Canoeing Product Manual

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Outdoors Finland

CANOEING PRODUCT MANUAL

OutdoorsFinland.com

VisitFinland.com

Pho

to: A

avameri SeaK

ayaking.fi

2 Visit www.outdoorsfinland.com 3Visit www.outdoorsfinland.com

Welcome to OurdoorsFinland.com, the canoer’s databank OutdoorsFinland.com – internet sites are designed for nature and activity tourists, whether you prefer to cycle, hike or canoe. The websites have route descriptions and route facts (length, difficulty and estimated durations) for every route.

Maps The GT series covers all canoeing routes in Finland. National and local canoeing routes are marked on the map. The map also shows cycling and hiking routes. Contact information for tourist information services, online links. The GT series maps can be ordered online at www.karttakauppa.fi. The website is in English and Finnish.

Outdoors Finland mobile applicationThe Outdoors Finland mobile application is available for Android and iOS. It’s free! Select the route you want, download it and it will navigate you effortlessly to your destination. It also works offline!

GPS –downloadsFrom the OutdoorsFinland.com website, you can download all routes onto your GPS device.

Enjoy your canoeing trip!

Welcome!

COME AND CANOE IN FINLAND!

Our product manual is a

compilation of the best canoeing

routes in Finland. Finnish nature is

unique and diverse. Few countries

have so much to offer as Finland.

Available canoeing routes cover

archipelago Finland, lakeland

Finland, the forests near the easter

border, the Finland of tree-coered

hills and villages and the finland

of fells. There are both easy

routes suitable for famielies and

challenging ones for adventure-

seekers.

The canoeing season begins in

late spring as nature awakes and

time proceeds toward the period

of white nights, when the rest of

Finland wakes up. Canoeists can

continue into late autumn, enjoying

the beautiful explosion of colours of

the autumn foliage.

The canoeing manual belongs

to the Outdoors Finland series

of product manuals, which also

included cycling and hiking

manuals. The General Information

section has facts about Finland. The

manuals have been produced by

the Outdoors Finland project of the

Finnish Tourist Board.

HIGHLIGHTS

Studying wild animalsObserving large predators like

wolverines and bears is popu-

lar in North Karelia, Kainuu and

Kuusamo. Here there are many

companies that offer opportunities

to watch large predators and for-

est birds. The courtship display of

capercaillies, the nocturnal feeding

of bears – experiences that you will

never forget.

BirdsAs you paddle, you will hear and

see plenty of different and even

rare birds. Saimaa is home to the

rare osprey and, in seaside areas,

you can also see the majestic

sea eagle, not to mention many

other species of birds. It is a real

experience to listen in the evenings

to the call of the black-throated

loon resounding wistfully over the

surface of the lake.

White nightsEven in late summer, the sun only

sets for a few hours and the day

does not turn towards night until

the autumn. As the temperature

cools on a summer evening, the

surface of the water calms and ca-

noeing there is an experience that

you can enjoy nowhere else.

The waterways of FinlandThe sea, lakes and rivers. Finland

has it all.

SaunaGoing to the sauna and swimming

in natural waters are an integral

part of summertime in Finland. Try

it yourself and wash away the stress

and fatigue of your journey in the

sauna. It’s a great way to do it!

Image Sources:VisitFinland image bank

Helsinki City image bank

Suppliers’ image bank

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Archipelago Sea Kayaking ExpeditionPearls of Helsinki ArchipelagoCanoe Safari on Lake SaimaaCanoe on Lake SaimaaSaimaa Ringed Seal TourPaddling in Kolovesi and Linnasaari National Park Canoe advenTour in Finnish wildernessWild 5 days in a canoeConquest of Bothnian BayKayaking in the National Park of Bothnian BayNature and WildlifeCanoeing week in Fell LapplandSouthern Finland Canoeing Opportunities

Welcome to Outdoors FinlandMaritime areas and lakes201202203204205206207208209210211212213

Content

Our canoeing manual introduces you to canoeing areas that are beyond compare in the world. Our canoeing manual features canoeing packages offered by companies, including everything you need for memorable canoeing experiences. You can canoe any time of the day or night, on rivers, lakes and the sea!

Trip Suggestions: Hidden treasures, new areas and products, which have mapped, studied and approved. These are well-known routes in Finland that independent-ly-minded canoeists have already been pad-dling along for many years.


Come and Canoe in Finland!

Maritime coastal areasUusimaa Archipelago, Archipelago National Park and the Archipelago in the Baltic Sea offers splendid settings for a canoe trip. In Bothnian Bay National Park, ever changing natural features were formed by land uplift. The Uusimaa Archipelago is located on the southern coast of Finland starting just outside Helsinki, and the Ekenäs Archipelago National Park is a beautiful part of the Uusimaa Archipelago.The Archipelago in the Baltic Sea was created by the Ice Age. Rugged rocky islets and forested islands separated by open sea are characteristic to the area.

The hundreds of thousands of lakes of FinlandKolovesi, Linnansaari and Luonteri are parts of the greater Saimaa lake complex, which forms the largest lake in Finland. In Kolovesi, the scenery is dominated by cliffs rising vertically from the lake. Luonteri, Linnansaari and Haukivesi offer hundreds of islands and broad open waters for canoeists. The most endangered seal in the world, the Saimaa ringed seal, lives here together with one of the densest populations of osprey.

