Birchbark Expeditions

Algonquin 7-Day Adventure

Overview | Program | Pricing | Registration | Resources |Staff | FAQ | Sponsors

Birchbark Expeditions is a Nationally Accredited week-long, fully guided high adventure canoe experience in Algonquin Provincial Park, steeped in the rich Age of Exploration history of Upper Canada.  Operated by volunteers from the Western NY Scout Council, the program is open to Scouts BSA and Venture Scouts at least 13 years old and a "swimmer".  Algonquin Adventure Expeditions take place in Ontario Canada's Algonquin Provincial Park and offers world-class canoe tripping among the thousands of lakes and unspoiled wilderness.   

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)

Troop 483 Takes a Break at Penn Lake Falls

Expeditions start on Saturday with an early drive from the Buffalo/Niagara area to base camp in Algonquin's Whitefish Group Campground. Here crews will meet their highly-trained Guide for the duration of our trip. Sunday morning, crews will take the opportunity to visit the Algonquin Visitor Centre or Logging Museum.  Upon returning to base camp, crews will organize equipment, practice some water rescue techniques and get rested for an early launch on Monday morning. Crews are provisioned with all necessary back country food and crew equipment, including: canoes, paddles, PFDs, tents and cooking equipment.  Each participant must bring some basic high-adventure personal equipment.

Monday through Friday have crews following their custom pre-planned itinerary through the pristine lakes and forests of the Algonquin interior, enjoying the incredible views, wildlife and camaraderie.

Crews return to base camp on Friday afternoon, clean up their crew gear, visit one of the local outfitters to pick up some souvenirs, and get some rest for their drive home.  Crews depart early Saturday morning, driving back to the Buffalo/Niagara area.

Crews from outside the Buffalo/Niagara area are encouraged to add a visit to Niagara Falls while in the area.   

What our fans say:

"Definitely a good value considering you guys handled the training, all the logistics for sites, canoes, tours, meals, etc,and the communication up to, during, and after the trip has been excellent."
           - Carl Chudzinski, Scoutmaster of Troop 456

"This is an excellent council-run BSA High Adventure program ... at a fantastic price point."
           - Scott Oeth, Bull Moose Patrol, Maine Guide and Scouting Volunteer

"I learned a lot from these folks. The skill level was outstanding!"
           - Ben Shiner, Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 4015

"Had a great time and learned a lot of new techniques."
           - Eric Quinn, Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 4015

Program

In addition to the standard expedition outlined above, Birchbark Expeditions also offers optional enhanced program elements, including:

• Canoeing Merit Badge
• Paddle Craft Safety Certification
• BSA Kodiak Leadership Training Treks
• St. George Religious Medal Treks
• ACA Whitewater Training
• Leave No Trace

Pricing

Pricing for the 2025 season:

Algonquin Adventure: $675/person

Adirondack Adventure: $625/person

To secure a reservation, a non-refundable deposit of $100 per person is required per crew at the time of reservation.  The program is all-inclusive, including food, use of canoes, crew gear, safety equipment, and a highly-trained guide for the week.   Crews must provide their own transportation. 

Registration

Birchbark Expeditions 2025 Dates:

Interested in a Algonquin Adventure Trek?

Don't delay, book your adventure today!

Questions?  Drop us a note at birchbark@wnyscouting.org 

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!