Birchbark Canoe Dreams

In this profusely-illustrated craftsman's manual, Master Canoe Builder Tom Byers shares his bushcraft secrets for building a traditional birchbark canoe. Step by step instructions accompanied by more than 300 photographs and illustrations provide all of the essential steps in building this indigenous watercraft. Both beginning and advanced boat builders will benefit from Tom's experience in building approximately one hundred birchbark canoes over the last 30 years.

This is not just a how-to book. It is a “how come”, a “how-it-happened” a "home-coming" and a “what’s-it-all- mean" exploration of how our early experiences in the natural world can impact our dreams and desires for our entire life. If you have ever dreamed of building a birchbark canoe and paddling off into the wilderness, this book will help you bring your dreams to fruition. If you have never considered building a birchbark canoe because you thought it would too difficult, this book could give you the confidence to begin.

When Tom considered writing a book about bark canoe construction, he recognized that every project begins with a dream.

“When I am building a canoe for someone else,” he said, “I try to remember that while there is considerable craftsmanship involved in the process, the real design for the canoe is fueled by the dreams of the person who will be paddling it. Too much striving for perfection can choke the life out of the project. That is why I concentrated on teaching how to build the simplest birchbark canoe I could imagine."

“When I paddled the first birchbark canoe I built for the very first time, it was one of the peak experiences I have had in my life. I laid down in the bottom of the canoe and let the wind carry me through the reeds and cattails. I looked up at the clouds drifting by and realized that it was the work of my own hands with the natural materials I collected which made it all possible. That is the gift I want for you if you choose to build your own canoe.”