AMAZING ADVENTURES

Canoe the Tar Route

Finland-Land of the Midnight Sun 

The White Nights are perhaps Finland’s most iconic natural summer phenomena. The night time sun is at its strongest during the months of June and July. The further North you go, the longer and higher the sun stays above the horizon. In the very Northern most parts you can experience a full Midnight Sun from May to August.

Having been paddling in Norway and Sweden on several occasions, we were looking for a new canoe adventure and after much research decided to visit Eastern Finland.   In June 2019 a team of six people flew into Kajani and transferred to Kuhmo, a small town in Northern Karelia by the Russian border.  We were immediately struck by how quiet and clean Kuhmo is.   It is a naturally relaxing place and a great place to start our adventure!

The Tar Canoe route passes through the stunning Lentua lake system, a network of large lakes dotted with islands, connected by rivers and smaller lakes with winding passages and short rapids.   

The area is well resourced with wilderness cabins and shelters with fire pits. (Finnish names – Laavu (lean to shelter), kota (basic shelter with roof), Autiotupa (wilderness hut with beds and log burner) Each location is equipped with a composting toilet and fire wood.  Every night we will stay in a different location, there are some amazing spots for camping with white sandy beaches and beautiful views across the water. We will spend 6 nights camping, with the possibility of one night having the luxury of an island spot with its own sauna.

There are many sets of rapids, which are up to 500mtrs in length (typically grade I/II). The area used to be Finland’s main tar producing region and transport was via water / rail.  Which means all rapids can be bypassed as necessary using the rather unique railway lines and trolleys.

Eastern Finland enjoys quite stable weather and potentially long hot days.  Each day we will paddle between 15 and 20 km’s.  There will also be plenty of time to spend relaxing, swimming in the clear waters, exploring the woodland and sandy beaches and for those with more energy there are always jobs to do such as chopping wood, filtering water and cooking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wild camping and cooking outdoors, doesn’t need to be an uncomfortable or highly challenging experience.  We will help you develop wild camping and bushcraft skills, such as fire lighting and cooking on open fires.  Consider it as learning to thrive rather than survive in the great outdoors!

What’s included:

• A fully guided and catered Canoe Expedition
• Transfers from/to Kajani airport to/from Kuhmo (subject to flight times)
• 2 nights in local hotels bed and breakfast 
• 6 nights wild camping with all meals
• Tents, canoes
• Learning some bushcraft skills
• Improve your paddling/expedition skills

What’s NOT included:

• Flights to and from Kajani
• Travel Insurance

Cost – £1050 

If you’re interested in booking a place please get in touch on 01433 620377.