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See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
For a winter trip with a difference, Oulanka is always a popular destination for families. On this fun-filled trip in Finland, the whole clan will enjoy a host of exciting activities and wholesome home-cooked food. We set out to explore the beautiful wilderness on snowshoes, cross-country skis, dogsled and reindeer sleigh. Better yet, our ecofriendly base is at the edge of Oulanka National Park in a truly spectacular setting with the very best conditions for seeing the Northern Lights, nature’s most spectacular light show.
Welcome to the wintery wilds of Finland. We typically have our welcome briefing during dinner, discussing the week ahead and getting an introduction to Basecamp Oulanka and the area we will soon explore.
After sorting out your equipment for a week in Arctic conditions, we explore Oulanka National Park with a gentle half-day snowshoe walk past frozen rapids and following the Kitkajoki River. The afternoon is free for further snowshoeing or enjoying a warm sauna or hot tub. Alternatively, you might wish to try kick sledging, a metal-frame sled you can use on your own or with your children and venture around Basecamp.
This morning, we head to a husky farm on the edge of the neighbouring Riisitunturi National Park. We start with tuition on how to ride and drive the sled and the importance of caring for the huskies correctly. We then continue into the woods where our dog teams eagerly await our arrival, ready to take us on our 6mi (10km) mushing adventure. With the adults driving and the children sitting in the sled, we appreciate the serenity of this snow-laden landscape.
Experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing. Heading down to the nearby Juuma Lake, we learn the basics of cross-country skiing from our instructor. There may be a few tumbles in the soft snow to start, but this is half the fun. After building confidence on the skis, we head onto the lake, gliding through the fresh powder. Keep hold of your skis because we have further opportunities to test out our skills in the afternoon.
In the morning, we visit a reindeer farm and museum where everyone can ride a reindeer-pulled sleigh. The visit finishes with hot drinks and reindeer sausages around an open fire. We spend the rest of the day at the popular ski resort of Ruka. Your guide will take care of transfers and can book activities for you. Group transfers are included only to the designated areas and are scheduled at specific times; it is advisable to check at reception before making your activities booking. Downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris are available.
Please note, the bookings for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday due to operational reasons.
This morning, we can sleep in and start the day at a more relaxed pace. To kick off the afternoon, we see about making a fire and cooking our own pancakes for lunch.
In the afternoon, we are busy with snow games supervised by the Basecamp guides. Here, children can learn how to build a snow fort followed by hot chocolate and doughnuts. Families can also have a go at making a snow sculpture, among other activities.
Today is left free to spend as you like. Options include unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with all the Basecamp facilities at your disposal and many accessible roads to explore. Otherwise, join in one of the several optional activities available: downhill skiing or snowmobile safaris at nearby Ruka (transport and skiing not included) or a walking trip to nearby Jyrävä waterfall with snacks and hot drinks by a campfire. Alternatively, unguided cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or kick sledging can keep you entertained. We then have our farewell dinner at Basecamp.
The trip ends after breakfast. Say goodbye to Basecamp Oulanka, which may feel like a second home by now, before your return journey home.
Sunday 15 Feb 2026 to Sunday 22 Feb 2026
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
CAD 5510 (excl. flights)
Sunday 05 Apr 2026 to Sunday 12 Apr 2026
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Usually CAD 5508
Now CAD 4695
Sunday 20 Dec 2026 to Sunday 27 Dec 2026
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
CAD 6270 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1567 deposit
Sunday 27 Dec 2026 to Sunday 03 Jan 2027
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
CAD 6270 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1567 deposit
Sunday 14 Feb 2027 to Sunday 21 Feb 2027
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
CAD 5665 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1416 deposit
Sunday 21 Feb 2027 to Sunday 28 Feb 2027
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
CAD 5665 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1416 deposit
Sunday 28 Mar 2027 to Sunday 04 Apr 2027
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
CAD 5665 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1416 deposit
Sunday 04 Apr 2027 to Sunday 11 Apr 2027
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
CAD 5665 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1416 deposit
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Overlooking Lake Juuma and the national park after which it was named, Basecamp Oulanka is our welcoming home in the remote Finnish wilderness. The magical complex comprises a series of wooden structures: the twin rooms are split across two separate buildings, while a third building houses a restaurant and bar with a log fire, plus a sauna and outdoor hot tub.
