Solo canoes

Anybody here into canoeing? If so, can anyone recommend a good solo canoe that’s suitable for lakes and slow rivers, and reasonably good performance? Something suitable for a beginner who wants to make paddling itself the hobby, and not just use it for fishing or camping. I’d rather err on the side of “challenging at first, but won’t easily outgrow”.

From my past experience (once bought a Momawk Probe and took classes, but never got around to doing any more trips), I gather the price range is somewhat similar to bicycles - you can get a cheap one for a few hundred dollars but it’s worth it to pay somewhere between $1000-$2000 (?) for a good one. Assuming that’s the case, I’m prepared to get a “good” boat.

Also, big plus if it’s from a manufacturer or dealer with Internet presence and have canoes ready to ship. The closest dealer seems to be about 2 hours away, and they don’t have many solo canoes to choose from, so I think I’d have to go mail order.

I mainly do kayaks, and own a few. The line between canoes and kayaks has blurred recently with many solo canoes resembling recreational kayaks.

I would never buy a boat without trying it. I know too many people who buy a canoe/kayak, then find out their ass is too big for the boat, or initial stability is not to their liking. Boat shows are an idea, if there are any local.

Also, consider buying used. Craigslist is an excellent resource, as are the classifieds in Paddling.net.

ETA: Expect to spend a grand on a new boat. Look especially at boat weight! Even if you never need to portage, just lifting the boat on/off your car rack can be a pain.