Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Juelsminde, Silkeborg, Viborg, Horsens, Skanderborg and Randers) through
which the river flows all list canoeing as a major tourist attraction and the
river in general is a rich tourism resource, providing opportunities for fishing,
hiking, cycling and cultural interest that might be linked to a canoe tour.
The overall carbon footprint of such a holiday would depend on how the
tour endpoints are accessed; obviously, the canoe travel itself is carbon
neutral. There is no data available on mode of transport used to access canoe
tours, but car parking is well publicized by canoe rental establishments. It can
be generally assumed that the modal split is likely to reflect Danish tourism
more widely and be dominated by the car. Transport from the end of trips
back to the start is provided by bus.
As well as the carbon footprint caused by car access, there are localized
environmental impacts to the river ecosystem due to disturbance. During the
1970s and 1980s canoeing on the river became so popular that it was neces-
sary to reduce the number of canoes, in the interest of nature and wildlife. A
total ban was contemplated but rejected, but the numbers allowed on the river
at any one time were restricted. During this time the toilet and camp facilities
along the river were extended and refurbished in order to 'contain' the
tourists, and limit their impact on the surrounding nature and other activities
associated with the river (fishing, hiking, etc.). Activities are restricted
upstream of Tørring, and only 50 canoes are allowed to set out from Tørring
each week. The canoe season runs from 16 June to 28 February, and activity
is restricted to between 08.00 and 18.00 during this period, to limit distur-
bance to wildlife. Landing is only allowed at designated areas such as
campsites. Up to three-person canoes are allowed, and groups may consist of
a maximum of five canoes. The Gudenå River is viewed as one of the most
precious natural areas in Denmark; nature conservation is a top priority and
the above restrictions ensure that other activities along the river are not unnec-
essarily disturbed by canoes.
Exploring the Gudenå River by canoe can be described as a transport-as-
tourism experience. Participants physically engage with the environment in a
very direct way that makes them co-producers of the tourist experience. The
trip is also inherently social, being shared with other participants, and pro-
duces many memorable stories. As trips can be adapted to suit the ability level
of the group, it can be embraced by families with young children as well as
more competent adults. While the skill level required is low, given the high
level of self-reliance, the Gudenå River provides tourists with a unique slow
travel opportunity.
Sea kayaking tours in British Columbia
Sea kayaking tours are available in many parts of the world, such as Scotland,
Oman, Fiji, Australia and British Columbia. Trips are organized either inde-
pendently by participants with their own equipment, or tourists can join a
tour organized over a few hours to several days. Some tours are essentially
small-scale expeditions, and may involve scientific data collection such as
monitoring wildlife. Given that much of the activity is undertaken by individ-
uals, small groups or small tourism operators, there is very little formal data
