Although lighter synthetic materials were available, his canoe made of canvas and wood was crafted by Cree of James Bay and was used because "It represents the logical extension of the ancient birch-bark canoe." Also, says John," My voyage was conducted as closely as possible to the original conditions met by voyageurs, but I have always loved the ambiance of the wood-canvas canoe which exudes a resonance that fits in unobtrusively with wilderness."

Donaldson notes that the final act in the construction of an aboriginal canoe is a sacred ceremony in which the spiritual qualities of strength and stamina are imbued by the Cree into the very fibres of the craft. "It was for this reason that I named it, "Spirit of Mackenzie" He adds, adding, "How else can you explain paddling from Atlantic waterways to the Pacific and then to the Arctic over five years and never once tipping! It defies the laws of mathematical probability"

John's canoe has emblazoned on its bow the crest of the Seaforth Highlanders. Alexander Mackenzie was from the Seaforth district in Scotland and a relative of his, the Earl of Seaforth, founded the famous regiment. Donaldson's father served in that regiment in the first world war. Donaldson wore his fathers regimental badge throughout his trip. Mackenzie's tomb in the Scottish Highlands is tended by a former Seaforth Highlander, and decorated war hero, Grigor Macintosh.