Join us on our new Finland canoe expedition as we paddle down the Ivalo River, located in the far north of Finland, above the Arctic Circle. Suitable for those with moving water experience, such as our River Spey or Tay trips, which would be perfect precursors. Our descent takes six days on the Ivalo River, including time spent exploring in the Hammastunturi wilderness area. This region of Lapland witnessed a 19th century gold rush, evidence of this can still be glimpsed as we pass through in our canoes. We will wild camp on the river bank, living and cooking over campfires. We will have the opportunity to fish and forage for funghi and berries. There will also be the opportunity to sample traditional Sami delicacies too. This 90km stretch of the Ivalo River features around 40 rapids of Grade 1 to 3 and is a perfect follow-on for those who have completed our Scottish River Spey descent.

ITINERARY (please note that this can change due to water levels and weather and is an illustration only)

Day 1: Arrive into Ivalo Airport. Transfers for flights landing on this day are included. Transfer to our group hotel in Inari in time to meet our fellow paddlers over an evening meal.

Day 2: After a leisurely breakfast, we will enjoy a tour around the fascinating Siida museum, the national centre for Saami culture which will give us an immersive perspective into the natural and human history of our Arctic environment. In the afternoon, we will meet back at the hotel to receive a briefing from our guides and take some time to organise our personal equipment.

Day 3: Transfer from hotel to the start of the river descent where we will enjoy our first day of paddling as we slip away from our road trail-head. We pass through remote forests of dense birch and aspen keeping our eyes peeled for elk and reindeer. We will find our wild camp on the banks of the River Ivalo.

Day 4: We continue our descent of the Ivalo with a full day of paddling, heading deeper into the wilderness as we enter a stunning gorge as the landscape starts to rise up to meet us.

Day 5: The technicality of the river increases as it picks up speed. We will inspect significant rapids with a view to portaging where prudent. We continue down an easy section of rapids before we arrive a beautiful camping spot just upriver from the heritage site of Kultula where the ghosts of gold prospectors can be imagined. This site is fascinating to visit and one can truly picture what life must have been like living in this remote settlement at the height of the gold rush.

Day 6: Today we will stretch our legs and undertake a trek to explore some of the Hammastunturi wilderness area. We can visit Kultula gold mining village or explore the river bank on the opposite side of the river. This is a great opportunity to take stock and reorganise kit and supplies.

Day 7: Setting off, we negotiate the rapids immediately below Kultula before paddling down to Ritakoski, another deserted prospector settlement before continuing further down the river to a campsite on a high bank with fabulous views back up the river.

Day 8: Our last day on the river. We strike camp and pack our boats for the final time. We paddle all morning, catching site of human habitation for the first time since the first day. Depending on water levels, we may need to portage the final rapid of Toloskoski before a short paddle to our egress. We transfer back to Inari to our group hotel for a farewell meal and overnight stay.

Day 9: Transfer to the Ivalo Airport in time for our evening flight. North Star Adventure services will end here.

At a glance:

Group size maximum: 7

Four days of paddling and one day wilderness trek

Join/End: Ivalo

Accommodation: five nights wild camping, one night hut accommodation and two nights comfortable hotel accommodation

Meals included: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

What’s included: private airport transfers, all land transport, all meals as described above, two North Star Adventure expedition leaders, activities mentioned in the itinerary including a tour of the Sami museum, tents and all paddling equipment.

What’s not included: international and domestic flights (we recommend travelling with Finnair), travel insurance, meals where not mentioned above, tips for staff, any required visas.

Deposit: £200 (final balance payable 56 days before departure)

This trip is available as a private booking for those who wish to travel on different dates in their own group. Please contact us to discuss your needs.