Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CANOEING THE SQUIRREL ROUTE
57km beginner- and family-friendly journey starts at Juva and traverses lakes, rivers and
gentle rapids on the way to Sulkava. It's a very pretty journey: you feel miles away from
the stresses of everyday life; information boards along the route describe local nature.
You can do the trip in two strenuous days; there's a good campsite midway. But this
means around six to nine hours of paddling each day, so you may want to do it in three, or
even four days. This would mean taking a tent, which you can hire at Juva Camping.
Another option is a drop-off further along the route, making for an easier first day.
Late spring and early summer see the best water levels.
GETTING STARTED
May-Sep; ) provides everything you need: it hires two-person Canadian canoes (per
day €40) or single kayaks (per day €30), supplies a good waterproof route map, hires
tents and camping gear, and can arrange to pick you (or just the canoe) up at Sulkava
(€20/60 for canoes/canoes plus passengers). It's just off the north-south highway
between Mikkeli and Varkaus, 3km west of Juva and 63km from Savonlinna. Buses stop
nearby.
THE ROUTE
There are regular rest stops with fireplaces and toilets. From Juva Camping it's an easy
8km paddle across Jukajärvi to the beginning of the river section, Polvijoki, where you
must carry your canoe around the dam to the right. Passing through the small lakes
Riemiö and Souru, you come to gentle 200m Voikoski rapids. Continue along the canal,
carrying the canoe across the road at the end, before negotiating the Karijoki.
13;tent sites €12 plus per person €3, cabins €60-110; May-Sep; ) is a really friendly camp-
ground with tent sites, cabins and a much-appreciated smoke sauna. These folk also hire
canoes and kayaks, and arrange transport along the route. A kiosk sells drinks; they can
organise food with notice. This is approximately the halfway point. Next comes a series of
rapids including Kissakoski and the strong currents of the Kyrsyänjoki. Continue through
Rasakanjoki and Tikanjoki before coming to large Halmejärvi. The route continues on the
western shore of Lohnajärvi to Lohnankoski. From here it's a leisurely paddle down
