Ivalo River Canoe Expedition
5 Days in Finnish Lapland
From the historic gold fields to Arctic wilderness, paddle one of Lapland's most legendary rivers.
Interested in fun challenge?
The Trip
Day 1 — Arrive in Ivalo Settle in at the Arctic River Resort. Meet your guide, get fitted for gear, and go through a safety briefing over dinner before your first night in Lapland.
Day 2 — Onto the River Transfer to the put-in at Kuttura. Paddle your first stretch downstream through birch forest as the current picks up. Camp riverside — your first night under the Arctic sky.
Day 3 — Into the Wild The landscape shifts to dense coniferous forest and canyon-like river valley. Scout and run Saarniköngäs, one of the trip's standout rapids, before making camp near old gold-rush sites.
Day 4 — Gold Rush History Visit Kultala, the old Crown Station, and Ritakoski — relics of Lapland's 19th-century gold rush, including Lilljeqvist's dredger still visible along the bank. One more night on the river.
Day 5 — Final Rapids & Return Scout and run Toloskoski, the last major white water of the trip, before the river widens and calms on the final stretch into Ivalo. Take out, transfer back, and celebrate with a farewell dinner at Arctic River Resort.
What's Included
2 nights at Arctic River Resort (arrival night + final night)
4 days of guided canoeing on the Ivalo River
All canoe rental, safety gear, and canoe transport/shuttle
All meals for the duration of the trip
Experienced guide throughout
Good to Know
Group size: 4–8 people
Duration: 5 days / 4 days paddling
Difficulty: Moderate — includes rapids up to Grade III (Saarniköngäs, Toloskoski). Some prior paddling experience is good to have but not necessary. We will spend the first day going over the basics of canoeing before heading onto the river; guests can walk sections of the harder rapids if preferred.
Camping: Wilderness camping in tents or hammocks for 3 nights on the river
Fishing is possible on the river, but requires a permit. Reach out and we can help with this.
Price
1,250 € per person (VAT included) Minimum group size: 4 people
Ready to book, or have questions about the trip? Get in touch.
