Bear, moose & forest reindeer canoe adventure, Finland
Additional Information
WILDERNESS CANOE ADVENTURE IN PRISTINE FINNISH WATERS
Destination: Kuhmo, Lake Lentua
Duration: 8 days
Dates: 14th- 21st June 2025
Group Size 5-8 people: places still available
Age: 16+
Cost: Upon request
COST INCLUDING: This package is fully guided and includes airport transfer, accommodation, all equipment hire, meals and activities during the wild camping expedition (6/7 days).
COST EXCLUDING: flight to Kajaani (via Helsinki), personal travel insurance, hotel evening meals first and last nights and alcoholic beverages.
-Flights from Amsterdam to Kajaani (via Helsinki) start around €210 return.
-Flights from London to Kajaani (via Helsinki) start around €225 return.
Experience one of Europes hidden wildlife gems. Canoeing/Kayaking in Finland is special but taking the ancient Tar route takes you to remote areas that are habituated by some of Europe's highest concentrations of Grey wolves, European brown bears, European elk (moose), Forest reindeer, Wolverine and many more species. All set in the stunning boreal forest biome.
This 8 day canoe/kayak expedition passes through the picturesque Lentua lake system, a network of lakes dotted with islands large and small and connected by rivers and small lakes with winding passages and short rapids.
European Walking Safari has an emphasis on facilitating deep nature connection. So alongside the canoe adventure we will also be hiking into pristine forests to teach you about nature literacy, in essence how to read and understand the language of nature. In an age of urban living we feel this is essential in readdressing the disconnection we have all experienced from the natural world. We will teach you how to find and trail animals (such as bears, moose, forest reindeer) on a landscape, how to use bird language to amplify your senses, how to identify plants and mushrooms and most importantly how to understand the deep interconnected ecology that binds together a place a stunning as this. Towards this end we hope to arm you with skills that you can take home and use to amplify your connection to nature all around.
We will spend our days exploring this beautiful area and at night wild camp at stunning campsites along the shore edge with wind shelters and fireplaces where wood is provided. One beach campsite even offers the luxury of a sauna!. The clear waters offer wonderful opportunities for fishing and swimming from gentle, sandy beaches to cool off after enjoying a hard day's paddling!
You will be canoeing through thick Taiga forest rich in wildlife, with relatively little sign of civilisation and few settlements along the way, giving a real sense of remoteness during many parts of the tour. Much of the area is protected and the majority of islands are uninhabited, except by the local wildlife of course! On clear nights we will night paddle with the chance of seeing the Northern lights, an experience not to be missed!
HIGHLIGHTS:
*Kayak in pristine wilderness where wild bears and wolves thrive in some of Europes highest populations
* Learn about the stars, the soil and understand the processes that underpin the ecology of any natural habitat.
* Wild camp sleep outs around the fire and under the stars. Night canoeing to see the Northern lights (Aurora borealis)!
* Learn about wildlife track and sign and how to use the art of trailing animals as a means to connect to nature
*Crossing land portages with old tar route rail systems
*Optional last night European brown bear viewing hide experience, 90-99% guarantee of seeing bear activity
This trip is based on kayaking and hiking within remote wilderness areas so a good level of fitness is required. Wild camping is also scheduled on the itinerary however this is not a bushcraft experience rather an engagement with natures intricate networks and your own relationship to it. No prior wilderness, canoeing, kayaking, camping experience needed.
TERMS & CONDITIONS AT BOTTOM OF CONTACT PAGE
For all bookings, detailed itineraries & enquiries please contact: europeanwalkingsafari@gmail.com