Higher up near the eastern border, the landscape changes. Lakes of pristine water, dark ponds and small rivers are surrounded by undulating hills and forests stretching up into the heights. Small rivers flow via little rapids through forests towards lakes. Alongside sandy forests of red-trunked pines are spruce copses covered with mossy tussocks and bright green birch woods. The beard moss hanging from the trees’ branches are a testament to the purity of the air. Here you can experience an adventure in the middle of the wilderness.

The Finland of fells – Ylläs-Pallas National ParkDid you know that the air in Pallas is the cleanest in Europe? Geologically, the National Park is located between Northern Finland, Forest Lapland and Fell Lapland. Here you can see the transition area where people’s livelihood changes from farming to reindeer husbandry. Canoeing on the tranquil lakes and wild rivers of Lapland in the surroundings of the National Park is a real adventure.

Inari Lake

Pallas-Yllästunturi National park

Bothnian Bay National Park

Oulu Lake

Haukivesi Lake

Pihlajavesi Lake

Saimaa Lake

Päijänne Lake

Selkämeri National Park

Archipelago National Park

Ekenäs Archipelago

Gulf of Finland National Park

Keitele Lake

Kallavesi Lake

Orivesi Lake

Pielinen Lake

RUSSIASWEDEN

FINLAND

NORWAY


You will experience some of the pearls of the Archipelago Sea in southwest-ern Finland. It is the largest archipelago in the world with over 17 000 islets and islands.

Archipelago Sea Kayaking Expedition2–5 days/1–4 nights, guided

VARIES

2–5 DAYS/ 1–4 NIGHTS

115 KM

EASY

Novices and skilled paddlers alike;

the tour is adaptable for everyone.

You need no previous kayaking

experience, only an urge to

experience the wilderness of the

archipelago.

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The trip will offer you a close acquaintance with the nature and culture of the Finnish archipelago and a unique Unesco reserve and heritage area.The expedition moves through both desolate stunning wilderness areas and through areas with living archipelago culture on the small islands.

The exact launch point, route and return point are all decided according with weather forecasts and group skills. The first day we will if needed start with training basic strokes, maneuverability and efficient forward paddling before starting the trip. During the days, we will if the weather and skills allow it, paddle out towards the outer archipelago to experience the with other ves-sels unreachable wilderness in the shallow islet areas. We will prepare our food ourselves on outdoor kitchens and accommodate ourselves in tents on islands if you do not choose indoor accommodation.

Season: 15 May – 31 Aug

Group size: 4–10 persons

Aavameri Open-Air AdventuresTel. +358 50 5697088

[email protected]

www.aavameri.fi

Closest airports: Turku, Helsinki

Closest port: Turku (connection to

Aland Islands and to Stockholm)

Train: Helsinki–Turku, 2h 10 min

Express bus: Helsinki–Turku,

2h 20 min

Note. You will need clothing

according to the weather, a full

change of clothes (in case you get

wet), sunglasses, sandals or alike, a

towel, swimsuit and water. Insulation

layer for cold days and evenings.

Rainproof jacket and trousers.

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You can also explore the sights of Helsinki – the capital of Finland – from the sea. Seurasaari, Suomenlinna, the Market Square are among the most famous tourist attractions of Helsinki and favourites of the locals for spending beautiful summer days.

Pearls of Helsinki Archipelago95 km, 7 days/6 nights, guided

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Day 1: Scenery of Seurasaari, 12 kmWe will embark at Seurasaari, which is among the most famous sights of Helsinki, and zigzag in between the nearby islands while enjoying the sea and wind. We will go ashore at Mustasaari where an attractive summer café awaits us.

Day 2: Kayak trip to Vartiosaari Island and nature trail, 15 kmVartiosaari is one of the pearls of the Helsinki Archipelago. It only takes a short kayak trip to find ourselves in an idyllic early 20th century rural setting. We will climb out of our canoes on the north side of the island and, as we walk along the nature trail, we’ll learn about the history of the island as well as the story of more recent times. An ample packed lunch will be provided.

Day 3: Centre of Helsinki and Suomenlinna (UNESCO World Heritage Site), 12 kmTervasaari is located next to the centre of Helsinki and we will kayak while admiring impressive pleasure boats along the shore of the esteemed Kata-janokka residential area towards Suomenlinna. The history of the World Her-itage Site – Suomenlinna – will reveal itself to us with the help of a guide. Before heading back, we will enjoy coffee or a packed lunch.

Day 4: Suvisaaristo maze, 14 kmSuvisaaristo comprises many islands, small and large, as well as islets. Su-visaaristo features the large, modern houses of Espoo’s most prestigious residential areas along with small summer houses. We will kayak through the maze of islands and go ashore on Stora Herrö Island.

Day 5: Tour of Lauttasaari, 14 kmJust a few decades ago, the western city districts of Helsinki were virtually uninhabited and far from the centre. We will kayak from the west along the shore line while zigzagging in between the islands towards the city district of Ruoholahti. We will navigate the Jätkäsaari Canal and continue to the Käärmeluoto islets where we will enjoy a packed lunch.

