Welcome to Canoe in Finland!
WildCanoe Saimaa operates in the Eastern Finland, where Lake Saimaa is
situated. It is over 300 km long enormous network of lakes and rivers.
Because of the clean lakes with thousands of islands, small rivers and
rich nature, it is often called "the paradise of paddlers".
Our recommended canoe tours are suitable for all. The shorter tours are propriate to the families with children and the persons who have never paddled. And if you are an adventurer there are lot of challengies like extra long tour from Iisalmi (Lake Saimaa) to Baltic Sea. The paddling technics are tested and guided before your tour. All the equipment is suitable for beginners, there fore safe and easy to use.
In this page you can find all our services and the routes we recommend.
This site includes all the needed information for planning and making
an reservation for an individual or a guided canoe tour.
Some essential rules of Everyman's Right
Rule 1: For one night you can put your tent up where ever you
want, just do not go too close to the houses. We recommend you to use
marked places for tents by the canoe routes we recommend.
Rule 2: You can make fire only on marked places, but you can use
a camping cooker freely.
Here is more information about the Everyman's Right. The national parks have their own special rules which we go through before your tour.
Season
The Wild Canoe season is from first of May to end of October. The early summer, about till the middle of June, is a great time. Whole nature awakes to fresh life after the long winter and is at its fairest. In the middle of the summer it is warm and light also in the night. From July until mid-August water is usually nice and warm for instance, for swimming and perfect for canoeing.
Wild Canoe Base Camp in Anttola
Our Base Camp is situated in Anttola near harbour (100 m). It's about 300 m to the nearest bus stop. The address is Juhanintie 6, FIN-52100 Mikkeli. There we have a little house where you could overnight: a bed in a room with others costs 20 €/person/night and a private room for two 50 €/night. You can also put up a tent in the yard (10 €/person/night). The using of a sauna (unfortunately without shower) and a kitchen are included to the prices. After the canoe trip there is a possibility to pamper yourself in a spa (Anttolan hovi, 4 km from the base camp). In the center of Anttola there are a pharmacy, a bank, a ATM, a gas station, a sport shop, two supermarkets, a bakery, a restaurant, a cafe, and a pub.
Canoeing Routes
We recommend the following canoeing routes: Lake
Saimaa, River Naarajoki
and National Parks
in Savonlinna. And for real adventures and experienced paddlers we have
Extra Long Tours from Lake Saimaa to Baltic Sea and
beyond.
1. Lake Saimaa
Route: Anttola - Luonteri - Lietvesi - Yövesi (rock-paintings
in Astuvansalmi)- small canals - Louhivesi - Paljavesi - Anttola
Lenghts: 5-225 km
Canoe carring:-
Profile: only lakes
Route Options: Tours along different routes and of different lengths
are possible. Here on the map we have marked the Blue Route that we recommend
for a week tour (about 112 km). Green Route is about 65 km (3-5 days)
and Black Route 36-45 km (2-3 days). From Anttola to Mikkeli, 50 km/4
days or 110 km/7 days. You can also design a tour of you own.
Wild Canoe Base Camp is an excellent starting place just next to the part of Saimaa that is especially rich in islands. Nature and water are clean and there are also some great cultural and natural sights in the area, like Hill Neitvuori (marked on the map with a red dot), rock-paintings in Astuvansalmi (a green dot), and two canals (a pink dot). You can move around on the area freely and camp in the free nature according the Everyman's Right. You get a canoeing map on the scale of 1:50 000 on which all the services like the best camping places, cafes, grocery stores and accommodation are marked.
Saimaa seal. Here is some information of the endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal in English and in German.
Read about the experiences of two Austrian paddlers in Lake Saimaa! Or read an article about a Saimaa tour in Wandermagazin in German!
A simplified map of our
Saimaa routes (pdf file). You can design your trip and measure the
routes on Mikkelin
seudun karttapaikka -web site.
