Traversing, in partnership with The Canadian Canoe Museum (CCM), is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Backcountry Canoe Symposium, taking place on Saturday, April 11, 2026. This one-day event invites paddling enthusiasts of all skill levels to gather at the world-class Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough for a day of inspiration, education, and community.
Designed to inspire paddlers of all experience levels, the symposium brings together canoeists, storytellers, and outdoor enthusiasts for a full day of presentations, community connection, and shared passion for backcountry canoeing.
Even if you can’t attend the symposium in person, there are tickets available for a livestream of the entire event which can also be viewed whenever is convenient to you.
Event Highlights
• Renowned Guest Speakers: The 2026 roster includes Ben Beauchamp, Kirsten Graham-May (Church of the Single Blade), Eric Drost & Hilary Croft (Tailwinds North), and Katrina Van Osch.
• Diverse Presentation Topics: From “Big Lake Paddling” on the Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories to the nuances of (not-so-) solo paddling adventures and connecting with the quiet lakes of Ontario.
• Interactive Sessions: Each presentation is followed by a live Q&A, culminating in a group panel where the four guest speakers will compete in a game.
• Door Prizes & Vendors: Attendees have the chance to win a door prize from top outdoor brands from a pool that is valued over $1,500. Chat and purchase gear from numerous vendors that have travelled from across Ontario.
• Full Museum Access: In-person tickets include full admission to the Canadian Canoe Museum’s exhibit hall, allowing guests to explore the world’s largest collection of canoes and kayaks.
Hybrid Attendance Options
To ensure the symposium is accessible to the global paddling community, there are two ways to attend:
• In-Person ($25): Experience the symposium live in Peterborough. Tickets include museum entry, access to the Silver Bean Cafe on-site, and free parking. Note: Limited to 150 tickets; early booking is encouraged as last year’s event sold out.
• Virtual ($10): A livestream option featuring multiple camera angles and slide integration, allowing viewers to chat and submit questions in real-time from anywhere in the world.
Event Schedule
Time Session
10:00 AM Doors Open
10:30 AM Symposium Kick-off
10:45 AM Eric Drost & Hilary Croft: Big Lake Paddling on Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories
11:30 AM Katrina Van Osch:
12:15 PM Lunch Break
1:30 PM Ben Beauchamp:
2:15 PM Kirsten Graham-May: Backcountry Company: (Not-so-) Solo Paddling Adventures
3:00 PM Group Panel
3:30 PM Symposium Conclusion
About Traversing (traversing.ca)Traversing is a leading Canadian resource for camping, canoeing, and backcountry adventure. Founded by Evan Holt in 2010, it serves as a hub for the backcountry community to find the latest news, intriguing stories, gear reviews, and event information.
Social Media: @traversingcanada
About The Canadian Canoe Museum (canoemuseum.ca)
Located on the Traditional Territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations in Peterborough, Ontario, The Canadian Canoe Museum is home to the world’s largest and most significant collection of canoes, kayaks, and paddled watercraft. For over 25 years, the Museum has stewarded more than 650 watercraft, sharing the stories behind this extraordinary collection. Now housed in a stunning new facility along the water’s edge at 2077 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough, the Museum offers immersive indoor and outdoor experiences that connect visitors to the land, water, and one another, all through the unique lens of the canoe. Recognized internationally, the Museum has been named one of National Geographic’s Best of the World 2024 cultural destinations, TIME’s World’s Greatest Places of 2025, and is featured alongside its neighbouring attractions on the Trent-Severn Waterway in the New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2025”.
Social Media: @cndncanoemuseum
For tickets and more information, please visit: www.traversing.ca/backcountry-canoe-symposium
