Moderately difficult six-day canoe trip on the most impressive river of Finish-Lapland
moderate
Distance 112.7 km
The Ivalojoki is considered one of the most stunning rivers in Finland. Therefore a canoe tour on this river is a real adventure. Surrounded by the lonely but magnificent wilderness the trip takes us from Ivalon Matti in the south to Ivalo in the North. Thereby we cover a distance of 112 km. The tour is also suitable for beginners, nevertheless one should be aware that there are some rapids to pass. In the beginning the landscape is dominated by birch forests which merge into coniferous forests in the north. In between we paddle through an impressive valley which reminds one of a canyon. By the shore you often recognize old buildings dated back to the Gold Rush. There are some self-catering huts by the shore which can be used as accommodations. But be careful they are situated really unregularly and they are rare, especially at the beginning of the tour. So it is recommendable to take a tent along.
Author’s recommendation
The moderately difficult canoe tour is also suitable for beginners. But in any case canoe experiences on lakes should be made in advance. Calculate about six days to cover the whole distance.
Author
Tessa WötzelUpdate: February 05, 2020
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
269 m
Lowest point
119 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Safety information
The water level reaches its top in June. In September the water level is often too low to enjoy a comfortable canoe tour.
There are no shopping possibilities during the tour. Therefore take enough food along.
Tips and hints
You find some videos about the two most difficult rapids of the tour in the gallery. The other video shows nice impressions of the tour.Start
Bridge at route N955 near Ivalon Matti (268 m)
Coordinates:
DD
68.338850, 25.886534
DMS
68°20'19.9"N 25°53'11.5"E
UTM
35W 454135 7581058
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Destination
Ivalo
Turn-by-turn directions
Our tour starts in Ivalon Matti. The bridge at the road N955 is a good place to get into the canoe and onto the river. On the first kilometers we hit only some small rapids. But pay attention: At low water level you may hit rocks. After 15 km the river Reposuvanto merges into Ivalojocki and after 40 km we arrive at the small town Kuttura. Here the river is calm for 2 km until we reach some rather long and difficult rapids. The rapid near Saarniköngäs (video) should be inspected in advance to see the best line. We follow the river in northern direction and pass easy rapids from time to time. At kilometer 57 we arrive at the bridge near Kultala. Now the probably most beautiful part of the tour begins, as we start to canoe through the canyon. In this section many beautiful camping places can be found by the shore and it is absolutely worth hiking over the surrounding hills. The next difficult part is the rapid near Tolonen (video). It is recommendable to inspect this rapid from the right shore in advance. On the last 25 km we have to pass some easier rapids, apart from this we can relax on the final section to Ivalo.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Getting there
Follow Route 70, 80 and 955 from Rovaniemi to the bridge near Ivalon-Matti.Parking
Parking lots availableCoordinates
DD
68.338850, 25.886534
DMS
68°20'19.9"N 25°53'11.5"E
UTM
35W 454135 7581058
w3w
///elector.sprain.mount
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Equipment
Canoe, paddle, life vest, waterproofed bags, enough food, camping equipmentReviews
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
112.7 km
Duration
16:19 h
Ascent
1 m
Descent
150 m
Highest point
269 m
Lowest point
119 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- Waypoints
- Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
Rating
Photos from others