There’s a lot going on at Canoe Museum
Even though they’re closed due to the provincial lockdown, there’s lots going on at the Canadian Canoe Museum, 910 Monaghan Rd. They are hosting a winter snow canoe contest and challenging the Peterborough community and their friends around the country and world to build a snow canoe or kayak.
“We are all tired of being all cooped up at home, so we thought it would be a good idea to encourage everyone to get outside for some fresh air and fun,” says Rachelia Giardino, marketing and social media specialist. “Contestants will have the chance to win one of two $25 gift cards to the museum and our store. Your snow canoe or kayak can be big or small, and you can be creative as you want!”
To enter the contest, take a photo of your snow canoe or kayak, upload the photo with the hashtag #snowcanoe or #snowkayak, and tag @cndncanoemuseum on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter by March 19, noting your city. They will be sharing all the snow canoes and kayaks on their social media to spread some winter cheer. Full contest rules and regulations can be found at canoemuseum.ca/snow-canoe.
The museum is hosting a virtual author’s talk on Wednesday at 2 p.m. with James Raffan, director of external relations, where he will talk about his new book “Ice Walker: A Polar Bear’s Journey through the Fragile Arctic.”
Named one of the Globe and Mail’s Top 100 Books of 2020, “Ice Walker” describes the disappearing world of Nanu, a female polar bear during 36 months in her life on the land, ice and water on the west side of Hudson Bay through an environment that is rapidly changing due to global warming.
Raffan displays his detailed knowledge of the polar region’s natural world in this engaging and intimate story. This beautifully designed book is also suitable for young adults and includes a section at the end with discussion questions. The book is available in the museum’s store.
Raffan has written eight previous books, with many, such as “Arctic Moments,” “Circling the Midnight Sun” and “Emperor of the North,” featuring the northern regions. As well, he has contributed articles to National Geographic, the Globe and Mail and many collections. This is his first book from the perspective of an animal.
“Ice Walker is very different from anything I’ve written so far,” says Raffan.
Everyone is invited to support the museum for a memorable Arctic journey into “bearness.” A live question-and-answer period will take place at the end of his presentation. Tickets for this webinar are pay what you can, with all funds supporting the continued development of engaging and accessible virtual content, including the recording and sharing of events, such as this one. Register online at: canoemuseum.ca/inside-icewalker.
Those who need something to fill their lockdown time can check out the 2021 Virtual Paddling Film Festival. You can purchase and watch 1.5-hour packages of the best paddling documentary films. Whether you are searching for adrenalin, adventure or culture — the Paddling Film Festival has you covered with movies to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. By using the museum’s affiliate link to purchase your tickets, you will be supporting the museum. Visit bit.ly/2LSmYeF to save 10 per cent.
You can still shop on the museum’s online store at canoemuseumstore.ca. They are shipping orders out at least twice a week. Stock up on a beautiful new mug and pair it with a new book or puzzle to keep busy this winter, grab a fleece headband to keep you warm while you enjoy the outdoors, or plan your next adventure with a map or guidebook.
The museum will be sharing updates about reopening on their social media, and on their dedicated COVID-19 update page at canoemuseum.ca/COVID.