Day 6: Recreational islands of Vuosaari, 13 kmSeveral popular recreational islands are located in Eastern Helsinki, which can be accessed by a regular passenger boat service in summer. The majority of the shoreline is covered by forests and the residential areas remain partly hid-den behind forests. We will kayak along the shoreline via a group of islands to Pihlajaluoto Islet and onwards to Hattusaari Island where we will enjoy a packed lunch.

Day 7: From Matinlahti Bay to the open sea, 15 kmWe will head from the northern end of Iso Vasikkasaari Island across the boat channel around Miessaari Island towards Torra Lövö Island where we will en-joy a packed lunch while listening to the roar of the open seas. We will con-tinue the journey to Iso Vasikkasaari Island and then head back to our starting point via the western end of Vasikkasaari Islands.

HELSINKI

7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS

95 KM

EASY

For example, a beginners’ class

in kayaking or a similar skill level

form a suitable background.

The excursions require previous

kayaking experience.

Starts and ends: The excursions

always end back in Helsinki the

same day.

Natura VivaKivitie 2, FI-02240 Espoo

Tel. +358 10 292 4030,

+358 50 376 8585

[email protected]

www.naturaviva.fi

Closest airport: Helsinki

Closest harbour: Helsinki

(connection to Rostock, Stockholm,

Tallinn and Travemünde)

Local buses: Greater Helsinki has

an excellent public transportation

network

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Guided circular tour with accommodation in tents in the nature. For begin-ners with slightly sporty ambitions, an activity holiday of the gentle type.

Easy Canoeing on Lake Saimaa80 km, 7 days/6 nights or 160 km,14 days/13 nights, Guided

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PUUMALA

7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS OR 14 DAYS/13 NIGHTS

80 KM OR 160 KM

EASY

Size of the group: 5 to 12 partici-

pants.

Finn Active Travel+358 40 157 9490

[email protected]

www.finn-active-travel.com

Closest airport: Savonlinna

Closest harbour: Helsinki

Train: Helsinki–Savonlinna 336 km

Express bus: Helsinki–Savonlinna

336 km

Price/person 7 days 580 €14 days 1050 €Tent rent 35 €

Prior knowledge in canoeing is not

necessary.

Circular tour on Saimaa Lake. Puumala’s colourful archipelago, thousands of islands and skerries as well as the rocky shores of the largest islands in Saimaa invite you to memorable waterways’ holiday!

Canoe Safari on Lake Saimaa115 km, 8 days/7 nights, guided

CAMP LAAjALAHTI, PUUMALA

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS

115 KM

EASY

Prior canoeing experience is not a

necessity.

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This canoe safari is for beginners with some sporting ambitions as it is a gen-tle activity holiday. Each evening the group will set up camp for the night and prepare dinner over an open fire or the spirit stove. Activities such as setting up the camp, collecting fire wood, picking berries and mushrooms, angling and nature watching are part of the experience as well as swimming and relaxing. There is no fixed programme, leaving plenty of room for individual activities. Accommodation is in tents in the wilderness.

The participants meet up at the Laajalahti camp on Sundays at 3 p.m. and return to the site on Saturdays for genuine Finnish sauna and a barbecue din-ner. End of the tour on Sunday.

Starts and ends at: Camp Laajalahti,

Puumala.


Kolovesi Retkeily Canoe Outfitters Co.Tel. +358 40 558 9163

[email protected]

www.sealtrail.com


Train: Helsinki–Imatra 2 h 30 min

Express bus: Helsinki–Imatra

4 h 45 min

Local bus: Savonlinna–Puumala

1 h 30 min, Imatra–Puumala 1 h

Price/person 8 days 580 €15 days 1050 €Tent rent 35 €

203 204

Each evening the group will set up the camp for the night and prepare din-ner over open fire or the spirit stove. Activities such as setting up the camp, collecting fire wood, collecting berries and mushrooms, angling and animal watching are part of the experience as well as swimming and idling.

There is no fixed program leaving much room for individual activities. The participants meet up in camp Laajalahti on Sundays at 3 p.m. and return on Saturdays for sauna and a barbecue. End of the tour: Sunday.


We explore the Finnish nature and culture heritage – a waterway that travels through thousands of years and showcases the most important nature sights in the region. Lake Saimaa is the fourth largest lake in Europe. Mere 310 Saimaa ringed seals exist in the world and only in the Lake Saimaa area.

Saimaa Ringed Seal Tour90 km, 8 days/7 nights, guided

ANTTOLA–ANTTOLA (MIKKELI)

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS

90 KM

INTERMEDIATE

Requires some experience in

paddling.

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Day 1. Arrival to Anttola, Mikkeli RegionYou are to arrive to the Lake Saimaa region, one of the largest freshwater areas in Europe. Introduction to the equipment and area. Accommodation in Hotel Anttolanhovi.

Day 2. Tour preparation and beginning our trip from Anttola harbor, 15 kmTour preparations in the beautiful Anttola Harbor. We will begin our journey to the Lake Saimaa nature. We will navigate towards the pure Lake Luonteri waters, and encounter narrow straits on our way to Nopola B&B.