Built in 1998 with sustainability in mind, the complex is heated using special wood pellets for fuel. It is also a member of The Long Run Foundation, which comes with a commitment to building a ‘sustainable future through a balance of conservation, community, culture and commerce’.
Worth knowing
This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page.
Though this trip has been designed for nine to 12-year-olds, it’s also suitable for 13 to 16-year-olds. Our Family trips are aimed at children in the primary age group, so if your child is in the secondary age group, they may find it a little easier. If you have queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
This is a mixed-activity week for families with a good selection of guided activities and free time for independent activities or relaxation. None of the activities require previous experience but the exposure to cold weather can be quite tiring. The free time provides the opportunity to tailor the trip to your preferences.
Start hotel: Basecamp Oulanka, Myllykoskentie 30, 93900 Kuusamo, Finland
Phone: +358 40 0509741
Recommended arrival time: Check-in is from 4pm. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Kuusamo Airport (KAO)
The start hotel is approximately 45 to 60 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Finland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
All breakfasts, five lunches and seven evening meals are included.
The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of local produce prepared by the in-house chef. Starters consist of a salad buffet with three to four choices. The main courses consist of wild game such as elk, chicken and salmon. There is also vegetarian food. Dessert consists of lingonberries, blueberries and cloudberries, often picked by the chef. It is refreshing to know that what is viewed as superfoods in our supermarkets grows locally to Basecamp. These are served with a selection of quark curd, cream, ice cream, cakes and pancakes. Lunch normally consists of hot soup with elk, salmon or a vegetarian option.
Close to the Arctic Circle, temperatures during the season range from -30C to 5C (-22F to 41F). December will normally be the coldest time (usually below -20C/-4F), but the temperatures rise as the days lengthen and early April sees temperatures around -10C to 5C (14F to 41F). Recent years have seen massive fluctuations in the space of a few weeks with lows of -40C (-40F) and highs of 7C (45F) just a few days apart. If the thought of such temperatures scares you, then think again. When dressed in the Arctic clothing provided, with insulated boots, woolly hat and large mittens, -20C (-4F) can actually feel very pleasant. The Arctic cold is a dry cold, there is usually no wind, and remember we will keep you active.
Daylight hours: At extreme latitudes, the days shorten and lengthen much faster. So while in midwinter (December/January) the sun remains just below the horizon, by April there are more daylight hours than in the UK, and the midnight sun is only a matter of weeks away. Even in midwinter it is not dark, as the sun is just above the horizon and there is plenty of light reflected off the snow.
Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): Visible from September to late April on most clear nights at latitudes close to and above the Arctic Circle. They can be seen further south but will be less spectacular and less frequent. Solar activity is greater around the equinoxes (September and April), and at lower latitudes this can be the best time to see them. Inside the Arctic Circle, they tend to be just as good in any winter month, and on a seven-night trip you would be unlucky not to see the Northern Lights at all.
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
A wonderful week of activities.
There were too many to narrow it down - dog sledding was great for everyone (old and young alike), snow shoeing in the forest finding out the creatures that had created which foot prints, sledging, meeting the baby reindeer, playing in the snow with the family, amazing scenery, meeting other families ... and so so much more
Tuomas was very friendly and great with the whole family. He was very observant, communicated well and told us so much about FInnish nature, whilst looking after us on our trip.
The clothes they provided were perfect and enough to keep us warm in under minus 30 degrees !
The food was delicious each meal and everyone was catered for. There was always plenty to eat and no one ever went hungry!
Such an amazing trip if you are looking for fun in the snow! We did Feb half term and it was fantastic.
So many things. The scenery was mind blowing - we had gorgeous sunny days for the first half of the week, very cold (-30 at some points) but the kit we were given had us snuggly warm. It was a real experience to have your eye lashes freeze! The second part of the week snowed, and that was lovely too. The dog sledding was an obvious highlight, and sitting by the frozen lake with the group, around a campfire at night watching (short & v subtle) northern lights. Snow shoeing to explore the beautiful national park was amazing.
