Good to know

When planning a Canoe Trip on the Seal Trail?

Remember that successful adventures don’t just happen, they are always the result of careful planning. Paddlers must know their equipment, know their limits, and respect the environment. The most important prerequisite for a safe trip is good judgement. Seal Trail Visitors Guide describes conditions that may be encountered as well as preparations paddlers should make for a trip on the Seal Trail Canoe System.
As you plan your trip, ask yourself about the type of  nature experience you seek. The Seal Trail Canoe System practically overflows with opportunities for paddlers of every variety and skill level. You’ll find here some of the finest lake-to-lake and backcountry canoeing in the whole of Northern Europe. Alternatively, numerous close to mainland destination  - perfect for family outings - will give you a more recreational canoe experience, with varying degrees of skills required. Whether you’re looking for high adventure, exploration, solitude, inspiration, nature studies or fishing, the Seal Trail offers a wide range of opportunities to meet your high expectations. We also do variety of guided full service tours in Kolovesi and Linnansaari National Parks.

When planning your trip:

• The main thing to know is whether you prefer a canoe or a kayak
• How many days you wish to spend paddling
• Activities -all day paddling or more easy going trip.
• Budget
• How are you traveling -by car or by public transport?
  
• Wild camping or on the camp grounds (in National Parks)
  

With all the questions you have about your tour -we'll help you!

Drinking water:
You can drink the lake water (it is recommended to boil it before drinking). Since the lake water contains organic matter many choose to bring some drinking water and use lake water only for cooking etc. You can fill up your water bottles in Oravi and Linnansaari.

Making fire:
In the national parks lighting campfires is only allowed at designated camp sites. It is forbidden to lighting campfires when a forest fire warning is in effect. Outside the national parks (for example Joutenvesi area) it is not allowed to make fire. You are allowed to use a camping cooker.

Camping:
In the national parks camping  is only allowed at designated camp sites (marked on the map). Outside the national parks the everyman’s right is applied. You may camp out temporarily (1-2 nights) at a reasonable distance from private property. According to the everyman’s right you are not allowed to  light open campfires without permission, except in an emergency

Short picnic brakes are allowed everywhere accept for some restricted areas in the national parks (marked on the map) between 1st January – 30th April or 1st January – 15th July

Waste Management:

In the National Park there is no waste bins. Measures should be taken in advance to avoid taking unnecessary waste into the area. You can use campfire sites to burn paper waste and leave biodegradable waste in the dry toilets. Take all other waste out of the area or bring them to the Waste-bins in Kirkkoranta or Oravi village.

Fishing:
Everyone can fish with a rod and line without license. If you want to fish with a spinner you need to buy fishing license (fisheries management fee). You can read more about fishing licenses here.

Safety:
When boating or canoeing, an appropriate map is always needed.
There are hundreds of islands and we recommend you plan your trip according to the wind forecast, paddle on the calm sides of the islands. If you start your trip in Oravi you can get help from our canoeing guides when you are planning the route. During your trip you can also call or send a sms to our office and ask for advice. If you face a serious emergency on your hike call 112.

Mobile Phone Coverage:
Although Finland has a broad network for mobile phones, there can be some areas in the park without signal. There may also be some smaller spots where there is interference. If this happens try to climb to a higher place or go into an open area. Different phones also differ in their coverage.