Day 3. Conquering Neitvuori and Lake Luonteri archipelago, 18kmWe continue towards the famous Neitvuori hill, one of the highest sightsee-ing points in South-Savo. After beautiful sceneries and a bit of hiking, we continue across the Luonteri archipelago to Karihiekka beach and camp.

Day 4. Rugged nature and signs of shamanism: hiking to Uimasalo rock paintings, 16 kmKarihiekka beach is thousands of years old dwelling site. Several archaeologi-cal findings have been found there during the recent years. We explore these findings by foot. Accommodation in Pistohiekka camp.

Day 5. Puumala archipelago: from Pistohiekka to Rokansaari, 10 kmTravelling from island to island exploring the Puumala archipelago. Lake Saimaa area has over 14.000 islands. Rokansaari is accessible only by boat or kayak, and consists of several paths, cottages and camp sites.

Day 6. Rokansaari–Veskansa villages, 16kmPaddling the lakes and lagoons inside the island. From Rokansaari we con-tinue to the nearby islands and explore them by visiting the Liehtalanniemi museum area and the Temola Wine Farm.

Day 7. Rokansaari–Puumala, 15kmAs last day begins, we pack our camp and continue by paddling to the Puu-mala centre. Transfer to Anttola ends our journey, and experiences are shared in dinner. Accommodation in Anttolanhovi.

Day 8. Departure

Season: Guaranteed departure

every day 26 Jul – 2 Aug

Opas-Guide TiinaTel. +358 (0)500 380 032

[email protected]

www.guidetiina.fi

Laatumerkit: Approved official

canoeing guide, British Canoe Union

paddling diploma

Mikkeli Regionwww.visitmikkeli.fi

Savonlinna Travel Ltdwww.savonlinna.travel

Closest airport: Helsinki and

Savonlinna

Train: Helsinki–Mikkeli, 3 h

Express bus: Helsinki–Mikkeli, 3 h

30 min

Local buses: Mikkeli–Anttola, 40 min

Price/person 1 250 €The price includes 2 night

accommodation in Hotel Anttolan-

hovi, breakfast and dinner; 1 night

accommodation, sauna and dinner in

Nopola B&B, Rokansaari visitor fees,

kayaks/canoes with full paddling

equipment, camp and eating

equipment, food pack, experienced

guide services, transportation from

Puumala to Anttola.

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Canoeing in the heart of Saimaa, the largest lake system in Europe, is a fan-tastic way to get to know the region’s lakes and archipelago. The canoe will glide silently through the water taking you close to nature – as if you were a part of nature itself – its sounds and harmony.

Paddling in Kolovesi and Linnansaari National Parks100 km, 10 days/9 nights, self-guided

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Day 1. Arrival at Hotel Oravi.The idyllic village of Oravi is situated in the middle of the labyrinthine archi-pelago of Lake Saimaa.

Day 2. Oravi–joutenvesi, 15 kmThe Joutenvesi lake area is a ‘backwoods-like’ water excursion destination. The Heinävesi Water Route, one of Finland´s most beautiful boating routes, runs through the area which is characterised by a labyrinth of islands and open cliffs.

Day 3. Nauvunselkä–Kolovesi, 20 kmKolovesi National Park was established to protect the natural features of Lake Saimaa archipelago and the habitat of the Saimaa Ringed Seal. In the quiet wilderness of the national park you only hear the sounds of nature.

Day 4. Around Kolovesi, 10–20 kmThe Kolovesi scenery is dominated by cliffs rising vertically from the lake, at some places up to 40 metres. Visit to the 5000 year old rock paintings left behind by ancient people who fished and hunted in the area.

Day 5. Kolovesi–joutenvesi, 20–30 km depending from where the start is.Paddling in the peaceful nature and the charming archipelago scenery along the smaller lakes Pieni Kolovesi - Ruokosalmi and Ruunavesi. Day 6. joutenvesi–Haukivesi, 20 kmLinnansaari National Park in the middle of Lake Haukivesi represents Finnish Lakeland at its best with its hundreds of islands and wide open waters. The most famous inhabitant of the area is the Saimaa Ringed Seal.

Day 7. Arriving at the main island Linnansaari, 12kmLinnansaari Island is 40 kilometres long. There are clearly marked hiking trails, a café and a croft museum on the island. The panorama from the island’s lookout spot, Linnavuori is fabulous.

Day 8. A relaxing day in Linnansaari

Day 9. Linnansaari–Oravi, 10 kmPaddling back to the Hotel Oravi.

Day 10. Departure

ORAVI–ORAVI

10 DAYS/9 NIGHTS

100 KM

DEMANDING

Season: 1 May – 30 Sep


SaimaaHolidayTel. +358 15 647 290

[email protected]

www.saimaaholiday.net


Train: Helsinki– avonlinna

4 h 40 min

Express bus: Helsinki–

Savonlinna 4 h 50 min

Local bus: Savonlinna–Oravi

1 h 40 min

Fairly demanding as the trip requires

paddling experience, map reading

and navigation skills as well the

ability to cope when camping.

Price/person July 249 € June, August 228 €

The price includes a double kayak

or Canadian canoe, paddling

equipment, tent accommodation (7

nights) in campsites, sleeping bag,

sleeping mat, cooking equipment,

maps and accommodation in a

shared double room (2 nights) in the

Hotel Oravi, sauna and breakfast.

