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Home > Visit > Camping > Backcountry Camping > Algonquin Park Ranger Cabins > Birchcliffe Ranger Cabin

Birchcliffe Ranger Cabin

History

This cabin was built in 1962 to accommodate the towerman for Osler Township Fire Lookout Tower. The fire tower was erected the same year, on a hill with a ten mile visibility circle and within a fifteen mile circle of high incidence of lightning fires. The lake was chosen because it had road access, and planes could land on it. The old fire tower location is a long uphill two-mile walk from the cabin. Both the cabin and the tower were built by ranger labour at a cost of $2900 for the cabin and $2800 for the tower. The fire tower detection program was discontinued in the early 1970s. Since then it has been used by Interior maintenance crews along with the general public. Several Directors of The Friends of Algonquin Park volunteered their time in 1994 to carry out major repairs to the cabin.

Features and Amenities

This waterfront, log-sided, 16' x 20' cabin has an open-concept kitchen and dining area, two small bedrooms (one bedroom with a set of single bunks, and a second with a double and single bunk; no mattresses), and a table and benches.
All cabins have fire extinguishers, wash basin, metal pail, shovel, broom, dust pan, bunks (no mattresses), CSA-approved wood-burning stove and chimney, stove operating instructions, heat shields behind and under the stove, table and chairs, and an outside closed-in toilet.
Cabins are not equipped with any dishes, or pots and pans.
Smoking is prohibited in rustic Ranger Cabins.
Pets are prohibited.
No running water, indoor bathrooms, or electricity is available

Location and Access

Backcountry canoe access only. No vehicle access.
Located on the south shore of Birchcliffe Lake, and surrounded by pine and tolerant hardwoods, this cabin is accessible by canoe only from Kawawaymog Lake Access Point and Kioshkokwi Lake - Kiosk Access Point. Plan on at least two days of canoeing to reach it, and be prepared to camp for at least one night in the backcountry when travelling both to and from the cabin (separate reservation required). Note also, in low water conditions, Birchcliffe Creek becomes difficult to navigate by canoe.
Consult the Algonquin Park Canoe Routes Map for detailed directions.

Ranger Cabin Regulations

Learn more about special regulations that apply to Algonquin Park ranger cabins. See additional rules and regulations that apply to Algonquin Park.

Ranger Cabin Rental Fees

Ontario Parks charges fees for all ranger cabin rentals. See the latest ranger cabin rental prices.

Make a Reservation

Make a reservation for your backcountry camping permit up to 5 months in advance. Permits are only available online or via telephone.

Visitors will need to reserve this ranger cabin and possibly make one or more nights of backcountry camping reservations depending upon their exact route.

Equipment Rental

Do you need to rent a canoe, tent, or other camping equipment? Find a business that can supply some or all of the required equipment for your backcountry trip.

Water Levels

Check for special advisories prior to your departure at Algonquin Park Advisories. During low water conditions, Birchcliffe Creek becomes difficult to navigate by canoe.