Growing up in Maine, you’re never far from a water source. Whether it be on the rocky coasts, the rushing rivers, or the calm lakes, there is always an outdoor activity involving water to be had. I remember my first trip with my parents the the Old Town Canoe facility back when I was a kid. We picked up three of their Otter Kayaks and would use them for many years. In fact I’m pretty sure my parents still us them to this day, nearly 20 years later. Needless to say, imagine my excitement when I heard back from Old Town and they wanted to give me a Facility tour and show me some of the magic that goes into their watercraft.
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A Brief History of Old Town Canoes
Before we get into the tour, we need to go over the long a fascinating history of Old Town Canoes. Founded in 1898 in Old Town, Maine, the Old Town Canoe Company began as a modest venture when brothers George and Herbert Gray added canoe making to their existing businesses. Their first canvas-covered wooden canoes, inspired by the birchbark vessels of the Penobscot people, were crafted in a shed behind their hardware store. These early canoes quickly gained popularity among local lumbermen and sporting guides, and by the early 20th century, Old Town’s products were being sold across the United States and even internationally
In 1901, the company was incorporated, and by 1916, it boasted the largest canoe factory in the world, utilizing Eastern cedar sourced from the Penobscot River. Old Town canoes were so renowned that they were sold in major retailers like Macy’s and exported globally. In 1927, the company’s annual sales surpassed half a million dollars, marking a significant milestone in its growth.
In the post-World War II era, a growing American middle class, increased leisure time, and expanding automobile ownership led to a surge in outdoor recreation, including camping, fishing, and paddling. National parks and wilderness areas became more accessible, and the idea of reconnecting with nature gained cultural significance. Canoeing, once a utilitarian activity, evolved into a popular leisure pursuit. This societal shift greatly benefited Old Town Canoe Company, as demand for affordable, durable, and recreational watercraft increased. The company responded by expanding its product line and eventually embracing new materials like fiberglass to meet the expectations of a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts, helping Old Town maintain its market leadership and boost sales during this period.
In 1974, Old Town was acquired by Johnson Outdoors, a Wisconsin-based company with a portfolio of outdoor brands. Johnson was an avid outdoorsman, and after visiting the former Old Town Facility in Maine, he decided to buy the company. This acquisition allowed Old Town to expand its offerings, including the introduction of the Discovery series in 1984, which became a best-seller and helped the company regain its position as the world’s largest canoe manufacturer. Old Town would once again see a surge of sales post-COVID when the world wanted nothing to do with the indoors and lusted for the outdoors. This was similar to the post-war boom seen in the late 1940s.
Today, Old Town continues to operate out of Old Town, Maine, maintaining its commitment to quality and innovation. The company employs a large number of locals, many of whom are part of multi-generational families working in the canoe and kayak industry
The Tour
My tour guide for the morning was Ryan Lilly, a Marketing Director for Johnson Outdoors, an avid outdoorsman and Registered Maine Guide who really knows his way around the waters of the Pine Tree State. After a quick introduction and a rundown on the company’s history, Ryan began showing me around Old Town’s new front office, including their Research and Development area. It was super interesting to walk through these rooms and look at some of the cool stuff they are tinkering with around with but unfortunately, I can’t share anything I saw and was not allowed to take any images.
This is the End of Part One of the Factory tour. If you want to keep reading and see more of the Factory Tour (and trust me, you do) just click HERE! I want to thank Ryan and all the great guys at Old Town Canoe for making this visit happen!
The post Old Town Kayaks & Canoes: Maine Factory Tour – Part 1 appeared first on AllOutdoor.com.
