



Muskoka Ontario
Canoe Builder
5 Km from Algonquin Park
(705) 635-3856 
New Canoes ~ Repairs
Restorations
Custom Orders
Paddles ~ Supplies
click images to enlarge





 |
Canoe Builder ~ Algonquin Park ~ Muskoka Ontario Canada |
Welcome to
Spencer Canoe Company
Handcrafted
Wood Canvas Canoes
in the Canadian Tradition
|
The Algonquin Park Canoe Experience
My love affair with the wood-canvas canoe began years ago in the
wilderness of Algonquin Park in Canada.
For three summers I guided young campers through the many lakes and
rivers in that park. I later guided professionally with a nearby outfitting
store. As soon as the ice went out in May I would take fishermen by canoe
to my favorite fishing spots. And when I was not out on the trail I would
patiently care for and repair the canoes that the outfitters owned. That
was in the 1960's.
|

click image above to enlarge
|
A Canoe Builders Inspiration
At that time I was fortunate to meet a woodsman from Northern Ontario who gave me the inspiration to build these beautiful boats. His name was
Clarence Bouges and he knew how to transform a big cedar log into planks
and ribs, and those into a canoe. Every spare moment I had I would head to
his small, cluttered shop and be amazed at this man's ability to build
canoes. His stories about life in the north woods and about canoe
construction were reminiscent of a time that has all but disappeared today.
It was then, in 1980, that I decided to help revive this nearly lost
tradition and build wood-canvas canoes.
The canoes I build are the Chestnut and Peterborough design. I obtain
the rough white cedar lumber locally and plane and mill it into the planks
and ribs which create the hull of the canoe. All the trim work, gunwales,
thwarts and hand caned seats are patiently crafted by myself using high
quality black cherry and white ash--creating the most beautiful and
versatile canoe that you have ever paddled.
Canoe Price list
All Prices Canadian Currency |
16' Canoe $3600.00
Chestnut
15' Canoe $3600.00 Peterborough
14' Canoe $2800.00 Peterborough |
Handmade Paddles $140 |
back to top |
Canoeing is My Life
I now build canoes full-time and every summer I go back to Algonquin Park where I direct a canoe tripping camp for boys. To me, the greatest contentment or peace of mind
comes from paddling across a sparkling blue lake, watching the sun set and hearing my
paddle dip in the water. To pass on the magic of the wood-canvas canoe to the next
generation, and to make these unique boats available for all to enjoy, is now my life's work.
Canoe Gifts & Products
Beautifully, hand crafted canoe related products are also available from my shop located on Highway 60 at Oxtongue Lake, 5 km before the west gate of Algonquin Park.
[see Canoe Products Page]
|
Algonquin Park Canoe Builder Muskoka Ontario Canada |