When Is It?
Every few years we at Bear Mountain Boats and Canadian Canoes have hosted a gathering to promote and recognize the role of craftspeople and makers in our world. We invite you to join us for the 2019 Makers Rendezvous in Westport, Ontario on Sept. 14 and 15th, 2019.
Who Will Attend?
Paddlers, tinkerers, metalworkers, woodturners, sailors, builders, designers, suppliers, artists, writers, schools, woodshop cooperatives, filmmakers, historians, musicians, conservationists, educators, publishers — everyone is welcome.
Most events are free. We invite you to support this event and this our presenters by purchasing an optional Supporter ticket for $10, available here. The dinner on Saturday night will be hosted at a local winery and requires tickets, as do a few of the workshops. A canoe raffle will help to offset the costs. Tickets will be for sale on site or online.
We hope you will be able to join us for a lively weekend. Reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Get inspired to get on the water or into the workshop.
To give us an idea of attendance, please fill out the registration form.
Where Can You Stay?
If you’re looking to stay for both days of the Rendezvous, you’ll probably want to find accommodations in the area – we’ve put together a list of recommendations to suit a variety of budgets.
Interested in Presenting or Displaying Your Work?
We’d love to hear from from you, whether it’s showcasing a personal project or representing your business at the Rendezvous. Please include your presentation details in the last section of the registration form.
Confirmed Presenters
Ted Moores author, teacher, and partner at Bear Mountain Boats.
Ted will be on board his stunning electric fantail launch in the Westport Harbour and happy to take people on short cruises.
Kevin Callan – aka the Happy Camper, author and paddler, is renowned for making the outdoors fun – one misadventure at a time! . He will give a presentation on cooking and trip planning and also entertain us during the Saturday night dinner at Schuermann Winery.
Jimmy DiResta is a New York state based, designer, artist and video producer. Jimmy produced an instructional DVD with woodworker actor Nick Offerman on how to build a Bear Mountain canoe. Jimmy’s easy-to-follow project demonstrations will entertain and inspire accomplished and aspiring Makers alike.
Joyce Burkholder is a talented wilderness artist from Barry’s Bay, Ontario. She will offer a 3-hour watercolour workshop designed for all levels of experience, even those who have never painted before. Registration required – click here for details.
Ron and Pat Frenette of Canadian Canoes have been helping people build their own canoes for 40 years. They will bring their 26 ft Voyageur canoe for paddling excursions. This canoe has been on many canoe trips including one from Milan to Venice. a few years ago. Pat and Ron will set up their typical canoe camp with a very fancy wanigan and also teach a class on how to cane your own canoe seat. Registration required.
Kim Pressnail will teach the skills to carve a cherry paddle.
Brent Kirkham of Kirks Canoes in Perth, Ontario will demonstrate installing exotic inlays on canoes, canoe decks and paddles.
Headwaters Canoes will display a mold and demonstrate steam bending ribs for cedar canvas canoes. Featuring Hugh Stewart, Jamie Bartle, and Kate Prince.
Roger Foster of Carlisle Canoes will lead a presentation on how to build a coffee table canoe.
Walt Sepic will show several canoes of differing materials and discuss typical damage, challenges of repair, problems to watch out for, suggestions for repair, and materials and techniques used. He’ll also offer an introduction to harmonica playing for the musically inclined.
John Summers, author and canoe historian, will display and demonstrate his 1937 Old Town canoe with its authentic 1937 sailing rig.
Dennis Osmond will present a slideshow about the miners and sappers who constructed the Rideau Canal. He may also be persuaded to present the story of building a canoe with three generations of his family.