The Best Wooden Canoes for Boundary Waters

The best wooden canoes for boundary waters are touring canoes. Some people travel boundary waters in wooden canoes to immerse themselves in nature. Wooden touring canoes carry a load, resist tipping and remain easy to handle. These canoes are usually 16 to 17 feet long and 32 to 36 inches wide in the middle. The typical boundary water canoe weighs 60 to 80 pounds and is equipped with a carrying yoke. Try as many canoes as possible prior to purchasing a canoe. You can try different canoes by joining a local club, renting from an outfitter or visiting a canoe shop.

  1. Red Cedar Canoe

    • The beauty of red cedar is the several hues of red.

      Build-it-yourself red-cedar canoe kits are satisfying to build. Look for a plan for a 17-foot, 14-inch-deep boat with a shallow arched hull. Kits include materials, templates and decals and building tips. Additionally, most companies offer email support. Use epoxy and UV inhibition marine sealer to protect the wood from the elements. Custom-built red cedar boats are an option if you dream of building one of these boats but have more money than time.

    Fiberglass-Covered Wood-Strip Canoes

    • The wooden rib cage gives this canoe strength.

      A 17-foot cedar-strip tandem canoe will weigh less than 60 pounds. It is as strong as an all-fiberglass canoe of the same weight. It is a blend of old and new technology. It meets the romantic with its attractive wood interior. The fiberglass exterior satisfies the industrial needs of travel. These canoes have a reputation as the easiest canoes to paddle.

    Wood-Canvas Canoes

    • Harmony with nature is important to boundary waters canoe enthusiasts.

      People who seek harmony with nature might appreciate the painted canvas or the lively feel of the wooden ribs and planking on a wood-canvas canoe. Every part of this type of canoe is natural and replaceable. The closely spaced ribs support the canvas while the canvas protects the wood. A 16-foot boat weighs 70 pounds and has a holding capacity of 700 pounds.

    Birch Bark

    • Pieces of birch bark are sewn together to cover a canoe.

      The American Indian birch bark canoe is connected to American history. These boats were used for hunting, exploration and trade. The birch bark canoe is the original boundary waters canoe. These canoes are still handmade from birch bark with the same pattern that gave them the ability to travel with a heavy load. Some canoe makers use metal to reinforce the frame of the canoe. Most builders of birch bark canoes communicate directly with their customers. When ordering a boat, tell the artisan how you are planning to use it and where you will travel.