Chestnut Canoe Company

Chestnut Canoe Company was a pioneering Canadian manufacturer renowned for crafting high-quality wood-canvas canoes that defined recreational and wilderness paddling from the late 19th century until its closure in 1979. Founded by brothers William and Henry Chestnut in Fredericton, New Brunswick, the company evolved from a small mill and hardware business into a leading North American canoe builder, producing iconic models like the Bob Special, Prospector, and Ogilvy for tripping, fishing, and expedition use. Known for lightweight, durable designs using Eastern White Cedar planking, white ash ribs, and canvas covers, Chestnut canoes were celebrated for stability, maneuverability, and classic aesthetics, serving voyageurs, trappers, and families. Over 50,000 units were built, with production peaking at 1,000–2,000 annually in the 1920s–1950s. After ceasing operations, its designs were revived through modern replicas by Nova Craft Canoe, Guillemot Kayaks, and others using strip-plank epoxy techniques.