River & Lake Canoe Journeys

In 2024 we organise canoe trips only on request. Minimum 2 persons and 2 days. From 150EUR per day and person including canoe rental.

Here is what it can look like:

The Plan We navigate a river and lake system using canoes, bringing everything we need to cook and camp at the wild places we encounter, often on small islands. We will learn to read the river, safely navigate rapid sections, sometimes lining the canoes, sometimes paddling. With a bit of luck and by moving quietly we can spot moose and beavers. Fishing for trout with rods and nets for those who want can be part of the trip too. Other highlights can be to visit one of Norway’s most famous bakeries, climb a smaller mountain, and enjoying a floating sauna and meeting friendly locals.

The Location The journeys are mainly based on the Otta river and lake system, flanked by the Reinheimen, Breheimen, and Jotunheimen national parks. After a safety training and canoe introduction, we will embark on the journey. Different parts of the river-lake system offers its own unique beauties, challenges, and learning opportunities.

The Seasons Trips with canoes can take place form the moment the ice is melted in May until the days get shorter and temperatures drop to sub zero in Oktober. Every season has its own beauties, challenges and opportunities: May and beginning of June has generally low water levels, snow capped mountains. Throughout June and July the water levels will rise, the weather is warmer. In August and September the water levels are dropping again, nature is full of berries and mushrooms.

We can learn/ introduce you to:

• Canoe basics, getting in & out, alone & together, basic safety/ stability principles
• Partner rescue w. capsizing practice, rescue & being rescued
• Different paddle techniques in the the front and back position
• Trimming & loading a canoe with weight/ packing, how to (and if) to attach luggage
• Setting up recovery lines and lining lines on the canoe, lining a canoe down a rapid
• Wind & waves, how to paddle in wind and when not
• Reading the river flow, water level understanding, reading rapids, categorising rapids
• Flowing water techniques such as eddie turns, back-paddling, ferrying
• Possible canoe sailing upon request and if the wind is right

Usually we also touch upon these wilderness skills:

• Fire making & cooking on fire, tripods, cooking hooks
• Setting up of tarps, rope techniques, knots
• Different techniques of fishing (rod, maybe nets)
• Navigation, reading wind and weather The program will be adapted to the conditions of nature and the rhythm of the group.