Resources
Everything you need to plan, run, and celebrate a big-canoe brigade — from how-to guides to historical archives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the CVBS?
Anyone with a passion for big-canoe paddling and Canadian waterways. You don’t need to be an expert paddler — brigades welcome everyone from seasoned crew captains to complete first-timers. Membership is open to individuals and organizations. You can sign up through
Zone4.
What is a voyageur canoe?
A voyageur (or “big”) canoe is typically 24–36 feet long and carries 8–12 paddlers plus gear. They’re modeled on the birchbark craft that fur trade voyageurs used to travel Canada’s waterway network for centuries. Most modern brigades use fibreglass replicas.
What gear do I need for a brigade?
Each brigade has its own packing list provided by the crew captain before departure. Universal basics include a certified PFD, a paddle (if you have one), dry bags, a sleeping system suited to the season, rain gear, and sturdy footwear for portages. If the event is heritage-themed, the organizer will note any costume expectations. See the
Brigade How-To Guides below for detailed checklists.
How physically demanding are brigades?
It depends on the event. Multi-day trips typically involve 6–10 hours on the water each day, with camping ashore each night. Big-canoe paddling is driven by core and shoulder muscles rather than arm strength alone, and technique matters more than raw power. A moderate fitness level is a good baseline — your crew captain will brief everyone before departure.
How do I find a brigade to join?
Check the
Upcoming Brigades page for CVBS-registered events. Contact information for each brigade’s organizer is listed there. New paddlers are almost always welcome — reach out early, as spots in big canoes fill up.
Can I organize my own brigade?
Yes. The CVBS supports new brigade organizers with guidance on route planning, canoe sourcing, permits, and crew logistics. See the Brigade How-To Guides section below, or email
brigadescvbs@gmail.com to connect with experienced organizers.
Where do I find a voyageur canoe to rent or borrow?
The Where to Get a Big Canoe section further down this page lists contacts for canoe rentals and loans across Western and Eastern Canada.
CVBS Documents
Official CVBS governance documents, funding policies, and brigade planning guides — freely available to organizers planning new big-canoe expeditions across Canada.
📋 Organizational Policies
Official CVBS governance and funding documents.
📖 Brigade How-To Guides
Planning documents and how-to write-ups from previous brigades.
Paddling Resources
Event planning guides, national paddle organization links, and instructional resources for voyageur canoe, big canoe, and wilderness paddling in Canada.
🛶 National Paddle Organizations
Where to Get a Big Canoe
Looking to source a voyageur canoe or Rabaska for a brigade? These Canadian suppliers build and rent big canoes suited to multi-day expeditions.
Historical Resources
Explore the history of the voyageurs, fur trade canoe routes, and the people who shaped Canada’s paddling heritage — from David Thompson to the Birchbark canoe builders.