Elina took our group and was fabulous! On top of everything, happy and energetic, fun and great with the kids. Couldnt have asked for more.
The kit they give you is great - trust that you won't want much more! Bring thermals for everyday, and lots of warm socks. I had my own fleece and used it, but didnt need it. If any of the kids clothing got soaked from sledging, they were very happy to swap it for dry kit - including the walking boots. The food it great - and there is tons of it. I took a load of cereal bars for my kids for snacks, they werent needed (and thats for 2 14 yr olds!). You WILL end up booking extras to do, there really isnt much planned for the fri and sat so we paid to do the saturday snow shoe walk, which was lovely. Our whole group ended up doing it. By the end of the week, we were one big happy group and organised some of our own activities using the sites equipment to entertain ourselves. There really isnt much to do in Ruka if you don't pay to go ice karting or skiing - my daughter and I had decided to mooch around the town, which took about 10 mins! You can take the cable car over to the other side, which we did, but again not much there apart from a cafe and nursery ski slopes. My husband and son did ice karting and it was good fun. My son did the ice climbing which he really enjoyed (v hard on the arms!). The kids all spent hours of our free time sledging - until bedtime using head torches!! They had a wonderful time and made great friends from the trip.
This was an amazing trip - so many new experiences, such great people. Its a stunning location. Can't recommend it enough!
Some days could have had longer scheduled activities especially cross country skiing and snowshoeing - could make more of this aspect and explore further/more
Husky trip Dinner outside by camp fire
Local Basecamp team absolutely superb!
No
Astounding holiday. Spend a week in the stunningly beautiful Finnish wilderness. Beauty, snow, fun - it’s why you go on holiday. Romantic and magical. Our 6 year old, and all the kids that were there, loved it. Drive huskies, feed and be pulled by Raindeer, snowmobile across frozen lakes, XC...
Running through the forest at -15 in snow fall and winter sun
Good guy
You only need the clothes you arrive in and some underwear and socks, and sweatpants If you like running, bring trainers (no need for special off road ones) Bring plenty of evening entertainment!
Pillows weren’t good enough, better quality and more of them would be good
We had a great time on our Finnish adventure and felt like we were well looked after and entertained the entire time. The scenery and activities were amazing and we'd highly recommend this trip to families of all ages.
Meeting huskies and reindeer, and snow-shoeing through some truly breath-taking forests.
James catered well to the group and kept us informed at all times.
Take hand/foot warmers - the supplied equipment is suitable, but sometimes you just need a little extra.
Trip of a lifetime - do it!
We were a family of 5, kids ages 20, 18 and 14, doing the Finnish Winter Adventure Family holiday from 23rd December. The family holiday ran in parallel with the adult holiday (over 16yrs) and was very similar. Some of the activities were the same and even run together. We...
The highlights of the holiday were the huskie dogs; the snowmobile optional trip; sleeping out on the frozen lake in a Quinzee; the Basecamp food; and the Basecamp staff
Our Basecamp leader was Anna, who was very good. All the staff were friendly and helpful. Our Exodus leader was James, who was very good. Great communicator, very knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in making sure we had a good time. He couldn't have done more to help us have a great holiday, other than provide a clear sky to see the lights!
You truly only need to take a base layer, top and bottom. The Basecamp provide boots, two pairs of gloves, a fleece layer, top and bottom, and a waterproof/windproof layer, top and bottom. You just need a hot and buff. My wife and daughter found ski goggles useful for crosscountry skiing and snow shoe hiking, really just to keep the wind off their eyes. I found a balaclava useful too. Other than that, just layer up with long sleeve t-shirts and jumpers.
The actual itinerary was slightly different to the advertised one. There's a bar where you can buy drinks for the meals, but it is expensive - E7 for a beer and E30 for a bottle of wine.
An awesome holiday that found the balance between being a holiday and an adventure. There was enough inclusive activities, both guide-lead and self-lead, to keep us busy with something everyday. For those who wanted to bolster their holiday with extras, then there were plenty to do so with. Accommodation was...
