Birchbark Expeditions

A: Birchbark Expeditions is a co-ed program, open to boys, girl, men and women.  The program strictly adheres to the BSA Youth Protection and Adult Leadership policies.  

A: Crews will need to provide their own transportation to/from our basecamp and within the park.  Most crews use two personal vehicles or a single large van/bus per crew.  If you would like to use any other arrangement, please contact us to accommodate alternate logistics.

A: Participants traveling to Canada will need a passport, passport card or Enhanced Drivers License. Youth will also need a permission slip, (a completed and signed Informed Consent and Health Form with parents signature(s), address and phone number)

A: You will likely need to make a few stops along the way and should plan on some money for snacks and souvenirs. Most crews like to go into town for Friday evening dinner (not included in program). 

A: When away from the border, businesses in Canada like to using their own money or debit/credit cards (preferred).

A: If a scout has special dietary requirements, please let us know at the time of registration. We'll work to accommodate any special needs.

A: By traveling with two scouts and one adult in each canoe, we can usually execute “one trip portages”, moving the canoe and two canoe packs over the portage in one trip.  This dramatically reduce the portage carry distances and makes for a much more enjoyable experience. An additional benefit is that we are able to use larger expedition canoes that travel faster and with less effort (especially when dealing with windy conditions)

A: The very busy and popular portage trails are somewhat improved, but most portages are simple foot paths that have been cleared of downed trees/branches.  They vary in length from a few meters to well over 2 kilometers.  Your itinerary planning will include the portages that your crew will have to traverse and their difficulty.

A: While it’s possible, it’s often not practical. Birchbark Expeditions provides a complete set of crew gear that includes expedition-grade Eureka tents that are similar to the tents used by many troops, new “Pocket Rocket” stoves and fuel, water purification system, a set of nesting pots, a tarp, utensils and much more.  Drop a note to one of the Birchbark Guides at birchbark@wnyscouting.org and we’ll discuss your situation and specific needs.

A: It’s recommended that each crew bring a backcountry first aid kit with supplies for up to eight people for five days.  In most cases, this should be no larger than a loaf of bread.  Like all other gear taken on the water, it should be packed in a waterproof zip-lock or dry bag.

A: In both basecamp sites, there is usually mobile phone service, but once in the backcountry, there is no cellular service.  Your Birchbark Expedition guide will have a Garmin inReach satellite communicator that can be used to summon help in emergency situations. Note that while in Canada, your phone plan must have Canada roaming enabled to avoid some huge roaming bills.  Make an arrangement with your carrier for service in Canada.  

A: Moose sightings are fairly common, usually found in grassy bays and quiet parts of either park.  In Algonquin,  fairly common to see moose along the route 60 highway on the way to the Logging Museum.  Beaver sightings are not as common, but you will see plenty of beaver dams and their houses.   We rarely see bears in the backcountry, but they have become a problem in and around basecamp.  

A: Taking a “portage” or the process of “portaging” is moving from one lake to another over land.  This usually occurs when there is a dam, white water or rapids that would otherwise prevent paddling directly from one lake to another. Portages can vary from a few feet to close to 2 miles, depending on the itinerary selected by the crew.  Most are rocky trails and can have steep ascents/descents.  The best practices for making a portage are taught during the Shakedown training session, including tips to ensure each portage is walked only once.

A: Participants are provided a complete list of personal gear that is recommended for a Birchbark Expedition, which includes a few canoeing-specific items: a very compact 40 degree sleeping bag with waterproof compression sack, closed-toe sandals (Keens are an example), and a 20L dry bag.  Most of the remaining items are common with the needs for backpacking/hiking.