Custom Birchbark Canoes


My name is John Lindman and I am the proprietor of The Bark Canoe Store as well as a full-time builder of birchbark canoes. I take great pride in seeing that you get the canoe that you want. I know how it is when you have been dreaming of some day paddling your own birch bark beauty - you want it to be just right (need references, just ask). When you order your canoe tell us as much as you can about how you want it done. If you don't know then we can help you out. You can also send us a picture and we will build it to match.

Have fun dreaming and when you're ready to wake up give us a call and we'll make it a reality.

Contact us at 727.580.5101 voice or email at barkcanoe@earthlink.net for more information.

Click John's personal portfolio to see his recent completions.

Warrior Canoes

They are very well made and only quality bark, cedar and root are used. They are sewn and lashed with the roots of tamarack trees and no nails or glue are used. The only modern concession is that they are sealed with a synthetic substance that looks similar to the pitch which was traditionally used but is more permanent and thus requires less care - a highly functional material. These canoes are made to be paddled. They sell for $200 per foot.


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(From left to right)
 1. Prow designs from front to back: Abenaki, Algonquin Old Style, Ojibwe Hunter, Ojibwe Longnose, Voyageur
2. Lengths from front to back: 5', 9',13',16' & 17'
3. Abenaki 15' Warrior canoe

Model Length Width Depth at Center Weight
Abenaki 14' 34" 13" 55 lbs.
Algonquin Old Style 14' 34" 13" 55 lbs.
Ojibwe Hunter 13' 34" 13" 50 lbs.
Ojibwe Long Nose 16' 34" 13.5" 55 lbs.
Ojibwe Long Nose 13' 34" 13" 50 lbs.
Voyageur 17' 34" 14" 65 lbs.

Sagamore Canoes

The following canoes have 3 sheet hulls, no nails, mortised hardwood thwarts and pine pitched seams (unless you request otherwise. They sell for $275 per foot.


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Available in any design. Shown from left to right are Ojibwe Longnose, Algonquin Old Style, and Ojibwe Longnose

Model Length Width Depth at Center Weight
Ojibwe Longnose 14'3" 34" 12.5" 47 lbs.
Algonquin Oldstyle 14' 34" 13" 50 lbs.
Ojibwe Longnose 14'9" 36" 13" 60 lbs.

Sachem Canoes

The hallmark of a Sachem model is a single sheet of bark for the hull and in some cases the entire canoe is made from a single sheet. Bark of high quality and large enough for an entire canoe is like the proverbial "needle in a haystack". It can take days of searching - checking hundreds of trees and testing dozens. No effort is spared to prepare a true work of art. Many builders are charging over $500 per foot for similar quality canoes. We sell the Sachem for $350 per foot.


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(Clockwise from upper left)
 Ottawa War Canoe; Malecite; Abenaki; Ojibwe Longnose

Model Length Width Depth at Center Weight
Ottawa War Canoe 17' 6" 40" 13.5" 70 lbs.
Malecite 14' 34" 12" 55 lbs.
Abenaki 14' 34" 12" 50 lbs.
Ojibwe Longnose 15' 35" 12.5" 50 lbs.

How To Order

Give us a call and tell us what you have in mind and we will give you a quote. Or, go to our order/information page and tell us what you want. We will then call you and work out the details. We require a 50% deposit. Lead time varies with time of year. Payment can be made via check, money order or credit card.

727.580.5101 voice        727.442.6391 facsimile        barkcanoe@earthlink.net e-mail

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