Making a Birch Bark Canoe with Tom Byers

Over the course of 6 weeks in the fall of 2016 I had the pleasure of visiting Tom Byers the legendary Birch Bark Canoe maker in Ontario Canada. This is only a small sample of the footage I shot over those weeks. Tom has made of 80 canoes and makes these canoes for a living. He has an enormous amount of knowledge to share and we’re still figuring out the best way to do that but in the mean time he agreed to let me post a short teaser on my channel just to get a feeling for the amount of interested there is out there on the topic of Birch Bark Canoe making, Woodcraft and Bushcraft. Leave comments of encouragement that I can share with Tom if you would like to see more.
You can visit Tom's website for more information.
www.naturalbirc...
Hope this brings you joy and inspiration and remember, be nice to people.
T.T.

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

Perhaps the most beautiful and superbly crafted water vessels in the world! All from Mother Earth! Kind Thanks and Many Blessings! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@TrustinTimber]

Tom asked me to say thank you to all of you for all the kind comments. He doesn't get on the internet very often but he will read these one day.

[@HovingtonInstruments]

Yes for the longer edit!!! Make it like 45 minutes!!! I'll watch it again and again!! Those canoe always amazed me!

[@CraftsWithEllen]

Wow. Just wow. Beautiful video of a beautiful project! Making a canoe is my dream project. Spending a summer in the woods, working with natural materials and ending up with a very useful piece of art. Amazing!

[@brynnp3038]

Do you have to ask? Yes! More, please!

[@hillbilly4christ638]

What a distinct privilege to paddle this craft. It looks like it handles like a dream.

[@ESCAGEDOWOODWORKING]

Mind blowing on so many levels...I'm just sitting here, jaw dropped...Beautiful!!!

[@TrustinTimber]

hahahah thanks Eloy. It really is. It's so beautiful. I'm so happy I was able to share it with you all. You guys needed to see this.

[@ESCAGEDOWOODWORKING]

Hours of work til finished?

[@TrustinTimber]

like how many hours did it take to make?

[@ESCAGEDOWOODWORKING]

yeah...

[@TrustinTimber]

2 months of sunlight, every day.

[@corbinlowe6344]

Wow, can't believe the beauty of that canoe. This man is talented. Thanks for the video And yes we want more please!

[@steveunderwood5800]

Thank you for making this film! Beautifully done...

[@TrustinTimber]

You're very welcome!

[@stuckinbabylon186]

Yes please post a longer video edit!!

[@Irwin-Aviation]

That is above and beyond a talented craftsman right there. Beautiful result.

[@fasx56]

Very impressive finished canoe, nice to see someone is keeping this tradition alive.

[@GPWoodworks]

Absolutely interested in more and longer videos.... Thanks for this.

[@davewilliams355]

Amazing, love it, and yes let's see the long version please.

[@DmytroLutsenko]

YES! we need more details! this build blows my mind!

[@DonJoyce]

Wonderful! Totally enjoyed. And I'm totally fine with a nice short video like this. Nicely edited.

[@PaulMeyette]

can't get enough of this type of build video. Amazing stuff TT

[@TrustinTimber]

Thanks Paul

[@PaulMeyette]

Trustin Timber you coming to Boston this weekend?

[@TrustinTimber]

Paul Meyette Heck Yeahhhhhhh. See you there buddy.

[@PaulMeyette]

Niiiiiice

[@ragtie6177]

Okay, I am letting you know..... I would definitely appreciate seeing the longer version. This was fantastic thank you for sharing it

[@TrustinTimber]

Thanks man. We can thank Tom. The pleasure was all mine. Hopefully he gets a channel going to share more.

[@ragtie6177]

That would be great

[@DAlanChurches]

Beautifully done film. Amazing that you can tell an intelligent story so economically. It's nice to see such tight editing.

[@TrustinTimber]

Thanks David. Glad you appreciate it. Hope to one day make longer form films but for now I just want to make sure I hold the viewers attention as long as I can.

[@RedBeardCarpentryWoodworks]

That is just an amazing piece of art. Would definitely love to see a longer version of this build, if possible. I have so many questions!!

[@РангадевіддДемкович]

This was really amazing. No doubts we would more than happy to see the whole movie. Thank you for sharing.🙏🙏

[@roaddogrichard]

Wow, great craftsmanship.

