Ivalo:Sleighride Tour and Fishing on a Lake in the Wild

Lapland’s Hidden Treasure: Sleigh Ride and Lake Fishing with a Local Guide

Imagine gliding across a frozen lake in Lapland, wrapped in warm clothes and surrounded by silent, snow-covered hills. For six hours, you’ll be immersed in an authentic Finnish winter experience that takes you beyond the usual tourist spots. The tour, priced at $221 per person, is operated by White Creek Wilderness Cabin Activities and features a snowmobile sleigh ride, lake fishing, fire-cooked food, and the company of a knowledgeable local guide.

What makes this experience stand out are two key features: first, the chance to visit rarely-visited spots in the wilderness, and second, the opportunity to learn traditional ways locals enjoy nature—like fishing with a rod on a serene lake and cooking over an open fire. This tour strikes a great balance between adventure and authenticity, perfect for travelers seeking genuine moments in Lapland’s wild landscape.

A potential consideration is the need for adequate warm clothing and boots, as the tour takes place outdoors in potentially very cold weather. While the guide provides equipment and ensures you’re dressed properly, bringing your own or confirming what’s supplied can help you feel fully prepared.

This tour suits those who love nature, quiet, and hands-on experiences. If you’re keen on understanding how locals enjoy Lapland’s wilderness—fishing, fire-making, and exploring lesser-known areas—you will find this tour both rewarding and memorable.

Key Points

Authentic Local Experience: Guided by a very experienced hunter and fisherman, you’ll see Lapland the way locals do.
Hidden Locations: You’ll visit places few travelers reach, adding an adventurous element.
Cultural Activities: Learn to make fire and prepare food on a frozen island, enjoying traditional Finnish outdoor cooking.
Incredible Scenery: Expect peaceful lakes, snow-covered hills, and scenic sightseeing across the tundra.
All-Inclusive Equipment: The tour supplies all necessary gear and transportation, making logistics straightforward.
Limited Group Size: With only four participants, expect personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

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The Starting Point: Rajojaosepintie 120a

The journey begins at a cozy house near Ivalo, about 8 kilometers from the town center. This initial meeting offers a chance to chat with your guide—whose background as a hunter and fisherman promises insights into local traditions. The host’s emphasis on proper clothing ensures that you’ll be dressed in warm overalls, thermal boots, and other gear to withstand Lapland’s cold.

The Journey to the Wilderness

From this starting point, the ride transitions from a car to a snowmobile-drawn sleigh. This is part of what makes the tour appealing: it mimics how locals travel and enjoy winter days. The snowmobile glides smoothly over snow, and the sleigh adds a nostalgic touch. Expect a scenic ride through hills and fells, with spectacular views that are hard to find on standard tours.

The Hidden Lake and Fishing

Once on the lake—an untouched expanse of white—you’ll be shown how to drill holes in the ice and fish with a rod. The guide, Mika, described in reviews as friendly and knowledgeable, demonstrates traditional fishing techniques. We loved the way he brought a sense of patience and authenticity to the activity; there’s something quietly satisfying about catching fish in such a pristine setting.

Travelers have praised the experience, with one saying, “Mika showed us how to drill holes and fish, and we caught enough for a meal.” The quiet sounds of the ice crackling and the occasional splash of a fish are surprisingly calming, and the sight of snow-covered hills reflected in the still water makes for memorable scenery.

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Moving Across the Lake

The tour doesn’t stay in one spot. Expect to move around the lake, exploring different viewpoints, and soaking in the serenity of Lapland’s winter landscape. The guide’s local knowledge ensures you see hidden viewpoints and quiet corners few visitors discover.

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The Fire and Food Experience

One of the tour’s highlights is learning how to make fire on a frozen island. The guide will teach you the traditional techniques used by locals, and you’ll enjoy the warmth of the fire along with hot drinks. The chance to cook food over an open flame in such an untouched environment offers a sense of connection to nature and tradition.

Guests have shared that they appreciated the food prepared over the fire—simple, hearty, and warm—adding to the authentic feel of the experience. It’s not just sightseeing; it’s a chance to participate in local customs.

The Return Journey

After a full day of outdoor activities, the journey back is equally scenic. The snowmobile sleigh ride offers a peaceful, reflective end to your adventure in this pristine landscape.

The Value of the Experience

At $221, this tour offers remarkable value when you consider the inclusion of all equipment, transportation, and the personalized nature of the small group—limited to just four participants. It’s not a mass-market, cookie-cutter activity; instead, it’s a thoughtfully crafted experience emphasizing authenticity and connection with the environment and local traditions.

The opportunity to fish, learn fire-making, and explore off-the-beaten-path locations means you’re paying for genuine insights into Lapland’s way of life, rather than just staged tourist attractions. Plus, the chance to spend time with a guide who is both a hunter and fisherman means you gain a deeper understanding of local skills and respect for nature.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who want more than just pictures—those eager to learn the traditional ways locals enjoy winter. If you’re comfortable outdoors and appreciate quiet, scenic, and hands-on activities, you’ll find this tour both satisfying and meaningful. It’s also a perfect option for couples or small groups who value personalized attention and authentic experiences.

Final Thoughts

This sleigh ride and lake fishing tour offers a rare glimpse into the soul of Lapland—away from noisy commercialized attractions and into the heart of Finnish wilderness. The combination of scenic rides, traditional fishing, fire-cooked food, and the guiding expertise ensures you come away with more than just photos; you’ll have stories, skills, and a genuine appreciation for this unique landscape.

While you’ll need proper clothing and an adventurous spirit, the overall experience delivers a profound sense of connection to nature and local culture. It’s a wonderful choice for travelers wanting to skip the crowds and step into an authentic, peaceful corner of the Arctic.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
All necessary equipment, transfers from the host’s house to the lake and back, and food cooked over the fire, along with hot drinks, are included.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 6 hours, with specific start times available depending on the day.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at a private house near Ivalo (Rajojaosepintie 120a), and concludes back at the same location.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing, including thermal overalls and boots, are provided. Travelers should bring additional warm gear if they have preferences or need extra insulation.

Is the group size small?
Yes, the tour is limited to just four participants, ensuring a personalized and unrushed experience.

Do I need any special skills?
No, the activities are suitable for beginners. The guide will teach you how to fish and make fire.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your planning.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed pace and outdoor focus suggest it’s best suited for older kids or teens comfortable with winter conditions.

This tour offers a sincere taste of Lapland’s wilderness, combining adventure, culture, and tranquility. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful, off-the-beaten-path experiences that reveal the true spirit of Finnish Lapland.