This 9-day tour aims to provide small groups and families with an incredible introduction to the wildlife and environment of Europe's stunning wilderness. Participants will explore Kainuu, an area of wilderness in Finland on the border with Russia, with picturesque hilled landscapes, forests, lakes and rivers, and untouched wild habitat. This untamed environment is home to wild forest reindeer, moose, and large carnivores which are rarely found elsewhere in Europe.
The itinerary incorporates numerous activities (all in association with the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation) related to wildlife conservation in Europe - such as helping at the husky-base and trekking through the wilderness with the dogs, canoeing along the river to beaver damns and learning how to track bears. You will then spend a night in a wildlife hide trying to see some of Finland's native species in their natural habitat!
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Kajaani or Kuopio International airport. Transfer to the husky-base near Kumho.
Day 2
Today is spent with the Huskies; grooming, feeding and massaging the dogs as well as helping to build kennels and cabins for them.
Day 3
Head into the forests on a husky trek for the first taste of the Finnish wilderness.
Day 4
Assist in wildlife conservation in Europe by making and setting up boxes for birds and flying squirrels, and help to build wildlife-watching hides.
Day 5
Transfer to a small river nearby for a canoeing tour to witness Eurasian beavers and their dams and lodges from the water.
Day 6
Visit the Petola Visitor Centre to learn about carnivores and transfer to Lentiira village. Here, the group study bear tracks in the forest, learn about bear-watching in Finland and get ready for a night in the bear-watching hide.
Day 7
Transfer back to Taiga Spirit B&B for breakfast, a shower and some time for rest. In the late afternoon, help the guides warm up the yurt for one last sauna before dinner.
Day 8
Transfer back to Kajaani or Kuopio airport.