2. River Naarajoki
Marked Route: Naarajoki (near Pieksänmäki) - Haukivuori
- Otava
Canoe carring: 2 times (50 m in Porsaskoski and 100 m in Läsäkoski)
Profile: drop is about 16 meters
Lenght: river part about 40 km + lake part about 70-100 km, first
part mostly rivers, the rest lakes
Transportation fee of canoes/canoeists: Anttola - Pieksämäki
and Otava - Anttola, 180 €
Route options: 1-8 days, 22-120 km
- Lomatrio (Naarajoki) - Haukivuori, 60 km / 3-4 days
- Lomatrio (Naarajoki) - Otava, 120 km / 8 days
2 days/ 1 night
- Lomatrio - Etelä-Aapeli - Porsaskoski (22 km + 9 km)
- Lomatrio - Etelä-Aapeli - Nykälä (22 km + 19 km)
- Lomatrio - Porsaskoski - Nykälä (30 km + 10 km)
- Lomatrio - Porsaskoski - Karjalainen (30 km + 20 km)
This route begins at Lomatrio camping site (address: Kangasniementie 18, FIN-56850 Naarajärvi), not far from the town of Pieksämäki and runs through village of Haukivuori to village of Otava. The first 40 km consist mainly of rivers. This part which is completely marked takes about 1-2 days and it is suitable for families and children. Nature by the rivers is very eutrophic and beautiful. If you lucky you may see for example a beaver. After the river part there are two large lakes, Kyyvesi and Puula that both are especially rich in islands. Lake Puula is well known because of its clear water. On the route there are several marked places for resting almost in every 10 km. Along the route you find also services like cafe and accommodation, like Koskentila tourist attraction. There are a cafe, a sauna (has to be booked before hand), old small buildings for accomodation (camping in a tent also possible) and possibilities to trout fishing.
Water situation for paddlers is usually good in Naarajoki Route. Only in dry summer there could be just enough water for Indian canoe between Porsaskoski and Nykälä.
A detailed River Naarajoki Canoe Map can be bought in Karttakeskus on-line store. Here is a simple route map. You can also design your trip and measure the routes on Mikkelin seudun karttapaikka -web site.
3. National Parks (Savonlinna)
Kolovesi and Linnansaari National Parks Route: Kolovesi National
Park - Oravi - Linnansaari National Park - Porosalmi in Rantasalmi
Lenght: 125-150 km, suitable for 8-12 days
Profile: 1 m, no need for canoe carring
Transportation fee for canoes/canoeists: Anttola - Kolovesi and
Linnansaari - Anttola 340 € (round trip)
Linnansaari National Park Route: Linnansaari info centre in Rantasalmi
- Linnansaari National Park - Porosalmi in Rantasalmi
Lenght: 50 - 125 km, 3-8 days
Transportation fee canoes/canoeists: Anttola - Linnansaari and
Linnansaari - Anttola 280 € (round trip)
The national parks of Linnansaari and Kolovesi are in the middle of the Saimaa lake area, north from Savonlinna. In the village of Rantasalmi you can visit an information centre specialized in the nature of Finnish lakes. The area is famous for its free nature and rare animal species like Saimaa seal. There you find not only clean nature and water but also a piece of original Finnish landscape. The water area in Linnansaari could be windy at times if it blows from the North.
There are no marked canoeing routes in the areas of the national parks but with the help of a canoeing map on the scale of 1:40 000 you can plan just the kind of tour that suits you the best. We will recommend some routes, too. In National Park you have to follow the special rules. Going ashore and camping in national parks are allowed only on the marked places (which could be crowded in July). There are some shops and other services in the area. We recommend a one-week-tour to Linnansaari or a two-week-tour to both Linnasaari and Kolovesi.
More information on Linnansaari
National Park.
More information on Kolovesi
National Park.
