Seal Trail

Kolovesi Retkeily Canoe Outfitters Co. was founded in the same year that the most wilderness like of the Saimaa Lakeland National Parks, Kolovesi was established by the Finnish government. We were the 1st , and remain one of a few selected outfitters in this very special protected area to be granted full outfitting operations under official permit by Natural Heritage Services (Metsähallitus). Lake Kolovesi is steeped in family history and tradition of the founders of our company. As a band of brothers and true backwoodsmen, who like their ancestors have always liked to ramble free in this stunning Lakeland backcountry, we decided right in the beginning to build our outfitting business and company philosophy on Unique Finnish Outdoor Traditions. To us Finns, who have inhabited this beautiful part of Scandinavia since the end of the last ice age, this land has never been a wilderness, where ‘man is a just visitor who does not remain’. On the contrary we have remained in this land of deep green forests and clear blue lakes that we call home for thousands of years. In the Finnish rural way of life the ancient traditions of prehistoric hunters and gatherers are still alive in the form of some of our favourite outdoor pursuits like berry and mushroom picking, fishing, hunting, boating and hiking. These traditions are also reflected in our ancient legal concept of everyman’s right ( or Right of Public Access) which gives everyone the basic right to wander â€" paddle or hike - freely in the countryside, without needing to obtain permission no matter who owns or occupies the land or the waters. This freedom to roam is one of those things that makes a paddling adventure Lakeland backcountry style ! There is never just one trail to choose from but a plethora, and nobody can help you design your travelling routes like us the locals. For the people living in the Lakeland backcountry like Kolovesi taking to the waters has always been second nature. Our numerous interconnected lake and river routes were the only highway system for much of the East and North of Finland for at least 5000 years. The numerous prehistoric rock-paintings found close to major water routes which are known to be ancient trail markers give witness to the extraordinary long and living history of Finnish waterways. Skills such as how to survive in harsh lake conditions with low tech gear and how to find the right trail when traversing Lakeland’s innumerable water routes were needed almost everyday . These woods-wise skills were never learnt in the classroom like today but they were passed from generation to generation as part of our way of life. This kind of experience can never be counted in years in business or numbers of certificates. Today we use this native know-how to professionally provide you with canoes, kayaks and equipment designed expressly for this area. The heritage of the Lakeland backwoodsmen â€" fishermen, hunters, loggers and homestead farmers - lives on here in Kolovesi Retkeily Outfitters â€" and lives large! Our Seal Trail Canoe System was established on the basis of traditional routes which have remained much the same as when blazed by our ancestors. We are here to serve you with our traditional fashioned Lakeland hospitality, and good old fashion honesty and integrity. We can provide you invaluable assistance throughout the planning of your canoe or kayak adventure and with a style you’ll find only in one place on earth. Come and join us for your next vacation !