If you’re in the market for lake house décor or a new canoe paddle, Canadian Company Norquay Co. can help your cause – their Artisan Painted Canoe Paddles double as works of art. Created by Toronto-based artist Natasha Wittke, the paddles are made from quality cherry wood from the Northern Ontario wilderness and are hand-painted in a large selection of colours and patterns.
While the paddles often function solely as eye-catching décor that captures the essence of the outdoors, they are varnished for practical – and durable – use on the water as well, fusing form with function. While best left behind from the gruelling demands of backcountry canoe tripping, these elevated paddles are great for leisurely deep-water touring around the lake.
Each paddle comes with a handmade leather harness for easy transport. All wood used for the paddles is responsibly sourced from the Haliburton Forest, home to 100,000 acres of lakes, millions of trees and countless creatures.
While the company itself isn’t new, Wittke often releases new conversation-provoking paddles and can ship them throughout North America. With dozens now to choose from, the paddles range in price from $385 to $425 CAD.
If not for yourself, the pretty paddles make no-fail (albeit very generous) thank you gifts for your cottage or lake house hosts this summer. The lifestyle company also features blankets, toques and canoe accessories.