Kalix River Canoe Adventure

The snow and rain of the mountains feed Kalix River and is full of power in the early season, clear and quiet in the fall.

Natives taught the early traders and trappers the use of the canoe. The canoe came to Sweden around 1920. In those areas the river has been used for transportation with boats and used for fishing

for hundreds of years.

 

The rivers and lakes were the most common "roads" through the northern forests. During our canoetrips we supply all necessary equipment and meals, our leaders are expert guides who know the rivers, their history and their importance in earlier and modern times and the plants and wildlife you might see. We pitch our tents or lavvu (sametent) where we find a good spot

along the shores. 

 

Camping in the wilderness does not have to be uncomfortable, your guide knows how to set up the camp. It is an exhilarating feeling when you realize that you and your few friends are probably the only humans for miles around. And by the way, why don`t you learn some bushcraft and survivalskills from our guides during the trip.

 

The canoes can safely transport 450 kg, that means two persons with their equipment like tents and personal gear plus part of the group equipment. Canoe training and practise are part of the program.

 

Guided canoe tour supported with rubberraft, with wilderness camping on Kalix River in Swedish Lapland.

 

Fun, thrills, skills and action on this guided canoe trip in open Canadian canoes. You learn to ”read” the water and practice minimum impact wilderness camping, you learn basic bushcraft and survival skills during the tour.

 

A day of training on quiet water prepares you for the run down the beautiful Kalix

River. No experience is necessary for the canoe tour. Paddler Skill of this stretch of the river is classified as ”;Novice to some skills Open Canadian”, but the current, some rapids, gravel bars demand your awareness.  

 

There are no towns along the route, you can find some small huts from the locals and then just the river, wilderness and forests. 

A truly canoe adventure for first time and experienced paddler

 

Price: SEK 12 395 SEK/person

 

these guided canoe trips with wilderness camping are suitable for beginners and are supported with a rubberraft. 

International classification of difficulty (1 is lowest, 5 is highest) rates this stretch of the Kalix River as Class I overall with a few Class I and II rapids,one Class III rapid. If we don’t run the rapids with the canoes we carry the equipment passing the rapid we can also run the rapids with a rubber raft in a safe way.

 

The river is wide enough so that larger waves can be avoided.

You are equiped with wetsuits, helmet and lifejackets.

 

Meeting time: 13:00 am at the Lappeasuando lodge.

 

Mininmum age: 12 years, accompanied by one adult.

 

You meet your guide in the morning in Lappeasuando. An alternate pick up point is in the town of Kiruna. At Lappeasuando Lodge you learn the basic paddle strokes, emergency procedures and signals. You receive advice regarding camping in the wilderness, personal equipment and work sharing of the crews.

 

Tomorrow, on the river, training will continue. The safety and comfort of the

participants are the primary concerns of the guide. Tonight’s dinner is at Lappeasuando lodge.

 

Not needed luggage stays safely at Lappeasuando lodge. For the next two nights you pitch your tent or Lavvu on spots along the shore. Your paddling speed depends a lot on the water level.

 

The forested river valley is uninhabited except some small cottages from locals. You have excellent chances to spot wild waterfowls, eagles, reindeers, perhaps a bear and moose. Five or six hours daily

are spent on the river, at times leisurely drifting downstream, alert to the next rapid or obstacle.

 

Sometimes you might have to drag the boat over shallow spots. There is time for swimming, exploring, fishing and learning bushcraft and some survival skills around the campfire.

 

It is actually easy and satisfying to keep a clean camp. Minimum impact means that your group spends an afternoon and the night camping, cooking and exploring nature in any way, leaving no trace but footprints in the sand – which the next rain washes away.

 

In the afternoon day 4, you come to the end of your canoe trip the goal is were we started the first day in Lappeasuando. The luggage you left behind is waiting for you in Lappeasuando,

 

Time for a celebration, late lunch early dinner and a Shower/Sauna.

Optional is staying one night more at Lappeasuando Lodge.

 

This is a wilderness canoe tour. The guide carries a satellite phone but once started it is difficult to interrupt the trip and is only attempted in cases of emergency. Minimum age is 12 years for children accompanied by a parent.

 

Equipment list and tour details are sent when the Canoe tour is booked

What is included in the tour.

 

Transportation to Lappeasuando Lodge day 1 and departure day 5

Alcohol beverage