A new project, not seen in Ontario or many parts of Canada, Guide canoes are highly developed canoes that originated and are common in Maine, and are direct descendants of birchbark canoes. The 18.5' version built by Jerry Stelmok at http://www.islandfallscanoe.com/ is a great example of this style of boat, and built since the late '70s in his shop. We were lucky enough to find one of his earliest boats, confirmed by Jerry to be his at the WCHA assembly in the Adirondacks this summer. Needing a completed rebuild, it will perform beautifully paddling and tripping throughout the province.
Guide equipped for sailing
Guide loaded for tripping
Newly finished
Shellac bottoms are popular on boats that are tripped hard
Yet another boat left upside down on the ground
Both ends needing a rebuild
Classic sheerline
Half ribs, popular in these boats
Characteristic carry thwart from Island Falls Canoe
Early seats done in woven cane, to be replaced
Copper patches from hard use
Fully biodegradeable!
Jerry with our boat, from one of his first runs of boats circa late 1970s
