in time for the nice weather rolling in!

Chestnut Pal in Green, Epifanes #6

What’s your favourite green? We’ve enjoyed several shades of green this spring. It is a pleasure for us painters to mix it up a keep things interesting.

These canoes are heading home in time for the nice weather rolling in!

This sweet little 12’ Peterborough has returned home for a summer of paddling.

This would be fun to have on a little solo trip. It feels like the kind of canoe that once your feet touch ground at the portage trail it could be rolled up on the shoulders and “away you go” without hesitation.

Happy paddling to this yellow canoe.

This sweet little 12’ Peterborough has returned home for a summer of paddling.

This would be fun to have on a little solo trip. It feels like the kind of canoe that once your feet touch ground at the portage trail it could be rolled up on the shoulders and “away you go” without hesitation.

Happy paddling to this yellow canoe.

We were thrilled to visit the Canadian Canoe Museum a few days ago, just before the grand opening this past weekend. As of today, the museum is open in its beautiful and very fitting waterfront location and spectacular new building, custom built to share the stories of all the canoes held within. A huge congratulations to the whole team at the museum for this enormous achievement. Go check it out and see if you can find this smiling guy while you're there! @cndncanoemuseum

#canadiancanoemuseum #canoe

We were thrilled to visit the Canadian Canoe Museum a few days ago, just before the grand opening this past weekend. As of today, the museum is open in its beautiful and very fitting waterfront location and spectacular new building, custom built to share the stories of all the canoes held within. A huge congratulations to the whole team at the museum for this enormous achievement. Go check it out and see if you can find this smiling guy while you're there! @cndncanoemuseum

#canadiancanoemuseum #canoe

What do you think of this sky blue? It has grown in popularity with customers over the last few years.

I’d say it’s looking pretty sharp on this 15’ Chestnut Chum!

#chestnutcanoecompany #woodcanvas #epifanes #blue #canoe #woodshop #ottawavalley

What do you think of this sky blue? It has grown in popularity with customers over the last few years.

I’d say it’s looking pretty sharp on this 15’ Chestnut Chum!

#chestnutcanoecompany #woodcanvas #epifanes #blue #canoe #woodshop #ottawavalley

Every repair that comes into the shop has a story. This canoe, a modified 16’ Prospector, built by Headwaters in conjunction with our friend, the canoe’s owner, has raised gunwales, meaning it’s about an inch deeper in the centre than the standard 16’ Prospector. It’s a serious load carrier, a real adventure vessel that has covered hundreds of kilometres in its life so far.

When we peeled off the canvas and saw this line of tidy stitches more than two feet long on the inside, we knew we had to ask Bob for the story. Turns out an unfortunate encounter with a spike on the Tim River in Agonquin Park was the culprit, more than 20 years ago. In the moment, Bob resorted to good old duct tape as the trip was nearly over. Upon his return home he stitched the canvas together with dental floss and patched over it, a patch that we couldn’t even detect on the outside of the canvas! Twenty years later, the repair job was holding as well as the day it was sewn. We hope the next canvas meets fewer spikes, but just in case, keep the dental floss handy in your repair kit and we know you’ll have many more trips with this big canoe.

#woodcanvascanoe #woodcanoe #canoerepair #ducttape #canoetripping #algonquin #algonquinprovincialpark #16prospector

Every repair that comes into the shop has a story. This canoe, a modified 16’ Prospector, built by Headwaters in conjunction with our friend, the canoe’s owner, has raised gunwales, meaning it’s about an inch deeper in the centre than the standard 16’ Prospector. It’s a serious load carrier, a real adventure vessel that has covered hundreds of kilometres in its life so far.

When we peeled off the canvas and saw this line of tidy stitches more than two feet long on the inside, we knew we had to ask Bob for the story. Turns out an unfortunate encounter with a spike on the Tim River in Agonquin Park was the culprit, more than 20 years ago. In the moment, Bob resorted to good old duct tape as the trip was nearly over. Upon his return home he stitched the canvas together with dental floss and patched over it, a patch that we couldn’t even detect on the outside of the canvas! Twenty years later, the repair job was holding as well as the day it was sewn. We hope the next canvas meets fewer spikes, but just in case, keep the dental floss handy in your repair kit and we know you’ll have many more trips with this big canoe.

