10 Reasons Why National Canoe Day Should Be A National Holiday

June 26th marks another National Canoe Day. The day was founded "with the aim of increasing participation in paddlesports in Canada, engaging new paddlers and reaching across generational and cultural divides to introduce the canoe to those who haven’t had the opportunity to experience this great national heritage.

In the intervening years, National Canoe Day has grown to become a truly countrywide event, with participants paddling across the country, from the midnight sun of the north to the urban rivers of the south. National Canoe Day is also celebrated internationally by groups in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, South America, and beyond."

Celebrated around the world?! We can dig that! But still.... Many of us are unable to get out and paddle in order to truly celebrate as intended, usually due to work or other routine commitments. So we have come up with....

10 Reasons National Canoe Day (NCD) should become a national holiday in Canada 

10) The canoe has measurable official importance as it was already named as one of the Seven Wonders of Canada as voted on by Canadians, and even has it's very own museum!

9) It would be good for Parks Canada as an income generator, not to mention paddling instructors, local outfitters who supply canoe rentals and equipment - as well as all paddling equipment and gear manufactures (i.e. canoe paddles, etc.) - seeing the demand for canoes, kayaks, SUPs and gear (hint hint) will increase as people's interest in paddling increases with the special honour of a holiday.

8) A day to honour our past (our nation's history and Native heritage), should also celebrate our present (by giving us the day off), and our future (as we pass a day of paddling, as a holiday tradition, on to future generations).

A holiday to celebrate the past,
present and future of Canada.

7) It would be a brand new holiday without social expectations - no forced family dinners or paddling sessions - you can even celebrate the day by paddling alone if you want to. We could set our own personal paddling traditions.

6) Society could use an annual break from the fast pace of the modern world - paddling would force our great nation to slow down and enjoy the moment.

5) It could be added onto the already long weekend holiday given for Canada Day, making it officially the extra longest and most fun weekend in the summer. And, National Canoe Day already has the word "NATIONAL" in it's title - so it's really the next logical step anyway....

4) Canoeing, kayaking, and paddling is a fabulous form of exercise and can be enjoyed by those of just about any age or ability.

3) Being in a canoe or kayak gets you out into nature. Being a part of our natural world is good for the mind, body, and spirit. It connects us to our world. All great reasons to celebrate with a holiday.

2) Gives us all another good excuse to raise more awareness about PFD use when boating. As in WEAR ONE.

1) It promotes that everyone get out and paddle for the day instead of work - 'nuff said.

So..... if anyone wants to start a petition to make NCD into a National Holiday - you wouldn't have to badger us - rest assured we'd sign it!!!! For more information about the canoe or National Canoe Day, visit www.nationalcanoeday.net/ or visit the Canadian Canoe Museum website.