Check out Wenonah Canoes.  The Wee Lassie might be what you are looking for.

James Ive wondered about those gunwales flared inward . Whats the purpose of that? Any disadvantages to that?

Of course, you can always just buy go down the rabbit hole and get a different boat for every occasion, haha.   

This one looks versatile  not much room for fishing gear

Just got back from Boundary Waters in Minn. I tandem paddled my 17 foot Souris River kevlar beauty most of the time but got to try a Wenona 14 foot solo boat for a day using a double paddle. Paddle sports are something I hope to enjoy for a long long time, so an investment now might be well worth it in the long run. I'm pushing 70 now... definitely getting my money's worth. Fishing from canoes we dined three times on fried fish. Pic is of my brother.  Best of luck in your search.

One thing to take into account is what sorts of waters you'll mainly be paddling and how often. 

Of course, you can always just buy go down the rabbit hole and get a different boat for every occasion, haha.  

Try Trading Post 

 Esquif does look cost effective. I was thinking about that tandem option last night as well. 

I have to keep thinking of where my body will be in 10-15 years. Older and less abilities tends to be the destiny of most people.  But darn those ultralights sure are expensive $3K and up, though thats not too pricey compared to boat and motor. The lighter the canoe the longer in life I will have the ability to carry it on my own and thats the goal for now. 

To me it seems that Esquif is a good price deal for still getting relatively light weight and the T-formex.  

I actually got a tandem Esquif 15 foot to help take someone out but I can also paddle it solo facing the stern.  

Thanks for the comments gentlemen I have been eyeing up the Esquif and Northstar models, amazing new (to me) materials are adding some strenght while keeping the weight down.

I still use a Royalex tandem made by Bell and its getting too cumbersome for this aging carcass to carry.  A lighter boat would be welcome, easier to carry and launch and get on small lakes and rivers in the federal forest. 

Boats in the 20-40 lb range are the higher priced ones that I've seen like Swift and Northstar. 

I have the Old Town Solo Sportsman and really like it.  Only 'complaint' is it's a bit of a slog in bigger water but it's great for smaller lakes/ponds and rivers.  Lower kayak seat with the open area of a canoe. 

The original OT Guide is also really good and the seat isn't that much lower.  

Boats like the Esquif Adirondack and Echo have good reviews.  

Had a kayak for a few years and while they're great, being able to get in and out of a canoe is really nice.