206


Canoeing on unspoilt waters of the national hiking area of Hossa in East Fin-land. Along small rivers winding their way around eskers and through typical Finnish landscape of lakes dotted with small islands. Small rapids offer diversity to the calm waterways.

Canoe AdvenTour in Finnish Wilderness99 km, 8 days/7 nights, self-guided

SUOMUSSALMI–SUOMUSSALMI

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS

99 KM

EASY/INTERMEDIATE

Tour is suitable for paddlers with

some earlier experience.

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Day 1. Arrival to Hossa visitor centre, SuomussalmiYou will be welcomed and receive first introductions to the equipment. Ac-commodation will be in tents at the Karhunkainalo camp site next to the visi-tor centre where the sauna will be heated up.

Day 2. Canoeing Peranganjoki–Iso-KukkuriAfter loading your canoes you are ready to start the first day along the Per-anganjoki River, You will spend the night in an open wilderness hut at the shore of the Iso-Kukkuri Lake.

Day 3. Canoeing Iso-Kukkuri–Lounatkoski–jatkonjärviCrossing various lakes and passing several easy to moderate rapids. You pass the Lounatkoski rapids which hold some log floating relics. Opportunity to explore the historical buildings and relics. Accommodation in tents at the camp site of Jatkonjärvi.

Day 4. Hiking around jatkonvaara hillRelax your arms and explore the area on foot. When climbing to the top of Jatkonvaara hill you can savour the landscape from another perspective. Try some catching of fish as Hossa is commonly known as Fishermen’s paradise. Night at Jatkonjärvi camp site.

Day 5. Canoeing jatkonjärvi–Keihälampi–Hossa–KuikankoskiReturn to the civilisation for a day. At noon you can stop at the Keihälampi launching point from where it is only a short way to the Hossa visitor centre. After passing the village of Hossa you follow the river down to the shelter at the Kuikankoski rapids.

Day 6. Canoeing Hossajoki–Tormuanjärvi LakeBack to the untouched nature along the river of Hossajoki. Here you will find total peace and silence only interrupted by the sound of wood grouse and thrush. You might also spot reindeer in the forests. Accommodation at the Tormuanjärvi Lake in a shelter or tents.

Day 7. Canoeing Tormuanjärvi–Kylmäjärvi–juntusranta The route leads you once more through unspoilt wilderness before entering the waters of Lake Kylmäjärvi. Landing at the village of Juntusranta and trans-fer back to the Hossa visitor centre.

Day 8. Departure

Season: 1 Jun – 30 Sep

Group size: min 2 persons

Upitrek ltdTel. +358 (0) 40 733 9262

[email protected]

www.upitrek.com

Closest airport: Kajaani

Train: Helsinki–Kajaani 6 h 20 min

Express bus: Helsinki–Kajaani

9 h 30 min

Local buses: Kajaani–Suomussalmi

1 h 50 min

Price/person 270 €The price includes accommodation

on first and last night at Karhunkain-

alo camp site, canoe (2 persons),

paddles, life vests, storage barrels,

information package (incl. map, route

description, etc.), transfer to start

and from end point, lake side sauna

at Karhunkainalo camp site on day 1

and sauna on day 7.

Tour equipment for two persons

(camp cooker and fuel, crockery and

cutlery, water canister, 2-person tent,

2 mattresses, 2 sleeping bags with

liner) can be rented at extra cost of

100 €.

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Beautiful lakes and a wild river in the heart of the Wild Taiga. There are bea-vers, bears, lynxes, wolves, wolverines and Finnish caribous living the area. Picnics by the fire, a night in the wilderness and the many stories of the area make this paddling tour special.

Wild 5 Days in a Canoe40 km, 6 days/5 nights, guided

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Day 1. Arrival in lakeside hotel Kalevala in Kuhmo.

Day 2. Harakkasaari Island, 4 kmBasics of canoeing on the waters of Lake Lammasjärvi. We paddle from the hotel shore to Harakkasaari Island for coffee by an open fire.

Day 3. Lake jämäsjärvi, 8 kmA day trip on Lake Jämäsjärvi, in the midst of tall, untouched woods. Option to hike up to Jämäsvaara hill to admire the beautiful view. We will have a break by an open fire at a tiny fisherman’s cabin on a small island.

Day 4. Beaver’s lodge, 6 kmPaddling on a small wilderness lake and on a small stream. The target is a gi-gantic beaver’s lodge. We will also view the dams the beaver has built and his feeding trails. Paddling here is an adventure – beaver is very active in building the dams and renovating the old ones.

Day 5. Wilderness on a river jongunjoki, xx kmOvernight adventure down the river at a leisurely pace, enjoying the nature and peacefulness. The route goes through several easy but exiting mini-rap-ids. The most difficult one, Aittokoski rapid is optional. Camping, the cooking is done together by the fire.

Day 6. Canoeing back and departure from KuhmoLast day together starts with coffee and tea made by the fire. We then pack our tents and paddle down the river, having one more break on the river side.

