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Finland Arctic Wilderness Canoe Expedition

A five day wilderness river trip with multiple rapids led by our professional guides. Wild camping, great food and stellar scenery making this a trip of a lifetime.  
Level: Grade 1-2 five day wilderness canoe journey
  • Contact us to join the waiting list
  • 10 to 12 customers
  • £1350 excluding flights
  • 2026 dates due for release - contact us to join the waiting list
  • Duration: 7 days (Including 2 days travel)

Our Finnish Arctic Canoe Expedition is an incredible wilderness trip above the Arctic Circle with stunning wilderness and wildlife to truly head off the beaten track.  Join us for this trip of a lifetime.

What's Included

  • Craft
  • Buoyancy Aid
  • Basic Map
  • Bank Based Briefing
  • Dry Bag
  • Paddles
  • Helmet
  • Professional Coaches
  • Guiding
  • Water
  • Cooking Kit
  • Your Campsite
  • Guiding
  • Food and Meals
We also have some back support for those with back problems

Dates & Requirements

We welcome all abilities, however, having some experience of paddling a canoe and a moderate level of endurance and determination will help. Feel free to contact us to discuss further as we can help bring your skills up to speed.

Want to join us? Pop us an email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and we can add your name on the waiting list. We are already planning this adventure for 2026! If you're part of a family, club or group and fancy a private expedition, just drop us a message via email, we'd love to help make it happen.  

Trip Description -A five day wilderness river trip with multiple rapids led by our professional guides. Wild camping, great food and stellar scenery making this a trip of a lifetime.


Finland Arctic Wilderness Canoe Expedition

Canoe Trail is proud to launch our latest wilderness canoe expedition in Finland, a five-day adventure along the spectacular Ivalojoki River. Guided by our experienced wilderness leaders, Ash and Rich, this unforgettable Arctic canoe trip takes you deep above the Arctic Circle into one of Europe’s last remaining untouched wilderness areas.

The Ivalojoki River is a world-class Arctic destination, offering a unique blend of stunning scenery, exciting paddling, and abundant wildlife. Over five days you’ll journey by canoe, navigating Grade 1–2 rapids and portaging larger sections as needed. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for moose, bears, wolves, and even the elusive wolverine.

This remote river provides the perfect backdrop for a true Arctic adventure holiday. You’ll experience wild camping under endless skies, enjoy hearty meals shared by the fire, and learn new skills in canoeing, campcraft, and bushcraft from our professional guides. With its mix of wilderness travel, coaching, and camaraderie, this expedition is designed to challenge, inspire, and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

What’s Included

  • Professional canoe instructors and wilderness coaching
  • 2 nights’ accommodation on arrival and departure
  • All meals during the river expedition (breakfast, light lunch, and evening meals)
  • Wild camping in pristine Arctic wilderness
  • Canoes, paddles, buoyancy aids, barrels, and safety equipment
  • Shuttle transport at the end of the expedition (flights not included)

What to Bring

  • Return flights to Finland
  • Tent and dry bags for personal kit
  • Sleeping bag and roll mat
  • Water filter or reusable bottle
  • Bowl, cup, cutlery, and eating knife
  • Personal clothing and equipment

 Trip Itinerary

  • Airport pick-up and transfer to our outfitters near the river headwaters
  • Five days canoeing and wild camping on the Ivalojoki River
  • Paddle exciting Grade 1–2 rapids, with portages for bigger sections
  • Time to learn paddling, bushcraft, and campcraft skills (with everyone sharing camp chores)
  • Shuttle transfer at the end of the expedition

Please note: itineraries may be adjusted depending on river conditions, water levels, or weather, ensuring safety and the best possible experience

 

 

 

Hire FAQ's

What's the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

If you're not sure of what each craft is, then read our guide here.

Are the trips guided?
There are no guides or instructors needed for hire. This is simply a hire where you paddle out and back to our launch point. We recommend our preferred route, however, you are free-range and able to explore the river.
What if it rains?
Unless you hear from us then your booking will run on the day agreed. Canoe Trail runs watersports, paddling, and adventurous activities throughout the year with people enjoying the river and our woodland campsite during the different seasons. On rare occasions (it only happens a couple of times a year) we may move or change your booking. This will be in freak weather conditions such as extremely high river flows in spate or during heavy storms with lightning. You can read our full FAQ here.
How does the booking process work?
We use a live booking system that will assign you the relevant craft and resources. Once you have confirmed your booking date, it is not then transferable and non-refundable in the same way you book an airline seat. Bookings are to be paid in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable. There will be no refunds for early returns, poor weather, or non-usage as per our general terms & conditions.

Location

Ivalojoki, Finland

We Value Relationships

Sophie (Fun 4 Young People)
5 stars

We have used Canoe Trail for many years. Run by fantastic people with some great activities on offer. Highly recommend.

Michael (Goldington Academy)
5 stars

Regularly use Canoe Trail for DofE and our School outdoor adventure trips. Professional to deal with and an amazing team of instructors.

Gemma
5 stars

Highly recommend Canoe Trail whether you’re looking to improve your paddling or just a fun family day out on one of the river trails.

Matthew
5 stars

Just returned from a week in Scotland with Canoe Trail. It was one of the best organised trips I have done. The team were awesome, great instruction with loads of patience for those new to paddling.