The use of non-mechanized watercraft on freshwater
is as old as the Canada's first inhabitants. The canoe and kayak,
in particular, were developed by Aboriginal Canadians as their transport
vehicles. Canoes played an exceptionally large role in the exploration
of Canada: Europeans quickly adopted them for exploration and for
the long-distance transport of furs. Sailboats (as used for recreational
purposes) were largely introduced by Europeans to Canada and have
had a much more recent history here. Today, all three types of vessels
are widely used for recreational purposes by Canadians.
The data on usage shown on the map, and in the figure below comes
from a major survey conducted in 1997. In that year, Statistics
Canada conducted a survey on behalf of a nationwide partnership
of 16 federal, provincial and territorial agencies interested in
nature-related activities. The Survey on the Importance of Nature
to Canadians asked 87 000 Canadians 15 years and over about
relevant activities in 1996.
Figure 1 shows that the percentage of Canadians participating in
activities using these three types of boats is remarkably consistent
across Canada. Only Prince Edward Island has a considerably lower
figure, probably reflecting its scarcity of lakes and rivers.
[D] Click for larger version, 10 KB Figure 1. Participation by Canadians in Activities Using Canoes, Kayaks and Sailboats, 1996
Canoes are small, light, open-hulled boats tapered at both ends
and propelled by means of a paddle. Kayaks are closed-deck boats
of similar design to canoes, propelled by a double-bladed paddle.
Both are made from a variety of materials with fibreglass now being
the most popular. Today canoes and kayaks are important recreational
craft for use by single occupants and small parties. Canoeing is
an important recreational activity associated with camping in the
interior of many parks and other crown land. Canoes are also used
for fishing. Both canoeing and kayaking are also used for whitewater
river use and racing.
Sailing is another popular non-mechanized means of water recreation.
From small single-seated sailing vessels to large sleep-in varieties,
from pleasure craft to racing boats, sailing is a sport enjoyed
by millions of Canadians. All major cities on or near navigable
water have yacht and sailing clubs that enable Canadians to enjoy
the power of the wind on a sail.
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