If you’ve ever known the love of a Langford Canoe, you’ve likely felt it either while visiting Canada, or in having to travel there yourself to buy one. So sad, like a bittersweet camp romance.
Take heart, unrequited paddlers — this one’s got a happy ending. Canada’s oldest operating canoe company is now importing to the States, via Fall River Trading of Grand Marais.
Although Langford has stayed current with demand for Royalex, Kevlar and ultra light Kevlar canoes, they continue to produce gorgeous handcrafted cedar models (Ooo!). Their enduring reputation for the highest quality will likely have avid canoeists all aflutter — and local competition astir.
“That’s tough to say when there are great competitors like Wenonah and Bell around us, but it’s true,” says Fall River Trading owner Jack Stone. “We’ve been bringing these canoes around to long-time retailers and outfitters, and they’ve been greatly impressed.”
Jack told us he expects a bit of resistance to the imports. “There is a lot of brand loyalty in this part of the country – but we believe a number of these people will be making the switch to Langford in the years to come.”
Ourselves, we’re hoping for a chance to test-paddle one and see what all the drama is about. Plus, we’re suckers for cedar.
[Photo: Bryan Hansel]
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Yes, they are great canoes and you can but one on-line here: http://www.shopcanoeing.com/
It was early- you can buy a Langford canoe on line