KUHMO–KUHMO

6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS

40 KM

INTERMEDIATE/DEMANDING

Season: 1 Jun – 8 Jul, preferably

starting on Sunday


WildsPiiraTel. +358 (0)400 219 197

[email protected]

www.erapiira.fi

Closest airport: Kajaani

Train: Helsinki–Kajaani 6 h 20 min

Express bus: Helsinki–Kajaani

9 h 30 min

Local buses: Kajaani–Kuhmo

1 h 40 min

Requires some experience in

paddling, good physical condition

and ability to manage also in bad

weather conditions.


in shared double room (4), 1 night

in tent, full board. Guide. Canadian

tandem canoes and equipment:

paddles, life jackets, helmets (for the

river tour) and watertight barrels for

gear. Tents, sleeping bags, cooking

equipment and other common gear

needed for the camping outdoors.

Transfers for the tours to/from Kuhmo.

Single supplement 120 €

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The maritime towns of Kalajoki and Raahe are located on the coast of the Both-nian Bay in Western Finland. Both towns, with their archipelagos, boast a va-riety of natural landscapes and a rich historical and cultural past connected to the fishing, seal hunting and maritime industries.

Conquest of the Bothnian Bay60 km, 5 days/4 nights, guided

KALAjOKI–RAAHE

5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS

60 KM

EASY

Prior experience of paddling is not

necessary, but paddlers must have

adequate physical condition for

this exercise.

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Day 1. Kalajoki, 15 kmArrival at Kalajoki. Kalajoki is renowned for its long stretch of sunny sand dunes. A short introduction to kayaks and paddling will be followed by paddling to the archipelago. In the evening, we will arrive at Lepänen Island, where we’ll stay overnight in a hut or a tent. Dinner and sauna are both available.

Day 2. Kalajoki, 15 kmPaddling back to the starting point using a different route. An overnight stay at a spa hotel in the Kalajoki area (spa services are included in the price). In the evening you will have time to explore the area. There is a wide range of restaurants serving dinners from steaks to fish.

Day 3. Kalajoki and Raahe, 15 kmDuring the day we’ll explore Stand Up paddle boarding (SUP) at the Surf Cen-tre on the beach. After a drive to the Paddling Centre at Pikkulahti in Raahe, we’ll paddle to Iso-Kraaseli Island. Sea pilots used to be stationed on this island and we’ll stay overnight in their former residence. Day 4. Raahe, 15 km In the morning, we’ll head out for a paddling tour in the archipelago. After the lunch at the pilot house, we’ll take a kayak ride back to Pikkulahti Bay. De-pending on your flight schedule, you’ll either depart or stay in Raahe. Raahe is a small town with plenty of charming old and small wooden houses.

Please note that the timetable of the first and last day depends on the flight schedule.

Note. When coming on this tour, you should provide your own outdoor gear; comfortable shoes, as well as wind- and waterproof gear are recommended. The weather conditions can change a lot depending on the month. More in-formation is available from package provider who will also need information about your level of paddling experience.

Season: 15 May – 15 Sep

Group size: 2–10 persons,

recommended for couples and

people who like outdoor activities

and the nature.

femEmare LtdTel. +358 (0)40 7226 401

[email protected]

www.fememare.fi

Closest airport: Kokkola

(Kruunupyy) or Oulu

Closest harbour: Turku (with

connections to the Aland Islands

and to Stockholm) and Vaasa (with a

connection to Umeå in Sweden)

Train: Helsinki–Kokkola, 5 h 30 min

Express bus: Helsinki–Kokkola, 9 h


(4 nights), meals in the program and

a guide.

Price does not include:

Transportation to and from the air-

port, between the hotel and harbour

in Kalajoki or transport between

Kalajoki and Raahe. Transportation

can be arranged for you, the price

depending on the size of the group.

209

This tour is kayaking as its purest! We are kayaking for five days in the area of the Haparanda and Bothnian Bay archipelago, in two different National Parks. Kayaking conditions are ideal but also challenging. The area is uninhabited, with unique scenery and seal skerries.

Kayaking in the National Parks of the Bothnian Bay100 km, 5 days/4 nights, guided

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The area is barren but beautiful. The islands’ shores are shallow, and the larger islands are covered in heath and low growing woodlands. Baltic herring fishermen and seal hunters used to set their base camps on the islands and as, a reminder of the past, you can still see some old wooden churches, light houses, sea pilots’ bases and fishermen’s huts on the islands.

The tour is always tailor-made according to the wishes and skills of the guests, subject to prevailing weather conditions.

Bothnian Bay National Park (Finland):The largest island is the island of Selkä-sarvi, which also has the oldest fishing base of the area. Selkä-sarvi island is rocky and junipers grow on its shores where sheep graze. A forest grows in the centre of the island. There is also a one kilometre long nature trail and a wilderness hut for visitors.

On the northern side of the island of Vähä-Huituri a steep sandy beach rises from the sea and turns to heath land on the top of the island. Some of the plants are very rare, thus protected plants can be found on the island. Iso-Huituri is a place well worth stopping for.

