A lot of people paddle in Alaska and know about the Eskimos / Alaska Native’s hunting from kayaks, but I learned about a kayak-form canoe while on vacation in Alaska (I’m here for 10 awesome days with 30+ relatives).

The kayak part comes in because it’s low in the water.

Birch bark has really interesting properties! It’s waterproof and bendable. It also looks pretty neat, in my opinion.

For more on the Athabascan Birch Bark Canoe and to make a paper one with your kids click on this handout by Alaska State Museum.

Or there’s some more interesting info from Native Tech like that the canoe can last up to five years with careful storage out of lighting or underwater (weighed down with rocks). On there you can also learn to make a small model out of birch bark.

Below is the birch bark canoe basket I bought in Nenana (known for its’ Ice Classic and the Iditarod), a fun souvenir.