#woodcanvascanoe #woodcanoe #canoerepair #ducttape #canoetripping #algonquin #algonquinprovincialpark #16prospector

We have a special place in our hearts for camp canoes. It would be easy for a camp to let the tradition of using wood canvas canoes on the trail fade away in favour of canoes made of modern materials that require less care and maintenance, but ultimately those alternatives also provide less connection to tradition and fewer opportunities for thoughtful wilderness travel.

Each year we repair and build new canoes for several different camps in Northern Ontario that continue to maintain this tradition. Camp canoes are fun to repair because the damage inevitably comes from use on the trail - what they're made for - rather than from rotting in poor storage. There is always lots of cracked sheeting and many ribs to be replaced, but this canoe will head out again this spring, ready for another 20 or so summers of taking kids on life-changing canoe trips.

#woodcanvascanoe #canoeshop #canoetripping #temagami #ontariocamps

We have a special place in our hearts for camp canoes. It would be easy for a camp to let the tradition of using wood canvas canoes on the trail fade away in favour of canoes made of modern materials that require less care and maintenance, but ultimately those alternatives also provide less connection to tradition and fewer opportunities for thoughtful wilderness travel.

Each year we repair and build new canoes for several different camps in Northern Ontario that continue to maintain this tradition. Camp canoes are fun to repair because the damage inevitably comes from use on the trail - what they're made for - rather than from rotting in poor storage. There is always lots of cracked sheeting and many ribs to be replaced, but this canoe will head out again this spring, ready for another 20 or so summers of taking kids on life-changing canoe trips.

#woodcanvascanoe #canoeshop #canoetripping #temagami #ontariocamps

Every canoe is held together with many tacks, each of which is hammered into the sheeting when the plank is initially fastened to the ribs. Then each one is hammered again when every single tack is re-clinched after the canoe comes off the form, ensuring they are tight and doing their job well. That results in many hammer blossoms denting the soft cedar, both inside from the clinching iron, and on the outside of the hull from the hammer.

A small but important step of construction is watering the hammer blossoms. The water swells the grain of the cedar, lessening the dents in the cedar and resulting in a smoother surface for rasping, sanding and prepping for varnish.

Every canoe is held together with many tacks, each of which is hammered into the sheeting when the plank is initially fastened to the ribs. Then each one is hammered again when every single tack is re-clinched after the canoe comes off the form, ensuring they are tight and doing their job well. That results in many hammer blossoms denting the soft cedar, both inside from the clinching iron, and on the outside of the hull from the hammer.

A small but important step of construction is watering the hammer blossoms. The water swells the grain of the cedar, lessening the dents in the cedar and resulting in a smoother surface for rasping, sanding and prepping for varnish.

Hugh’s go-to canoe, as a young guide in Temagami, was the 16’ guide Special.

He appreciated the extra durability of the close ribs for the miles accumulated over a summer’s trips.

Temagami’s many canoe routes require hardy travellers and boats up for the task. In order to get to some of the sought after spots in Temagami, one can spend a summer negotiating portages, beaver dams, rivers and creeks. Which model would you take?

Thanks to this canoe, the sparks of summer trip ideas have begun to take form. Luckily, a couple months of winter left to enjoy and let ideas percolate.

#chestnutcanoecompany
#woodcanvas #temagami #canoeingadventures #woodshop #sunnyday #photography #canoeshop #wood #woodboatsofinstagram

Hugh’s go-to canoe, as a young guide in Temagami, was the 16’ guide Special.

He appreciated the extra durability of the close ribs for the miles accumulated over a summer’s trips.

Temagami’s many canoe routes require hardy travellers and boats up for the task. In order to get to some of the sought after spots in Temagami, one can spend a summer negotiating portages, beaver dams, rivers and creeks. Which model would you take?

Thanks to this canoe, the sparks of summer trip ideas have begun to take form. Luckily, a couple months of winter left to enjoy and let ideas percolate.

#chestnutcanoecompany
#woodcanvas #temagami #canoeingadventures #woodshop #sunnyday #photography #canoeshop #wood #woodboatsofinstagram

Working on this 16’ guide special has been intoxicating.

The contrast of the 100 year old form, that is beginning to show its age, meeting the freshly milled ribs and sheeting of the new canoe lends itself to imagination.