Haparanda National Park (Sweden):The island of Sanskär is best known for its long beaches. However, it also enjoys diverse landscapes with craggy pine tree woods, flowering meadows, dry junipers heaths and lush birch groves. The island of Skomakare (Shoemak-er’s Island) has an abundance of berries and mushrooms Torne-Fyrö is one the most popular islands to visit due to its fine beaches. The most remote island is Malören, which used be an old fishermen’s base camp and still has a small fishermen’s church, light house and the sea pilots’ base.

Kukkolankoski rapids are situated in the Torne River, the largest free-flowing river in Europe in which whitefish and salmon spawn. Accommodation is situ-ated in a traditional village by the Torne River. In Kukkolankoski you may wish to try shooting the rapids or rafting.

Note. You need to provide your own outdoor gear, sleeping back, and towel. You have to be in good physical condition and have gained some prior expe-rience of paddling.

TORNIO–TORNIO

5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS

100 KM

DEMANDING

Starts and ends at: Tornio

Season: 1 Jun – 15 Sep


femEmareTel. +358 (0)40 7226 401

[email protected]

www.fememare.fi

Closest airport: Oulu

Closest harbour: Turku (connection

to Aland Islands and to Stockholm)

and Vaasa (connection to Umeå,

Sweden)

Train: Helsinki–Kemi, 10 h 20 min

ExpressBus: Helsinki–Tornio, 12 h

25 min

Local buses: Tornio

Prior experience of paddling is a must.


(3 nights in tents or wilderness huts

and last night in a cottage), meals

and guide. All meals are made in the

wilderness from backpack supplies

and cooked on the fire, camp stove

or in the wilderness hut except for

the final night’s more refined and

substantial dinner. A holiday for the

true outdoor type!

Supplements/person:

Kayak with equipment 70 €

Transport (return) between

Raahe or Oulu and Tornio 50 €

210


Canoeing on the tranquil lakes and wild rivers of Lapland in the surroundings of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. Paddling on peaceful crystal clear water lakes surrounded by majestic fells and a river journey on the wild River Ounasjoki, the longest unharnessed river in Finland.

Canoeing Week in Fell Lapland115 km, 8 days/7 nights, guided

KITTILä–KITTILä

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS

115 KM

INTERMEDIATE

Tour suitable for paddlers with

some earlier experiences.

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Day 1. Arrival in Kittilä.Transfer from Kittilä Airport to Jerishovi Lodge on the Jerisjärvi Lake, intro-duction to the program.

Day 2. Trip to Keimiöniemi, 10 kmPaddling on Jerisjärvi Lake, a lake abundant in fish. A visit to the historic and idyllic Fishermens’ huts of Keimiöniemi, where we hear traditions of those old huts which are still in active use.

Day 3. jerishovi - Rauhala, 15 kmPaddling tour towards the small village of Rauhala. The canoeing route be-neath the fells is through a chain of small islands. There will be a campfire lunch break on the shore of Jerisjärvi Lake.

Day 4. Trip to äkäsjärvi Lake, 15 kmPaddling to the other end of the Jerisjärvi Lake. A short walk over a small strip of land to the beautiful Äkäsjärvi Lake, one of the biggest lakes in the region. The varied scenery, islands and long fjord-like bay invite us to explore the lake further.

Day 5. Canoeing Hetta village – Ketomella, 25 kmHeading to the Lappish village of Hetta, located on the shores of Ounas-järvi Lake, a source of the Ounasjoki River. The river journey starts slowly on peaceful, flowing waters leading then towards faster wild waters.

Day 6. Ketomella–Raattama, 20 kmPaddling on Ounasjoki to the small Reindeer Village of Raattama. Accom-modation in a holiday cabin.

Day 7. Raattama–Tepasto, 30 kmThe last river paddling day, through wild waters towards Tepasto village. The fast-flowing river brings us our journey’s end in no time at all. Transfer back to Jerishovi Lodge.

Day 8. DepartureTransfer to Kittilä airport.


Feel The Nature TreksTel. +358 (0) 9 4241 4750

[email protected]

www.feelthenature.fi

Closest airport: Kittilä

Train: Helsinki–Kolari 11 h 25 min

Express bus: Helsinki–Rovaniemi

13 h 25 min

Local bus: Rovaniemi–Kolari

2 h 20 min


(7) in a shared room (hut with sleep-

ing bag, cottage with linen) with full

board, bus transportation, luggage

transportation, transfer from/to Kit-

tilä airport, a guide, Indian canoes,

each for 2 persons, a life-jacket and

paddles.

212

Situated on the shore of the beautiful Jokijärvi, Saija Lodge is a perfect place to start canoeing. For individual tours Saija Lodge has maps available with detailed tour descriptions and information about flora and fauna as well as historical places along the trails.

