[1][2] The town was founded in 1864, after gold was discovered in the Wakamarina Valley.

Where there had previously been a Māori Pā, streets of tents sprang up providing accommodation, restaurants and taverns to a population of about 3000 people.

[4][5] Steam dredges continued to work the river into the 20th century.

[9] Te Hora Marae is located in Canvastown.

[10][11] In October 2020, the Government committed $32,318 from the Provincial Growth Fund to upgrade the marae, creating four jobs.