The sweet lines of this canoe require a little extra throughout construction. It is a little more fairing of the ribs, shaping of the sheeting, and rasping of hull. So we take comfort in those extra efforts proving themselves worthwhile when the canoe hits the water.

It’s a dream to paddle.

Working on this 16’ guide special has been intoxicating.

The contrast of the 100 year old form, that is beginning to show its age, meeting the freshly milled ribs and sheeting of the new canoe lends itself to imagination.

The sweet lines of this canoe require a little extra throughout construction. It is a little more fairing of the ribs, shaping of the sheeting, and rasping of hull. So we take comfort in those extra efforts proving themselves worthwhile when the canoe hits the water.

It’s a dream to paddle.

The hull is complete on the first new canoe of 2024, a 16’ Prospector. This one is a lightweight build with all the ultralight trimmings. It will be one sweet canoe this summer - on the water and on the portage trail!

#woodshop #cedar #handmade #woodcanvascanoe

The hull is complete on the first new canoe of 2024, a 16’ Prospector. This one is a lightweight build with all the ultralight trimmings. It will be one sweet canoe this summer - on the water and on the portage trail!

#woodshop #cedar #handmade #woodcanvascanoe

The first new canoe of the year, a 16' Prospector, has been a pretty sweet start to the year. Sheeting is always a coveted job around here, not least because one of us lucky builders gets to spend a few days focused on this spectacular wood we work with - select eastern white cedar. There are many tacks to hammer, but each inch of sheeting has grain and colour to consider. This canoe will be rasped, sanded and oiled this week, so stay tuned to see those colours really pop!

#woodshop #cedar #woodcanvascanoes #workshop

The first new canoe of the year, a 16' Prospector, has been a pretty sweet start to the year. Sheeting is always a coveted job around here, not least because one of us lucky builders gets to spend a few days focused on this spectacular wood we work with - select eastern white cedar. There are many tacks to hammer, but each inch of sheeting has grain and colour to consider. This canoe will be rasped, sanded and oiled this week, so stay tuned to see those colours really pop!

#woodshop #cedar #woodcanvascanoes #workshop

We closed out the last week of 2023 with the first bend of the year. This Ultralight 16' prospector will float us into 2024 for the upcoming construction season.

We would like to thank all of those out there who support us. This little niche business has a strong network of friends and family, and connections through the community of camps and canoes that keep us busy and motivated.

We have had some lovely visits from local folks, and appreciate all of the support from the online community with likes and shares on social media; an invaluable resource for us at Headwaters to share what we are up to and make our shop available to the wide world of canoe users.

With many thanks, from all of us at Headwaters, we wish everyone happy holidays.

#holiday
#wood
#canoe
#woodencanoeheritageassociation
#chestnutcanoe
#canoeshop #solstice

We closed out the last week of 2023 with the first bend of the year. This Ultralight 16' prospector will float us into 2024 for the upcoming construction season.

We would like to thank all of those out there who support us. This little niche business has a strong network of friends and family, and connections through the community of camps and canoes that keep us busy and motivated.

We have had some lovely visits from local folks, and appreciate all of the support from the online community with likes and shares on social media; an invaluable resource for us at Headwaters to share what we are up to and make our shop available to the wide world of canoe users.

With many thanks, from all of us at Headwaters, we wish everyone happy holidays.

#holiday
#wood
#canoe
#woodencanoeheritageassociation
#chestnutcanoe
#canoeshop #solstice

We’re very close to the launch of our new website in the coming days! We’re excited to share dozens of new photos, more of the history of the canoe company and stories about Headwaters in the media these days, and an online shop where you’ll be able to find some Headwaters swag very soon. Stay tuned!

We’re very close to the launch of our new website in the coming days! We’re excited to share dozens of new photos, more of the history of the canoe company and stories about Headwaters in the media these days, and an online shop where you’ll be able to find some Headwaters swag very soon. Stay tuned!

The June Bug Complete!

Sharing pictures of the June Bug has led to many stories and memories revolving around life on Lake Temagami.

There is something special about commuting on the Lake. Its many arms, bays, islands, channels and shoals may take more than a lifetime to know. However, the pursuit of familiarity is worth the time.

We’re always looking forward to the next stories being created, or past recollections to share.

