Rovaniemi in 1 Day for Families - Small groups (max 8) — personal attention from certified guides
In Collaboration with Arctic GM. Updated on February 8, 2026.
A gentle, family-friendly canoe trip from Rovaniemi with expert guides, lakeside safety briefing, wildlife spotting, and a relaxing lakeside barbecue — transfers, equipment and hot drinks included. Designed for families with children (age guidance provided).
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Arctic GM, inspired by the tour Arctic Canoeing Trip & Barbeque - Small Group . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Small groups (max 8) — personal attention from certified guides
- Guided canoeing on a calm Lapland lake with wildlife spotting
- Lakeside barbecue with hot drinks — relaxed family-friendly finish
- Pickup & drop-off included from accommodation in Rovaniemi
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day family canoeing experience with lakeside barbecue. Total duration ~6 hours; comfortable transfers included.
Pickup from your accommodation in Rovaniemi (transfer in luxury 4×4 van)
We collect your family from your Rovaniemi accommodation in Arctic GM's heated 4×4 van. Friendly driver and guide will confirm exact meeting time during booking.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm the exact pickup address the day before — hotels in Rovaniemi city centre (near Rovaniemi Railway Station) typically use a 09:00 pickup; Santa Claus Village pickups may be earlier. Ask the operator for a precise time.
- If you travel with young children, request an appropriate child car seat in advance — the guides can usually supply them but need notice.
- Bring a small dry bag with snacks, sunscreen, and spare clothes for kids; the van has space for luggage but wet clothing should be stored separately.
Arrival & safety briefing — lakeside (gear fitting and short practice)
Arrive at a calm Lapland lake shore. Your guide issues life jackets, fits paddles, runs a family-friendly safety briefing and a short on-land practice before launching.
Tips from local experts:
- Life jackets are provided for all ages — request a specific child's size if you have infants or very small toddlers.
- Restrooms may be basic or a short walk away; change small children into dry clothes before gear-up to avoid long waits after paddling.
- If anyone in the family is new to paddling, ask the guide for a tandem canoe pairing so an adult can sit with a small child — guides are used to arranging seating for safety and comfort.
Guided family canoeing on a Lapland lake — wildlife & views
Set off on a guided paddle across calm waters. The guide leads a safe, leisurely route with frequent stops for photos, bird- and shoreline-watching and short interpretation about local nature.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a lightweight camera or a waterproof pouch for phones — glimpses of swans, ducks or reindeer at the shore are common in summer.
- Apply insect repellent and sunscreen before you launch — July evenings can be sunny and there may be midges near still water; long sleeves help protect children.
- For families with toddlers: place a towel and a spare set of clothes in the van — kids might get splashed during gentle stops or while exploring the shallows at the shore.
Lakeside barbecue & hot drinks — relaxed family meal
After paddling, gather around the lakeside fire to warm up, enjoy hot drinks and a traditional barbecue (grilled sausages). Time to rest, refuel and let children explore the safe shoreline under guide supervision.
Tips from local experts:
- Notify the operator of any food allergies or dietary restrictions before the trip — they can usually accommodate alternatives for children (vegetarian or allergen-free sausages) if informed.
- Bring a light picnic blanket and a small first-aid kit for cuts or scrapes — guides carry safety kits but quick access to family items is handy.
- If your children nap midday, schedule the canoeing to include quiet time on the shore during the barbecue — many families tuck a sleeping child in a cozy blanket while adults enjoy hot drinks.
Return transfer to your Rovaniemi accommodation
Comfortable drive back to Rovaniemi; guides can drop families at central hotels or selected addresses within the pickup area.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect to arrive back in Rovaniemi around mid-afternoon — ideal timing for a nap-ready child or a relaxed visit to a child-friendly cafe afterward.
- If you need a late drop-off (for example, to Santa Claus Village), confirm during booking — some remote drops may add a short extra drive.
- Keep wet clothes in a plastic bag to avoid dampness in the return van; the driver can help stow items to keep the seating area dry and comfortable.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 3 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Experience, Outdoor, Meal |
