Canoeing, Kayaking and Sailing

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Abstract

In 1996 Statistics Canada conducted a survey in nature-related activities on the Importance of Nature to Canadians. The map combines the data for these three boat types, classed by major watershed. It shows that the amount of usage across Canada is closely correlated to population, but also that usage is distributed throughout most of Canada.

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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 1996. 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.

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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.