4. Extra Long Tour
Saimaa - Åland: about 1500 km about 35 days
Saimaa - Kotka: 200 -700 km
Kotka - Helsinki: 120 km
Helsinki - Åland: 300 km
To the experienced kayak canoeists we offer the Finland's longest tour which goes through Lake Saimaa, Lake Puula and along River Kymi to Baltic Sea and it's archipelago. The ending point is an island between Sweden and Finland called Åland: Iiisalmi - Kuopio - Kolovesi - Linnansaari - Savonlinna - Puumala - Anttola - Mikkeli (transportation 15 Km) Otava - Hirvensalmi - Vihantasalmi - Repovesi National Park - Valkeala - Jaala - Kuusankoski- Anjalankoski - Kotka - Loviisa - Porvoo - Helsinki- Porkkala - Tammisaari - Hanko- Saaristomeri National Park - Nauvo - Korppoo - Sottunga - Mariehamn (Åland). In Helsinki or in Mikkeli we have a compeletely new kayak (you'll select it) for you with the equipment needed. You can choose the starting/ending point youself and you'll canoe on your own risk without a guide. But of course our guide will help you with the detailed route design, safety issues etc. The service costs 50-75% of the suggested retail price of a new kayak you'll choose.
Guided Tours 2008
If you feel that an individual tour is not the right choice for you, there is always an option to have a guided canoeing tour in Lake Saimaa (also elsewhere if needed). We organize guided tours on different themes: Saimaa seal watching, fishing, wilderness traditions, canoeing course and culture/nature attractions. If you want to enjoy relaxing canoe trip with a professional guide, just get a few friends together and make a reservations for the suitable dates (below). Guide service costs 30 €/day/person. Guided tours requires at least 6 participants.
Guided tours below are designed for 2,5 days (weekend, the black Saimaa route), for 5 days (the green route), and for seven days (the blue Saimaa route).
| Guided Tours (including canoe rent and a guide) |
Indian Canoe/ Kayak for 2 |
Kayak for one person |
| 7 days | 258 € + 420 € = 678 € | 224 € + 210 € = 434 € |
| 5 days | 202 € + 300 € = 502 € | 176 € + 150 € = 326 € |
| weekend (2,5 days) | 163 € + 150 € = 313 € | 144 € + 75 € = 219 € |
| Dates for Guided Tours 2008 | Days | Reservations/persons 15.04.2008 | Deadline for reservation |
| week 28, 7.7.- 13.7. | 7 | 0 | 26.5. |
| week 28, 7.7.- 11.7. | 5 | 0 | 26.5. |
| week 28, 11.7.- 13.7. weekend | 2,5 | 0 | 26.5. |
| week 29, 14.7.- 20.7. | 7 | 0 | 2.6. |
| week 29, 14.7.-18.7. | 5 | 0 | 2.6. |
| week 29, 18.7.-20.7. weekend | 2,5 | 0 | 2.6. |
| week 30, 21.7.-27.7. | 7 | 0 | 9.6. |
| week 30, 21.7.-25.7. | 5 | 0 | 9.6. |
| week 30, 25.7.-27.7. weekend | 2,5 | 0 | 9.6. |
| week 31, no guided tours available | |||
| week 32, 4.8.-10.8. | 7 | 0 | 19.6. |
| week 32, 4.8.-8.8. | 5 | 0 | 19.6. |
| week 32, 8.8.-10.8. weekend | 2,5 | 0 | 19.6. |
Canoe rent 2008
Summer Season: July and August (usually the best weather for canoeing)
Prices include Basic Equipment and instruction only, not transportation of canoes and canoeists. Transportation is always needed if you are not starting and ending you trip to Wild Canoe Base Camp in Anttola. Transportation fee is paid on the spot. The prices include VAT. Here is a collection of our canoe models. Here is the price list in pdf- format.
