5 days, 4 nights
On the canal tour, you will paddle both in the sheltered mazes of the archipelago and on the outskirts of the big backs and in a culturally and historically interesting environment.As you paddle through the Käyhkää and Kukonharju canals, you can only imagine the hustle and bustle of the region in the late 18th century. At that time, a great Russian war hero, General Suvorov, decided to clear the fairway for warships from Lappeenranta to Savonlinna. Our own waterway, which required the construction of four canals, was needed because the only natural waterway, the Puumala Strait, was sadly on the Swedish side.
Historically, therefore, you will paddle in the ancient border waters of the great powers. On the second and last day of the route, paddles through,already at that time, the strategically important Strait of Puumala. Then it is possible to deviate to civilisation and stop in the church village of Puumala to eat vendace or Ville Haapasalo’s hatsapuri.
Along the route, accommodation takes place for the first two and the last nights in a tent at campsites on the very own islands. On the third night, staying overnight is on your own island in a kayaking cabin. After three days of brisk kayaking, the sauna also awaits awards on the island.
The length of day trips is 3–25 km. The total length of the route is at least about 80 km.The route runs mainly in fairly sheltered waters. In some places, however, you can paddle along the large backwaters, so in windy weather this route is demanding.
The Canal Tour is one of the Saimaa Canoeing canoeing trails. Saimaa Canoeing routes offer an easy and safe way to go on an independent kayaking trip. You get a pre-planned route, the length of which you can adjust according to your kayaking enthusiasm and weather. Overnight stays along the route only take place in private campsites reserved for you on very own islands. The campsites include a dry toilet, campfire site, tent sites and wood storage, drinking water and firewood. You spend some of the nights in comfortable, small kayaking cabins. In connection with the cottages, there is always a sauna and the possibility to charge mobile phones.
You can go on the route either with your own kayaking or hiking equipment or rent them
from us.
Departure point:
The start and end of the route is at the Saimaa Canoeing base, Niinisaari.
Schedule:
Departure on the route from 12 noon and return from the route by 18. You can arrive at the accommodation daily from 15 and check-out by 12.
Route Map: Canal Tour
Paddling trips and overnight stays along the route:
1st Day: minimum distance 3 km / overnight stay in Happy Island (Happy Island)
2nd Day: minimum distance 25 km / overnight stay in Kaurasaari (Kaurasaari)
3th Day: minimum paddling distance 22 km / overnight stay in Ukonsaari (Ukonsaari).
4th Day: minimum paddling distance 23 km/ overnight stay in Hermit island in Glamping tent (Hermit Island).
5th Day: Minimum paddling distance 5 km and return to the Saimaa Canoeing paddling base.
Route fee:
260 € / 1 – 2 person. Extra persons 100€/person (max. 4 people) For larger groups ask for a separate offer.
The price of the route fee includes:
- route guidance and maps
- 3 nights accommodation in private campsites, 1 night accommodation in a paddling cottage + sauna
- car storage at the departure point
- departure point services (dry toilet, water point, service room)
- security instructions and gear list
- Daily phone assistance in emergencies from 9 am to 7 pm
- Local information about en-route services, landscapes and special sites (glacial erratics,
caves, etc.)
For an additional price:
- Canoeing equipment for the route: Open canoe 200 €, Double Kayak 270€, Single kayak 190 €
- Camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag + mattress, kettle, cooking and dining dishes, EA package) 120 €/person
- Firewood in campsites 5 €/box (payment after the trip according to use)
- Water canisters at the campsite 4 €/5 l (payment after the trip according to use)
- Accomodation on the strating point before and/or after paddling tour
You can also book a tour by contacting us directly:
info@saimaacanoeing.fi or +358 50 5487653
3 taso
