Birchbark Expeditions

High Adventure Canoeing Programs


Birchbark Expeditions is a Nationally Accredited week-long, fully guided and turnkey high adventure canoe experience, steeped in the rich Age of Exploration history. Operated by volunteers in the Western NY Scout Council, the program offers three different options:

1) Algonquin Adventure - a 7-day High Adventure canoe tripping experience, based in the remote Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada 

2) Adirondack Adventure - a 7-day High Adventure experience based in New York's beautiful Adirondack Park.  

3) WNY Waterways - A local one or two-day canoeing expedition on one of the many waterways in Western New York.   An ideal first opportunity to experience canoe tripping with an optional over-night stay.

More on each program below:

Algonquin 7-Day Adventure

Our Flagship Program!

Our flagship program, based in Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada.  The program includes:

  • Basecamp operations in Algonquin Provincial Park
  • A full day of on-water and in-camp training
  • A tour of the Algonquin Visitor Center or Logging Museum
  • 5-day backcountry canoe trek expedition Algonquin's wild interior
  • All in-camp and backcountry meals
  • A full-trained and seasoned guide for the entire duration
  • Use of a complete crew gear kit with, canoe packs, kitchen and safety gear
  • Canoes, paddles, PFDs and required safety gear
  • Souvenir tee-shirt and water bottle
  • A life-time of memories and skills!  

Operated by volunteers from Western NY Scout Council, the program is open to Scouts BSA and Venture Scouts.  Expeditions take place in Algonquin Provincial Park and offers world-class canoe tripping among the thousands of lakes and unspoiled wilderness.   

Learn more at Algonquin Adventures

Adirondack 7-Day Adventure

Our newest program, based in the beautiful New York Adirondacks Saint Regis Canoe Area.  The program includes:

  • Basecamp operations from Camp Mountaineer on the Massawepie Scout Reservation near Tupper Lake, NY
  • A full day of on-water and in-camp training
  • A tour of the Adirondack Wild Center or the Six Nations Indian Museum
  • 5-day backcountry canoe trek expedition in the Saint Regis Canoe Area (or nearby)
  • Optional day hike in the High Peaks (shortens canoe trek)
  • All in-camp and backcountry meals
  • A full-trained and seasoned guide for the entire duration
  • Use of a complete crew gear kit with, canoe packs, kitchen and safety gear
  • Canoes, paddles, PFDs and required safety gear
  • Souvenir tee-shirt and water bottle
  • A life-time of memories and skills!  

Learn more at Birchbark Expeditions - ADK

WNY Waterways Day Trips!!

The NEW Birchbark Expeditions WNY Waterways program provides units across the region an opportunity to experience canoeing and build paddling skills, in a safe and supervised environment.

With the help from trained volunteer guides from the WNY Scout Council, the program assists units in planning and executing a short-term canoe tripping experience on any one of our many local waterways.   For a nominal per-person charge, the program provides canoes, PFDs, paddles and other required safety equipment along with a fully-trained guide for the duration of their expedition.   

Learn more on the WNY Waterways Program pages

 

Sponsors and Supporters

Birchbark Expeditions would not be able to operate with the financial support and contributions from our sponsors and community of supporters.   Thanks to all of you for making the program possible!