What disadvantages did birch-bark canoes?

Birch-bark canoes, while lightweight and well-suited for navigating rivers and lakes, had several disadvantages. They were relatively fragile compared to their wooden counterparts, making them susceptible to punctures and damage from rocky environments. Additionally, the construction process required skilled labor and a significant amount of time, which could limit their availability. Lastly, birch-bark canoes were not as durable for long-distance ocean travel, as they could deteriorate faster in saltwater conditions.