Nature and Wildlife77 km, canoeing, 7 days/6 nights, self-guided

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Day 1. Arrival in Saija Lodge, TaivalkoskiSaija’s famous Finnish homemade food will be served for you. Day 2. jokijärvi Lake, 4–12 kmThis easy trail leads you to some historical places around the lake Jokijärvi. On the lake and this part of the river there are no strong currents and the lake is quite shallow. Day 3. Quiet River, 13 kmThis is a canoe route on an easy floating part of the river Murhijoki with a light current. Because of the quiet character of the river, it’s an excellent place to spot water birds, and wider parts of the river are filled with “Ulpukka” and “Lumme”, yellow and white water lilies. Day 4. A free day An opportunity to join one of guided hiking or biking tours or explore the sur-roundings on your own. You can enjoy a traditional smoke sauna on the shore of the lake Jokijärvi and plunge into the lake to cool down. Day 5. Tyräjärvi, 25 kmA round trip along the small river to Tyräjärvi, one of the bigger lakes in Taivalkoski. Along the narrow, shallow river there are some historical fireplac-es, and on the shore of the lake places of interest as well as a bird watching tower. Day 6. Conquering rapids, 27 kmA slightly more demanding part of the river Iijoki. The tour leads you all the way to the village of Taivalkoski. Along the way you get the chance to con-quer a few rapids of the first and second category. Day 7. Departure

211

SAIjA LODGE, TAIVALKOSKI

7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS

77 KM

INTERMEDIATE

Season: weeks 24-36

Saija LodgeTel. +358 (0)8 847 511

Fax +358 (0)8 847 515

[email protected]

www.saija.fi

Closest airport: Oulu

Train: Helsinki–Oulu 7 h 15 min

Express bus: Helsinki–Oulu

9 h 45 min

Local bus: Oulu–Taivalkoski

2 h 5 min

The rivers with rapids are rocky,

but with normal water level the

waterway is good to go.


in shared double room with own

sauna (6), full board (packed lunches

on the trips), 1 canoe (2 pers.) with

full equipment, detailed route

description, transfer to starting

point/from ending point on days 3

and 6.

Single supplement 214 €

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Canoeing routes and areas

River canoeing1. The Siuntionjoki River provides a

great setting for a canoe day trip near

Helsinki. The river flows gently to the

sea, and anchored along the way are

nature and culture buoys.

SE-Action, www.seaction.com

2. The Tainonvirta River starts from

Hartola and flows through the village of

Sysmä, towards the Päijänne National

Park. The total distance is about 40 km.

Maahisen Muki ja Mela,

www.mukijamela.fi

3. For centuries, the Mustijoki River

has been an important waterway from

the coast to the inland. The river flows

through a quintessential Finnish forest

and countryside landscape. Seikkailu-

laakso, www.seikkailulaakso.com

4. The Kymi river begins from the lake

Päijänne, flows through the provinces

of Päijänne Tavastia, Uusimaa and

Kymenlaakso and discharges into the

Gulf of Finland. Formerly river was

extensively used for log floating. The

canoeing route starts from the village

of Inkeroinen and is suitable for all skill

levels. SouthEast 135,

www.southeast135.fi

Lake canoeing5. The Repovesi National Park is a

fairly barren woodland area embel-

lished with forests, rugged cliffs and

dozens of lakes and ponds. Re-

povalkea/Tervarumpu,

www.repovalkea.fi

6. The largest lake in the region of

Uusimaa, Lake Lohjajärvi is connected

to the Lake Hiidenjärvi. The lakes are

suitable for canoeists of all skill levels.

There are also several fine hiking

routes. Kisakallio Sports,

www.kisakallio.fi

7. Lake Saimaa is Finland’s largest lake

and Europe’s fourth-largest natural

freshwater lake. The busy cities of

Imatra and Lappeenranta are located

on the eastern shore of the lake. The

waters of Lake Saimaa and the Kymijoki

River are connected by the Väliväylä

route. The Vääntäjä Farm,

www.vaantajantila.com

8. Lakes Vanajavesi, Katumajärvi

and Alajärvi in Häme Region offer the

opportunity for day trips. Lake Vanaja

glimmers blue around the city of Hä-

meenlinna, enabling canoe trips right

from the city centre. Fenix Adventures,

www.fenixohjelmapalvelut.fi

Sea canoeing9. Located in Western Uusimaa, the

Ekenäs Archipelago National Park

extends from the open sea to the inner

archipelago. The national park cov-

ers three out of the four archipelago

zones: the inner and outer archipelago

and the open sea. Kola Kayaking,

www.kolakayaking.com

10. In the metropolitan area there is

a canoeing area with numerous rocky

islets and islands. There are recrea-

tional areas with services, interesting

historical destinations, and uninhab-

ited, wind-beaten desert islets. Samba-

kayaks, www.sambakayaks.fi

11. The Eastern Gulf of Finland Na-

tional Park is famed for its rich birdlife

and military history. You can reach

several islands by a scheduled boat

service from Hamina and Kotka cities.

SouthEast 135, www.southeast135.fi

Southern Finland offers a multitude of canoeing opportunities unparalleled in their diversity. The adorable coastal area with its labyrinthine archipelago as well as the marvel-lous lakes and rivers are all within your reach, a short distance away from the pulsing capital. The waters will provide you with unforget-table experiences from the early spring to the late autumn. Finnish nature and the changing seasons offer a great setting for canoe trips. The amount of light varies, and the wonder of the nightless sum-

mer night can be experienced on water. Our canoeing section introduces you to canoe routes and areas with canoeing services: equipment rental companies, canoeing centres and companies offering guided activities. Our canoeing section also features ca-noeing packages offered by companies, including everything you need for a memorable canoeing experience. You can paddle a canoe at any time of the day or night, on rivers, lakes and the sea!

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Documents

Canoeing Product Manual