| Days | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | + additional days |
| Indian Canoe or Kayak for two |
90 € | 118 € | 146 € | 174 € | 202 € | 230 € | 258 € | 286 € | 32 €/day |
| Kayak for one person | 50 € | 74 € | 98 € | 122 € | 146 € | 170 € | 194 € | 218 € | 26 €/day |
Green Season: May, June, September, and October
| Days | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | + additional days |
| Indian Canoe or Kayak for two |
80 € | 104 € | 128 € | 152 € | 176 € | 200 € | 224 € | 248 € | 28 €/day |
| Kayak for one person | 45 € | 65 € | 83 € | 102 € | 121 € | 140 € | 159 € | 178 € | 21 €/day |
Basic Equipment
Basic Equipment is included in rent prices. All the equipment is suitable
for beginners, there fore safe and easy to use. Canoe wagons are not needed
because you have to carry the canoe only rarely and very short distances.
Basic equipment inludes an Indian canoe or a kayak, paddles, lifevests,
watertight packs, a route map, and a cover deck for kayak. The rent includes
also instructions and guiding for the route, which takes place in Anttola
every morning. If you have choosen River Naarajoki route introduction
could be arranged in Lomatrio camping place where the route begins.
Tour Equipment
It is possible to upgrade to Tour Equipment, which costs 15 €/day/1-3 persons. Tour equipment consist of the basic equipment plus a tent (max. 3 persons), mattresses, a fuel cooker with spirits, a fire cooker, a shovel, a knife, and a water canister.
|
Rent prices for extra equipment a week |
|||
| Sleepingbag | 15 € | Fire cooker | 10 € |
| Mattress | 5 € | Tarpaulin cover | 10 € |
| Tent | 20 € | Shovel | 5 € |
| Additional maps | 10-35 € | Roof rack | 20 € |
| Compass | 5 € | Gasoline | 5-20 € |
| Water proof bags | 8 € | Fishing permit, 1 week | 28 € |
| Equipment Redbox | 5 € | Fish rod | 20 € |
| Trangia cooker | 35 € | Empty foodbox (grey) | 5 € |
| Thermos | 5 € | To sell | |
| Water canister | 5 € | Matches | 1 € |
| Water proof barrel | 5 € | Sprii/white casoline 1L | 6 € |
| Plastic spoon and plate , tape, knife etc. | à 5 € | Washing powder, washing up liquid, sponge etc. | à 2 € |
Meal Packet
The meal packet, 15 €/day/person, is a food and drink package
which consist of tasty and nourishing food. Meals are easy to prepare
and you can also get some advice how to prepare food in open fire.
Packet includes ingredients for daily breakfast, picnic, dinner, and also
snacks (müsli, chocolate).
Transportation
Be prepared for the transportation fees. They are not included in rent
prices. The transportation of canoes and canoeists is nessessary, unless
you start and end your trip to Anttola Base Camp. The transportation fee
is always paid on the spot, because in many cases customers change their
plans (people chance times, locations, destinations, etc.) or the weather
changes. The prices include VAT.
Transportation fees |
|
| 80 €/h/car or a speed boat (max. 6 persons) | |
| One way: Mikkeli - Anttola | 30 min, 40 € |
| One way: Anttola - Puumala | 60 min, 80 € |
| Round trip: Anttola - Naarajoki (Lomatrio) and Otava - Anttola | 180 € |
| Round trip: Anttola - Linnansaari and Linnansaari - Anttola | 210 min, 280 € |
| Round trip: Anttola - Kolovesi and Linnansaari - Anttola | 255 min, 340 € |
Checking List
When you come for a canoe tour you should have with you:
- sleeping bag
- comfortable outdoor leisure clothes including warm shirt
- rainwear
- hat that protects from the sun
- jogging shoes and another pair of shoes
- swimming suit and towel
- personal things and needed medications
- plate and mug, knife, spoon and fork
- pocket knife or knife
- bottle for drinking
- suntan lotion
- mosquito repellent
- sun glasses
- mobil phone in a water tight bag