I'd use a tent. After all, the weight makes little difference in a canoe. We talkign an open, canadian style one?
The best thing about an open canoe is that you can fit a hamper/cool box/disposable barbeque/barrel of rum* or whatever else you need foodwise into the thing. No faffing about with crappy lightweight "food", you can take everything you need. Without these essentials I would never travel on our waterways....
*rum because of the maritime traditions of our great nation. Beer, wine, Pimms or whisky would be far nicer, but we must honour the past.
Don't forget the "super-soaker" water pistol for repelling boarders.
A pirate flag should, of course, be hoisted when approaching other craft.