Canoe and Kayak Adventures
Paddle the wild and pristine rivers and lakes of Enontekiö, from short Hetta trips to multi-day guided river journeys.
Enontekiö sits high in the Arctic, yet from around mid-June to mid-September its wild, pristine waters are open for paddling. About 5% of the municipality is water, with several large rivers rising here alongside 825 lakes. 'Eno' is an old Finnish word for major river.
- 825 lakes and major rivers to explore
- Best paddling from late May to end of September
- Guided or self-guided (facilitated) river journeys
- Optional kit-hire damage waiver for peace of mind
Rivers & lakes
Key rivers include the Muonionjoki, the Ounasjoki, the Ivalojoki and one of the headstreams of the Tenojoki. Late May and June, straight after the snow-melt, is arguably the best time for kayaking. Paddling runs until the end of September, when early winter frosts can whiten the riverbanks by morning.
Canoe or kayak
Most journeys work by canoe or kayak, depending on availability. Canoeing is an elegant way to enjoy the wildlife and scenery, and suits families, since stronger paddlers can support weaker ones.
River rentals & transfers
We offer short paddling adventures in Hetta, midnight-sun paddling, skills courses, river transfers (facilitated but non-guided journeys) and 1- and 2-day guided journeys, with tailor-made pick-ups to suit your plans.
Midnight Sun PaddleAn evening river-to-lake paddle timed to sunset on the still waters of Lake Ounasjärvi in the midnight sun, with a chance of aurora reflections in autumn.
Overnight River JourneysGuided and facilitated 1-, 2- and multi-day paddles on the wilderness rivers around Enontekiö, from the 22km Ounasjoki daytrip to the 115km wild Lätäseno.
Short PaddlesHalf-day guided or facilitated paddles close to Hetta - from the meandering Suonttajoki river to open-water crossings of Lake Ounasjärvi, plus downtown kayak and SUP hire.
Skills ClinicsTechnique clinics and 2-day 'Discover' courses in canoeing and kayaking - from a 3-hour refresher to foundation skills with a basic paddling certificate.Good to know
- Season
- Mid-June to mid-September (snow-melt from late May)
- Hire includes
- Paddles, lifejackets, throw-rope, dry barrels, sprayskirts as applicable
Ready when you are
Real wilderness, 200+ huskies, eighteen winters in.