[@frankingram3382]

Man yes I would love to see the longer videos. God Bless my friend.

[@MrDaer91]

Yes we all want to see more of this!!

[@briangingerich7632]

Awesome, yes definitely would love to see more details!👍👍

[@TrustinTimber]

Thanks Brian.

[@Makercise]

Yes I'd like more. In particular details about the stitching: looks like from roots or vines and the sealing mix from boiling something. Very interesting video and a real artistic edit. Very nice.

[@donbennett8835]

I absolutely want to see more please. What a gem of a video. Thank you so much.

[@ScottTurnerformeindustrious]

Just beautiful, soothing!

[@timsway]

what a great experience.

[@TrustinTimber]

heck yeah. You learn a think or two about minimalism living up there without power. You don't waste the sunlight, that's for sure.

[@drordottan]

YES :-) A longer version would be highly appreciated. great video and great workmanship.

[@dycmark]

Thanks for sharing this! I would love to see more about this. What an amazing knowledge and craftsmanship to pass thru the generations!

[@TrustinTimber]

Exactly. Tom does a lot of this in person.

[@arthurtsay1410]

What a great job on the teaser, the canoe is awesome!!

[@christopherstein2024]

Amazing and beautiful. I think at some point this video will get a lot more attention!

[@MichaelLawing]

Absolutely blown away. Please show us more!

[@jamieroberts6345]

Amazing. What a treasure

[@TrustinTimber]

I totally agree.

[@JackmanWorks]

More!! This is amazing

[@BruceAUlrich]

Yes, interested. This was a fascinating glimpse. Really interesting.

[@mikewiebe4598]

Amazing... every single clip was impressive in its own right, and mind blowing all together. Would love to see more.

[@TrustinTimber]

Thanks Mike, I always think it could be better, but that's what inspires me to start the next video.

[@ellboy667]

Longer video would be great. Or even a series of them. Love the natural crafts. Thanks.

[@TrustinTimber]

It would defiantly be fun to do a series. No shortage of content with him and he's a great teacher.

[@timsway]

ellboy667 agreed. series that can also be assembled as a documentary.

[@thelifeofkatiej]

My kids and I loved this video! It is so cool! We are learning about French settlers in early America and this was a great visual of the canoe we had just talked about. Brilliant work!

[@FD_YouTube]

I'd like to see more. This is the kind of project that has interested me for years.

[@anthonychristie7781]

More! Of course! Please!

[@bushcraftwildspirit]

Absolutely beautiful ...

[@OntarioLakeside]

That is a piece of art.

[@KeithDecent]

amazing in every aspect

[@williamzanghettijr5862]

Please put together a longer video. Wow is he talented! Im going to watch it again

[@MrUTvols14]

Awesome shots! Definitely would be interested in seeing more. So much to learn!

[@TrustinTimber]

So much to learn. It all starts with choosing the right trees.

[@1758pk]

I'm sure there's a huge amount of interest out there. I'm definitely interested ! I've been watching and reading everything I can find on birch bark canoes. I've had the pleasure of seeing and touching these canoes and they are truly works of art.I'll be crafting my own Birch Bark Canoe either this coming summer or the next so Please, please post more!!!!

[@christod33]

Yes it is a thing of great beauty. More please.

[@julissarosado8041]

i am fascinated by this beautiful creation that indians created in the past and how you replicated it.

[@metaspencer]

Outstanding video. I read John McPhee's book on the making of birch-bark canoes many years ago, but have never actually seen the process. Wonderfully captured.

[@ardinsalim9048]

i'm deeply impressed

[@NomadicWoodsman]

Beautiful work !

[@cattlletgoofthegas7593]

Yes, I am interested in seeing the longer version!

[@G33v3s]

Longer edit, yes please. It's a beautiful build.

[@FeralBoyKnives]

That was one of the coolest things I've ever seen.

[@RobinCoomans]

So beautiful, truly inspiring!! Always loved this way of building canoes since I saw the Ray Mears video on making one.

[@TrustinTimber]

Yeah, I saw that one as well.It really is an amazing process.

