Somewhat off-topic, but you mentioned canoing. I don't own a GPS yet, but am planning to buy one. I've tried a couple of friends' GPSs while paddling. Here's my 0,02€:

GPS cannot replace a map and a compass, but it will give you location info in situations when it would otherwise be difficult or impossible to obtain. Such as in thick fog, darkness, or when you have good visibility but for some other reason cannot place yourself on the map.

A handheld GPS is practically impossible to use while paddling (as a map replacement), because the display is too small and can be difficult to read in bright sunlight. Stopping to get whatever info you need from the GPS is not always an option. A wrist-strapped device (Garmin ForeTrex -series or the Suunto M9 wristwatch GPS) may be better in this respect.

What I like about GPS is distance, speed and route info. I would like to see route info on device's map at the end of a paddling day; and also to download it to my computer at the end of a trip. It seems my choices narrow down to Garmin Etrex Legend C, Magellan Meridian -series or maybe a Lowrance (these are a bit less common around here). Whatever device I buy, it seems I will spend at least the same amount of money to buy maps for it.

--J