Birchbark makes for one sturdy, beautiful canoe. Don't believe us? Well, look no further than the Chippewa Indians. They've been relying on the strength and maneuverability of birchbark canoes for more than 500 years. Hafeman Boat Works has been at it for only 85 years, but something tells us that the Chippewa would still approve. The craftsmen at Hafeman gather their natural materials the old-fashioned way: walking through the woods and picking them up by hand. Now that's some sweaty, backbreaking dedication to old world craftsmanship that we can all admire. The Herculean effort required to build boats of such quality is why there are only a few birchbark canoe makers left, well, floating these days. And it's why you'll pay $3,500 for a 17-footer. That's a rapid or two beyond what many are willing to invest in a canoe, but if you're looking for one that is as unique as it is beautiful, as reliable as it is natural and historic, then you've found it.