Be in the happiest country in the World: Finland. ‘Love of neighbour and nature’ says the official website of Kuusamo. It couldn’t be more accurate: a land renowned for its natural beauty, forests in an untouched wilderness adorned by lakes, rivers and rapids, region has paths for the small shoes and the experienced ones. Enjoy the peace of summer nature with your child as you listen to the whispers around you.
Familiarise with and review the canoeing route plan and safety plan before u hit the crystal clear freshwater lake in Finnish Lapland: Children as skippers in the front and parent as the co-pilot at the rear of the canoe. Set up camp in the wilderness and connect with your loved ones and make new friends by the campfire.
Paddle on big open water as you head towards sandy beaches and sunbathing reindeers. Take a break and get regaled by the tales of the land. Meet, greet and feed the reindeers in their home. Maybe you can try swimming under the midnight sun!
Canoeing experts that you’ve become, arrive at a cozy wilderness cabin in the late afternoon. Heat up a traditional wilderness sauna, carry the water from the lake and relax our tired muscles in the warmth of the sauna and listen to the silence of nature, under the midnight sun. Relive the stories of your adventure as all enjoy a bonfire.
Find a hidden treasure from the forest! Maybe compete for the title of the ‘Fastest Nordic Paddler’. Visit the most beautiful National Park of the area, Oulanka NP and hike the small bear trail through spectacular views over the river Kitka and old growth forests surrounding it. If lucky you may spot a bear or two in the wild.
Time for the Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi: capital of Lapland. Know more about the Arctic animals. Have a tete-a-tete with Santa and his elves at their summer home. Enjoy some free time in the town and get ready for the surprises that await.
It’s not about spending money at all. The smallest of activities can bring joy and help you reconnect with your child; be it fishing, playing catch, shopping trip, assemble a toy car, putting together a doll house, a road trip and there’s so much more.
Yes, it is! Children are typically seated at the front as skippers with an adult as the co-pilot. All routes come with detailed safety and canoeing plans, and life jackets are required at all times.
Yes, guided encounters such as feeding reindeer are safe and enriching for children. Bear sightings, if any, occur from a distance and are usually supervised by park rangers or guides.
Definitely! Kids can meet Santa and his elves, learn about Arctic animals, and enjoy activities tailored for families, making it a memorable summer experience.