In the meantime, we can live vicariously through the June Bug.

#camp #canoes #laketemagami #chestnutcanoe #laketravel #culture #woodboatsofinstagram #woodcanvas

The June Bug Complete!

Sharing pictures of the June Bug has led to many stories and memories revolving around life on Lake Temagami.

There is something special about commuting on the Lake. Its many arms, bays, islands, channels and shoals may take more than a lifetime to know. However, the pursuit of familiarity is worth the time.

We’re always looking forward to the next stories being created, or past recollections to share.

In the meantime, we can live vicariously through the June Bug.

#camp #canoes #laketemagami #chestnutcanoe #laketravel #culture #woodboatsofinstagram #woodcanvas

Introducing the June Bug!

This 18’ Chestnut freighter canoe has lived on Lake Temagami since 1925.

Between 1947-1975 the June Bug lived at Camp Keewaydin, facilitating daily fishing adventures for Mrs. Reimers. As the story goes, she would sit in the bow seat with her white gloves on and catch, “more fish than anyone.”

We brought this boat into the shop in August, and during this time has received many remarks of admiration and intrigue. It has lovely lines and seems like a great boat to drive on Lake Temagami.

On top of significant elbow grease to prepare the interior for new varnish, we’ve outfitted it with additional bench seating to include a few more passengers, and new trim all around.

Pictures of the completed project will come shortly. A canoe of this size is a significant undertaking, but we feel privileged to be a part of its story. Looking forward to seeing it on the Lake!

Introducing the June Bug!

This 18’ Chestnut freighter canoe has lived on Lake Temagami since 1925.

Between 1947-1975 the June Bug lived at Camp Keewaydin, facilitating daily fishing adventures for Mrs. Reimers. As the story goes, she would sit in the bow seat with her white gloves on and catch, “more fish than anyone.”

We brought this boat into the shop in August, and during this time has received many remarks of admiration and intrigue. It has lovely lines and seems like a great boat to drive on Lake Temagami.

On top of significant elbow grease to prepare the interior for new varnish, we’ve outfitted it with additional bench seating to include a few more passengers, and new trim all around.

Pictures of the completed project will come shortly. A canoe of this size is a significant undertaking, but we feel privileged to be a part of its story. Looking forward to seeing it on the Lake!

It's not over yet! Our local lakes are beginning to ice over in the calm bays, but there was still a bit of time to get out recently for one last little weekend trip. I still love finding new-to-me places to paddle close to home! This little route connects two very popular lakes, but judging by the portages connecting them, it doesn't get a lot of traffic in between - just how we like it!

#woodencanoe #woodcanvascanoe #canoecamping #canoetripping #outaouais

It's not over yet! Our local lakes are beginning to ice over in the calm bays, but there was still a bit of time to get out recently for one last little weekend trip. I still love finding new-to-me places to paddle close to home! This little route connects two very popular lakes, but judging by the portages connecting them, it doesn't get a lot of traffic in between - just how we like it!

#woodencanoe #woodcanvascanoe #canoecamping #canoetripping #outaouais

The shop has been full of repairs this fall. We've been busy repairing the usual assortment of tripping canoes from Temagami Camps, and individual’s wood canvas canoes from all over the region.

As the canoes pass through the shop we notice differences between Chestnuts, Old towns, Peterboroughs or other models built by canoe builders from all over Canada.

We like to pick up things we think are good ideas from canoes we like working with, or reinforce reasons why some techniques or materials should be avoided. If for no other reason, deep deliberation keeps coffee breaks interesting.

Hugh is always relieved to see a solid Robertson screw head, and has nightmares of soft, rusted, stripped alternatives.

The shop has been full of repairs this fall. We've been busy repairing the usual assortment of tripping canoes from Temagami Camps, and individual’s wood canvas canoes from all over the region.

As the canoes pass through the shop we notice differences between Chestnuts, Old towns, Peterboroughs or other models built by canoe builders from all over Canada.

We like to pick up things we think are good ideas from canoes we like working with, or reinforce reasons why some techniques or materials should be avoided. If for no other reason, deep deliberation keeps coffee breaks interesting.

Hugh is always relieved to see a solid Robertson screw head, and has nightmares of soft, rusted, stripped alternatives.

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

bottom of page