Looking for this week's excuse to ditch work and go paddling? Well, you're in luck. On Friday June 26, try telling the boss you're celebrating National Canoe Day. Heck, you can even invite your boss to your own Canoe Day event. (And if that doesn't constitute a good excuse, then I don't know what does!)

 

 

You may remember that in Spring 2007, the canoe was named one of the 'Seven Wonders of Canada' by the CBC. To celebrate the occasion, The Canadian Canoe Museum hosted a party, and when news filtered out, people across the country got into their canoes to join in on the celebration.

 

In 2008, these 'National Canoe Day' parties were all the rage, popping up everywhere across the country – from London to Yellowknife and all points in between. There were even International Canoe Day parties in the US & the UK.

 

This year, the Canoe Museum is continuing the celebration, and they're asking paddlers from coast to coast to join in. The museum will host its annual party in Peterborough, and they're encouraging paddlers from coast to coast to coast to host or join in their local Canoe Day events. They've got a map of Canoe Day events happening across the country, and they've got a great resource package for folks interested in setting up their own Canoe Day celebrations.

 

Be sure to check out the National Canoe Day theme song, too. A bit of a cross between Gordon Lightfoot and Schoolhouse Rock, it's sure to get your paddles, um, paddling. Happy Canoe Day!