Celebrating 150 Years of Canadian Boating Excellence

Canada's boating history, rich and variegated, sails from the birch-bark canoes of Native Americans to the modern marvels of gas and steam engines, charting a course through cultural evolution and technological innovation. Since 1867, the waters of Canada have been alive with the spirit of adventure, discovery, and competitive prowess. It comes as no surprise that Canada was home to some of the earliest adopters of watercraft for both utility and sport, setting the stage for a boating tradition that thrives to this day.

Anchoring Innovation: The Birth of Boating Clubs and Canoe Factories

The mid-18th century was pivotal with the establishment of the first canoe factory in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. This period marked a significant shift towards recreational boating, further etched into history by the founding of The Royal Canadian Yacht Club in 1852 in Toronto, making it one of the world's oldest yacht clubs still in operation.

Propelling Forward: The Advent of Outboard Motors

The inception of gas engines in the late 19th and early 20th centuries revolutionised boating, birthing a new era of sports and recreation highlighted by powerboat racing. The Evinrude Rowboat Motor Company's formation in 1909 catalysed this transformation, adding speed to the allure of Canadian waters.

Canada's boating history is a testament to its people's relationship with the vast and varied aquatic landscapes, a chronicle of progress driven by ingenuity and passion.