Canoeing on the Tar Route in Kainuu (Finland)

You will be canoeing through thick Taiga forest rich in wildlife, with relatively little sign of civilisation/few settlements along the way, giving a real sense of remoteness during many parts of the tour. Much of the area is protected and the majority of islands are uninhabited, except by the local wildlife of course!

A number of land transports are required, but a very special feature of this tour is that there are "tracks" at many of the transport sites, where the canoe can be lifted onto rails, making the land transports much easier.

In addition to all the canoe equipment you need (including maps and route description), all camping and cooking equipment is also provided - just bring yourselves, some suitable clothes, food and a sense of adventure!

The many "canoe tracks" along the route make land transports straightforward. Photos: Nature Travels.

Wilderness cabins along the route for an optional roof over your head!

The tour is based on wild camping, but there are also two free-to-use wilderness cabins along the route, including one on Lentosaari island. These are open to the public and free of charge, providing shelter and a degree of comfort for passing paddlers. One of them even has a sauna!

The cabins cannot be reserved and are open to all - you may well find you have a cabin to yourself for the night, or it could be a wonderful opportunity to make new friends!

Two free-to-use public cabins along the route offer additional options for overnight stays, including one with a sauna! Photos: Nature Travels/John and Jenny Baston.

Vary the duration and level of challenge to suit you

The Tar Route route was used to transport barrels of tar derived from the Taiga forest from the Eastern border to a port for the Baltic Sea. You will explore a section of this remote yet accessible area, paddling south to Kuhmo. Explore the protected area of Lake Lentua, enjoy lunch on your own private island, or spend some time fishing.

Canoe on the Tar Route in Kainuu is suitable for adults and families with older children (recommended min. age 12, younger children possible by arrangement) - as a flexible tour you can make it as challenging or relaxing as you desire.

You paddle a minimum distance of 60km to Kuhmo, but you can extend your tour as much as you like to discover the lake system's hidden treasures, or even spend a day or two on land to go hiking. This experience requires minimum 4 days/3 nights, but is also ideal for longer tours of a week or more.

There is an extensive network of overnight camping spots with fireplaces and shelters. Photo: Christine Davies.

Combine canoeing and fishing or extend the adventure with stay at wilderness cabin

The tour also offers very good possibilities for fishing, especially for perch and pike, and fishing equipment is available to hire.

If you wish to stay locally for extra nights (min. stay two nights) before or after your tour, a simple wilderness lakeside cabin with rowing boat included is available as an optional extra (NB: this cabin is not the same as the free public cabins available for use during the tour, but is a private cabin at different location and with additional facilities).

Taking time for some fishing during the tour is a popular option. Photo: Mark Dixon.

Canoeing for odd-numbered groups

Canoes used are 2-person Canadian canoes. Odd numbered groups will normally travel as even number in a canoe with the additional person in single kayak. For odd-numbered groups including a child, the child can travel as 3rd person in canoe.

Arrival

Meet in Kuhmo (start time between 09.00 and 18.00 by arrangement). You will receive your equipment and some guidance on suggested routes to take before transfer to the start point (approx. 45 mins) to begin your tour.

There is some flexibility in exact start point for the tour depending on factors such as the duration of the tour and your preferences, but tours will normally start near Lentiira and you will paddle back towards Kuhmo. You will have the opportunity to discuss the most suitable drop-off point for you on arrival.

Following Days

Your canoe tour takes you through a series of lakes connected with river sections and some short rapids. Rapids (100m-400m) are easily bypassed by short carries or using the rail/trolley system provided at certain points to assist with land transports.

The area offers many route choices to explore the lakeland landscape and as a protected area you will find few settlements/houses, offering a real taste of remoteness during many parts of the tour. Spend the nights wild camping at one of the many designated camping spots, where you can find wind shelters and fireplaces.

Depending on the length of tour and route taken, you will also pass two free-to-use public wilderness huts (including one with sauna, on the island of Lentosaari), which you are welcome to make use of.

Departure

You paddle your way to Kuhmo, where you will end your tour and return your equipment.

