Canadian Nautical Research Society

Charting Canada’s maritime memory

The Canadian Nautical Research Society (CNRS) is a bilingual, non-profit organization promoting the study and appreciation of Canada’s maritime and naval heritage. It connects historians, researchers, and enthusiasts across disciplines and provinces, offering both scholarly and public-facing initiatives.

How it all began

Founded in 1982, the CNRS was created to address the need for a national forum where Canadian maritime history could be explored, recorded, and shared. Recognizing the vastness and diversity of Canada’s waterways, the society brought together voices from coasts, lakes, and river communities to build a more complete nautical narrative.

From its earliest days, it promoted both English and French perspectives – a reflection of Canada’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.

What’s its role?

CNRS promotes maritime history through:

• Publishing the bilingual scholarly journal The Northern Mariner / Le marin du nord
• Supporting original research and fostering dialogue across institutions
• Organizing conferences, lectures, and outreach programs
• Recognizing excellence through annual awards and student encouragement
• Collaborating with naval and maritime museums, archives, and universities

It serves as both a knowledge hub and a storytelling platform for Canada’s unique maritime past.

For whom is it useful?

• Canadian maritime historians and archivists
• Bilingual researchers across North America
• Professors, students, and museum curators
• Enthusiasts of naval, shipping, Indigenous, and exploration history
• Policy-makers focused on heritage preservation and national identity

Why it’s important

Canada's maritime heritage is vast and multifaceted – from Indigenous navigation and fur trade routes to modern Arctic shipping and naval defence. The CNRS plays a crucial role in safeguarding this diversity, ensuring that histories from all corners of the country are researched, published, and remembered.

Its bilingual format models inclusivity and encourages access across language barriers.

Lessons from the Past

• Maritime heritage in Canada is more than coastal – rivers, lakes, and Arctic passages shaped the nation
• Preserving memory in two official languages helps build a more unified, yet diverse, cultural identity

Did you know?

The Northern Mariner / Le marin du nord is one of the few fully bilingual maritime history journals in the world, publishing academic articles, reviews, and research from both anglophone and francophone scholars.

Reflective Questions

1. How does bilingual publication influence access and understanding in historical research?
2. Why is it important to include inland maritime history (e.g. Great Lakes, rivers) in national narratives?