We walked the Little Bear trial which was stunning as the season was on the turn between winter and spring gave a beautiful insight into both. And, of course, the Husky day was simply awesome.
Our group leader was friendly, funny, knowledgeable and went above and beyond to cater for all of us. He made our trip even more enjoyable.
Visit :)
We had a really good time with a family of 5. The setting is beautiful - a low-key lodge in the forest, on the edge of a frozen lake. There are lovely walks from the lodge and cross country skiing. The trips were great, with authentic experiences with reindeer herders...
The campfire meals at the husky sledge and the reindeer farm, and the last night evening meal under the stars. Very low-key and relaxed, with no rush to get through anything - the leaders looked as if they were having as much fun as the guests.
There is a high ratio of staff to guests, which makes for great service on the trip and meals too. They were all excellent.
As mentioned by others, you don't need to bring much gear! The clothing and gear they provide is excellent and warm (though you need a scarf/neck warmer). But it all looks the same, so a handy hint if you want to spot your child among 8 identical children milling around a reindeer is to bring your own hat!
So if it was so good, why just 4 stars? It's because of the price of the extras and the overall cost. Yes, it's expensive and I knew that before booking. The programme is actually quite limited - just a few outings spread over the week, with most of the time at the lodge. That was fine for us - we enjoyed just snow shoe walking, sledging and cross-country skiing from the lodge (all that equipment is freely available at any time) - but given the limited outings the price is high. But the snow was great, food great, and service great, so that's fine, really. However, if you don't want to just stay at the lodge then the price of the optional extras is incredible - a family of five for an extra husky day would have been well over £1,000, and other outings just like guided walks were very pricey. I guess it's a pricey country, so be prepared for that or - as I say - it is actually OK to keep yourself occupied at the lodge. Also, as a family of 5 we were split into two rooms that weren't connected and were in separate areas of the lodge. Again, no problem for us, due to the age of our children, but just something else to be aware of.
A beautiful location in the middle of the Finnish wilderness. Lots of activity in the outdoors. Healthy food with unexpectedly excellent vegetarian options. Great staff. Seeing the northern lights twice was a huge bonus. The family and adventure groups who were at base camp that week were some of the...
Dog sledding through the most amazing forests in the wilderness. Beautiful pink sunsets. The hazy mists on the lake at sunset. And of course, seeing the northern lights swirling in the skies.
Solja was lovely and always at hand to help and advice. She was very patient. The other leader Anna was also brilliant even though our interaction was not as much.
The quality of equipment is top class and the Arctic boots and mittens are fab. Your own baselayers are a must. I would recommend snow/ ski goggles as the sun Was strong on the horizon and dog sledding can make your face very cold. Do consider a balaclava for children and if you want to go snowmobiling. A few hand warmers in my mittens while dog sledding kept thumbs warm. The prices on the exodus trip notes for the optional activities were very different to the base camp prices. The optional all day dog sledding was the most expensive at 270 euros per person. Snowmobiling was around 89 Euro’s and don’t forget to bring your driving licence.
Enjoy the experience. You can do as much or as little as you want. We enjoyed the drum making activity as it’s not something you can buy in souvenir shops and its a reindeer skin drum with traditional Sami designs you can draw yourself or make your own designs based on your experience. Anna has a folder in her office with pages of information and designs you can use.
Expectations were high for this trip and I have to say they were met and exceeded. Never been away at Christmas before or done the skiing this - so we were nervous beforehand. The week was great - just the right level of activity - something new every day, with...
Out in -27 stood on the back of sledge being pulled by 6 dogs through such an amazing landscape, as the sun just managed to break the horizon.
Excellent - the whole team at Basecamp were excellent
No need to bring much at all - provided equipment was excellent and we only had to return it a few hours before we left. There was plenty of food at meal times - so no real need to take extra. On the free day we did the little bear walk - trail lunch was enough to get us round - no real need for extras. Kit dries out quickly on the heated floors. The walk from the airport gate to the plane was cold so don't forget to wrap up for that bit. Stop and listen often - and see how quiet things can be.
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