Included

• Canoe equipment: 2-person Canadian canoe (canoes used are typically Bell Northwind, Swift Dumoine or Nova Craft Prospector), paddles, buoyancy aids, waterproof containers. Child travelling as 3rd person in canoe will have extra seat/paddle/buoyancy aid.
• Kayak equipment (if adult in odd-numbered group): Single kayak, paddle, buoyancy aid and spray skirt. Kayaks used are normally Peception Carolina 15, length 442 cm (image below shows Carolina 13.5, slightly shorter than the model used).

Single kayak can be chosen as an option for extra adult in odd-numbered group.

*Exact Trangia contents/models may differ from example shown below.

Full camping and kitchen equipment is provided.

• Maps: Two waterproof canoeing maps.
• Instructor: Introduction/assistance in planning your route before your tour starts.

Please be careful with the canoe and the rest of your equipment! If some part of the equipment should break as a result of misuse or carelessness, you may be charged for the damage caused.

Not Included

• Travel: We do not arrange flights or domestic travel, but are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey. See under "Getting There" for general travel information.
• There is no food included. You must bring all food needed during the tour with you from the beginning as this tour runs in a remote area with no opportunities to buy food along the way. Provisions can be purchased in Kuhmo or from a small store near the start point.

Required

Health requirements/experience:

Swimming ability required by all participants. Minimum 2 adults. You should be in good health with a good general level of fitness and strength and enjoy the outdoors. Recommended minimum age 12.

The canoe tour runs through a series of lakes connected by sections of river and short rapids. Rapids should be bypassed on foot by carrying the canoe or using the trolley/rail system available at certain points to assist with land transports.

Note that there are large areas of open water on the tour. Paddling on lakes can be challenging in windy conditions and the water can be choppy. You should consider carefully the best side of the lake to paddle on and cross areas of open water at the narrowest points and when conditions are as favourable as possible. You should be prepared to adjust your itinerary and allow extra time depending on weather conditions.

In summertime, the prevailing wind is east to west, and as you are predominantly paddling west, you may experience headwinds. Even on windy days, conditions will often be much calmer in the early morning or late afternoon/evening, so in windy conditions, you may wish to adjust the times of day you do the most paddling.

What makes this "Medium"?

The area is quite remote and outside high season you may see few other persons during your trip, but has a network of camping locations and also rails provided for some portages. Total distance paddled and route is taken is flexible. In windy conditions, the lakes can be choppy and paddling more challenging.

NB: Perception of difficulty is very subjective. What is hard to one person may be easy for another and vice versa, depending on factors including level of fitness, age and previous experience. Weather conditions/temperatures can also dramatically affect the actual level of challenge encountered.

Equipment/clothes needed:

For information on any equipment and/or clothing included as standard for this experience, please see under "What's Included".

A detailed recommended packing list for personal items to bring will be sent with your booking documentation.

NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing. Note of course that the most appropriate clothing to use as well as the level of challenge experienced during any outdoor activity may vary significantly depending on factors such as the time of year and the particular weather/temperature conditions during your trip.

Preparing for your trip:

For further reading, we also have a number of general information articles to get you ready for your trip, covering a wide variety of topics from what to do on a city break before/after your tour, advice on packing, eyewear for winter and considerations for female travellers.

Groups

This experience is ideal for groups. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Eco Info

This provider has a written environmental policy.

"Thanks again for a lovely holiday. The lavu camping facilities and freedom and every man's rights are absolutely liberating and lovely. Fabulous expansive landscapes and water were stunning." Georgina, August 2022

"The Tar Route gave us just the right amount of challenge. There were moments when we were a little concerned but these were short lived and we also had plenty of time to enjoy ourselves. It felt like an adventure, not a holiday, and that was exactly what we wanted. It gave my girls the opportunity to show me how brave, resilient and supportive they have become. I was extremely proud of them. Finland was extraordinarily peaceful. We never saw another tourist so always had campsites to ourselves. Facilities were immaculately well kept by the rangers and respectful fellow travellers. We saw forest caribou twice, a white-tailed sea eagle, a crane and great northern divers amongst other wildlife. Our host was a delight to meet, professional and helpful at all times. The equipment provided was appropriate, clean and in good repair." Adam, July 2022