Canoeing trip

Paddling in a canoe involves good nature-based experiences and mastery, as well as  cooperation and good partners. As you can’t paddle a canoe alone, one of the joys of canoeing is the shared experience – laughing together, having fun and talking and paddling at the same time.

When it comes to the actual paddling, the Alta River has many calm sections, but you will also encounter occasional waves and rapids. Accidents may happen and the canoe may overturn. However, this is not dramatic because all participants have life jackets and we have gone through how to act in the various situations that may arise. It’s also something you can laugh about together afterwards around the fire while your socks are drying. In such cases, it’s wise to have an extra change of clothes. In the summer, the water temperature is milder (up to 16 °C) and the water level is low so that the current is not too strong.

The Alta River

The Alta River is best known as one of the best salmon fishing rivers in the world. There are few places on earth where the chances of catching a 10 kg salmon are greater than here in Alta. To try that you need a fishing licence and the chances of getting your hands on a fishing licence for the Alta River are virtually impossible!

However, you don’t need a fishing licence to paddle in the Alta River. This activity enables you to enjoy the nature and animal life as you paddle silently down the river. Perhaps we will meet a salmon angler who is about to end their fishing period at 12 noon or one who is waiting to start at 18.00 (6 pm).

We will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to Bollo or Sorrisniva, where the paddling trip starts. Both are good fishing spots and it’s highly likely that we will see salmon jumping.

Nature and animal life

This trip takes us through the lower reaches of the picturesque Alta Valley and the Alta River. The landscape here is dominated by coniferous and broadleaf forest and cultural and agricultural areas. Paddling in a canoe provides a close-up encounter with the animal life, such as white-tailed sea eagles, various duck species and, if you’re lucky, the king of the forest, the moose.

A culinary journey

The trip down the river is also a culinary experience. We aspire to serve good food, preferably grilled over an open fire on the riverbank. Lunch is included on this trip and the menu may comprise fish soup, the Sami festive dish biđus, a moose burger or salmon. The meal will be prepared over open fire and served in the great outdoors.

History

The Alta River (or Altaelva as it’s known in Norwegian) plays a central part of the history of Alta and forms an important part of the identity of locals of Alta. During the trip, your guide will tell you about the history of the river, organisation of fishing rights, the damming of the river and construction of the hydroelectric power plant and the subsequent years.

Flat water

If the participants prefer, we can offer a canoeing trip on a calm lake. In such cases, we choose the Kvenvik area, which is a 15-minute drive, in a pine forest, west of Alta. In many ways, the content is the same. We experience majestic nature and have rich experiences, but you will have to put in more effort as there is no current to help us. Along the way, we can enjoy the flora, fauna and geography. Details concerning lunch, duration and instruction are the same as for trips on the Alta River.

Age limit

If there are children aged 12 or younger, the canoeing trip takes place on flat water, as described in the paragraph above. That way, it will be a nice and safe trip for everyone.

Here are our terms and conditions.