[@MitchellDeitrich]

This is really cool. Really well captured as well. I would guess some would love a longer editorial video. I for one thinks it's interesting

[@TrustinTimber]

Thanks Mitch

[@claterpult]

beautiful! longer edit please. this was such a great teaser

[@pegasus6724]

Work of art Thanks for video

[@bluesblood71]

Just amazing. I would most definitely enjoy watching a longer edit!

[@chrishagerman3011]

More please, and not just because it's entertaining. This knowledge needs to be shared.

[@lunkertime]

Yes sounds awesome longer video please

[@ahorseman4ever1]

yes definitely I would like to see longer version.

[@lauraswan8647]

Wow! That's amazing !

[@GibClark]

i believe in keeping the old ways alive for future generations. Have at it! Plus I will enjoy it also.

[@TrustinTimber]

totally.

[@JustFoolingAround]

Yes to more! Please

[@adamquincey4371]

Excellent...! Cheers...

[@AntonelloDeAngelis-diy]

this is so beautiful, I had no idea conoes could be made like this. please, do more of these videos!

[@TrustinTimber]

Thanks Antonello, I know hey. It really hits you when you get to paddle it. It's life changing.

[@kobs2222]

Yes!!!! Please! A tutorial would be amazing!! Really cool thanks for sharing.

[@robd1103]

What an experience! I would love to see a longer version!

[@TrustinTimber]

Thank You.

[@MrGeoffreySmith]

longer, longer, longer! Yes, yes, yes!! 😀

[@geostokes8573]

Would love to see more of this!!

[@tybolt77]

it's amazing fantastic, very beautiful works!! longer version plz!!

[@walksaselk40]

You are patient in ways I could never be

[@adamvanderswaagh8983]

That was frickin' amazing!

[@TrustinTimber]

Thanks man:)

[@marklovelace1673]

Beautiful!

[@arjendekker1508]

yesss.. more please!

[@skatedd2451]

Just shows you time thinking can make wonderful beautiful craftsmanship

[@TrustinTimber]

Absolutely

[@FunWithWoodworking]

That was awesome! I would love to see more.

[@scotthaun8582]

WOW! and yes, i would watch a longer verision.

[@wisconsingoldrush8270]

Incredible work bro! And an amazing finished product!

[@christhompson1708]

Work of art BRAVO UK

[@CalebHarris87]

Would love to see a longer version!

[@donnymcarter]

Incredible! Absolutely would love to see more!

[@ronaldduncan6228]

Hi Tom Would love to see a longer editions of this video. Best Regards Ron Duncan

[@KenBoldt]

Absolutely amazing. I'd love to watch a longer version with more detail. I'm willing to bet that it could easily fill the length of a full length feature film. I'd watch for sure!

[@TrustinTimber]

Thanks Ken

[@ADadAndHisKids]

That is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen! The almost lost skill, keep it up!

[@TrustinTimber]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Badgerworkshop]

Really amazing skills. Would love to see more

[@TrustinTimber]

Yeah, the splitting of the cedar into 2mm thin sheets blew my mind. Easier said then done.

[@TrustinTimber]

I just put two and two together with you Instagram account. I was going to tag you and tell you to watch this. lol

[@Badgerworkshop]

I was to quick for you

[@CanoehoundAdventures]

one word... INCREDIBLE! Dennis, Canoehound Adventures

[@mavinlowe7212]

Hey im from Germany and i like your Videos a lot please make more!

[@StavrosGakos]

beautiful job

[@TrustinTimber]

Thanks You

[@jimdodd3462]

Great video ! I'd love to watch in person, the whole build ! Truely awesome !

[@samaker4]

Wow, I'd like to see some more please.

[@davebauerart]

Beautiful! I would love to see more!

[@genevievecalkins8568]

Beautiful

[@terencehacker]

wonderful. make a longer movie!

[@TrustinTimber]

Thanks Terence.

[@TaylorByers4444]

Isn’t my uncle like the coolest guy in the world? Can’t wait to get up to Sudbury and spend a week or two with him! He just got back spending 4 days with me and his brother ( my dad)

[@TrustinTimber]

Yeah, he's pretty darn cool:)

[@bananka4905]

THIS IS AWESOME!

[@Commongoodleathercraft]

I would love to see a longer version. Thank you for your work