Canoes are more than a centuries-old form of transportation. For many they have been a way of life, carrying fur traders across North America in the 17th and 18th centuries and long before that enabling native peoples to travel and harvest wild rice. Today, canoes have evolved into recreational watercraft for everything from camping to racing. Traditional dug out and birch bark canoes have given way to a wealth of styles, materials and manufacturers. Visit the Canoe Guide to learn about their evolution into the highly specialized watercraft they are today. You’ll also find a guide to canoe structures and types, which one might be most suitable for your needs, and other information.