Curious about paddling?
Summer offers countless ways to get outdoors – on foot, by bike, or out on the water. But few activities give you the same sense of freedom and connection to nature as paddling.
In a canoe, you move quietly across the water, close to the surface and surrounded by nature. You travel at your own pace and get to experience places that are difficult to reach any other way. A canoe can also carry enough gear for several days, making it perfect for real wilderness adventures.
It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking to truly get away from it all.
What is a Canoe?
A canoe is a narrow, lightweight boat that is usually powered by people rather than a motor. It can be paddled with either a single-bladed paddle or a double-bladed paddle. Single-bladed paddles are most commonly used when two people are paddling together, while a double-bladed paddle makes it easy for one person to paddle and steer on their own.
The term canoe is often used as a general name for two main types of paddle craft: kayaks, which are usually paddled with a double-bladed paddle, and Canadian canoes, which are typically paddled with single-bladed paddles.
At Vildmark i Värmland, we mainly use Linder Canadian canoes for our canoe trips. They are made from aluminium, making them both durable and lightweight. Each canoe is 5.25 metres long and can carry up to 400 kg. This means you can bring much more gear than you would on a hiking trip, making multi-day wilderness adventures easy and comfortable. In addition to the fixed seats, extra removable seats can be added, especially for children.
We also offer sit-on-top kayaks – stable kayaks that are easy for one person to paddle.
How do you steer a Canoe?
In a Canadian canoe, the person sitting in the back is usually responsible for steering. By using different paddle strokes, the canoe can be turned to the left or right and kept on a straight course.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or have paddled thousands of kilometres, you’ll always receive an introduction to paddling techniques and safety before heading out on a canoe trip with Vildmark i Värmland.
Which waterway is right for you?
At Vildmark i Värmland, you can paddle on both rivers and lakes. If you’re travelling with young children, a trip on the Klarälven River could be the perfect choice. The gentle current helps you along, and it’s easy to stop at beautiful sandy beaches and sandbanks for breaks, swimming, or picnics.
If you’re looking for a more challenging adventure, a multi-day trip on the Svartälven River or the lakes of Bergslagen might be just what you’re after. Along the way, you’ll need to carry your canoe and transport it on a canoe trolley at several points. The route combines rivers and lakes and takes you through the beautiful wilderness of northeastern Värmland.
When paddling on the Rottnan River, your journey begins in Norway before quickly crossing back into Sweden. Here you’ll experience the wild landscapes of Finnskogen and find plenty of scenic campsites along the way.
On Röjdån, you can explore a number of islands and enjoy peaceful surroundings. The area also offers excellent campsites with shelters and fire pits, making it a fantastic place to spend the night under the open sky.
Curious about Canoeing?
Take a look at our canoe packages and find the adventure that suits you best. Some of our trips have fixed departure dates during the season, but in spring and autumn we can often offer more flexible departures, as long as the lakes and rivers are ice-free and your group includes at least four adults.
You can find more information here: Canoe Packages.
Share
