Sometimes you don’t have to go to the other side of the world to have an adventure. We set off on a two-day canoe trip in Friesland, paddling through De Alde Feanen National Park. During ‘The Canoe Trip’, we discovered just how special a micro-adventure close to home can be. We slept in a teepee-style tent surrounded by nature and enjoyed two days full of peace, freedom and adventure. In this blog, we’ll share our own experience, tell you what to expect and give practical tips for anyone who I want to go canoeing in Friesland.
What is The Canoe Trip?
The Canoe Trip is an adventure concept from Travelbase that lets you explore the most beautiful nature reserves by canoe. You can choose from a range of canoe trips, such as a two-day micro-adventure in Friesland or a multi-day expedition through Sweden’s unspoilt countryside.
As we wanted to find out first-hand whether a canoeing adventure like this was really our sort of thing, we opted for The Canoe Trip Friesland. During this two-day trip, you paddle independently through De Alde Feanen National Park, one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands. Along the way, you set your own pace, enjoy the tranquillity on the water and spend the night surrounded by nature.
What we really liked was that Travelbase organises practically everything for you. On arrival, you’ll get a detailed briefing from the rangers, and you’ll be provided with a canoe, paddles, life jackets and a waterproof container for your luggage. You’ll also get access to the handy Travelbase app, which includes all the routes and practical information.
At the same time, the trip never feels organised or rushed, as you have complete freedom to stop off somewhere along the way, sit out on a terrace or spontaneously choose a different route. It was precisely that freedom that we really enjoyed. Being completely tied down just isn’t for us!
The Canoe Trip at a glance
| Component | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Travelbase |
| Location | De Alde Feanen National Park (Friesland) |
| Duration | 2 days / 1 night’s accommodation |
| Accommodation | Teepee or wild camping |
| Best period | June to September |
| Suitable for | Beginners, couples, friends and families |
| Dogs allowed | Yes |
| Number of routes | Multiple routes |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Our route | Yellow route (approx. 18 km) |
| Starting price | From €99 per person. |
🎁 Discount code for The Canoe Trip Friesland
We were so enthusiastic that we asked Travelbase if we could have a limited-time discount code we’d like to share with our readers. When booking, please use the code Thousandtravelmiles10 and receive 10% a discount on your booking.
Are you booking via the link below? If so, you’ll also be supporting Thousandtravelmiles at the same time. We receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This enables us to continue producing free itineraries, travel tips and comprehensive travel guides.
👉 Check the available dates and book The Canoe Trip Friesland
Why we chose The Canoe Trip
We usually travel all over the world. Yet we’re finding more and more that an adventure doesn’t have to be far away at all. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of escaping the daily hustle and bustle for a while, putting your phone away a bit more often and enjoying the nature around you.
Instead of a standard weekend break, you’re really getting active here. You spend two days outdoors, paddling in places you’d never reach by car, and have plenty of time to stop off along the way for a picnic or a drink on a terrace. We did just that ourselves, amongst the cows, by a quiet stretch of water and in the village of Earnewâld, where we stepped out of the canoe for a drink and some chips before paddling on again.
Another thing we really liked was that you can choose from a variety of routes. This makes the walk suitable for almost everyone. Whether you want to take it easy and enjoy the countryside or would rather cover a longer distance, there’s always a route to suit you. We opted for the yellow route, which is about 18 kilometres long. Others, however, created their own routes and used the Travelbase app mainly as a guide. As we said: nothing is set in stone and you have complete freedom to make your own plans.
And perhaps that’s the best thing about this trip: you really do get away from it all for a while, without having to drive hundreds of kilometres or catch a plane.
Read also: 9x The best and most beautiful sights in Stockholm, Sweden.
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What is The Canoe Trip Friesland like?
1. Arrive a day early or start straight away
Before you set out on the water, check in at the Travelbase base camp. You have two options here. Would you like to start your adventure at a leisurely pace? Then, just like us, you can choose to arrive a day early and spend the night at the campsite. That way, you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast the following morning before the briefing begins. Are you short on time or do you live nearby? Then you can, of course, come straight to the base camp on the morning of departure.
2. The briefing and the materials
We decided to spend the night in a teepee and set off the following morning with the ranger and the other participants for the starting point of the routes. There, we were given an explanation of the various routes and were provided with all the equipment we needed, such as a canoe, paddles, life jackets and a waterproof container for our belongings.
Tip: download the Travelbase app. Here you’ll find all the information conveniently in one place; you can start a chat with the ranger and find all the routes and other practical information.
3. Plan your own route
Once the briefing is over, the adventure really begins. From that moment on, you’re largely in charge of how your day unfolds. You choose a route that suits you, decide where to stop along the way and how long to stay in each place. Fancy a leisurely lunch on a terrace? No problem. Would you rather have a picnic by the water’s edge or take a refreshing dip? That’s possible too.
4. Spending the night surrounded by nature
At the end of the day, you’ll sail to your overnight spot. You can choose one of the really cool teepee tents (base camp) or, if you’re looking for even more adventure, a wild camping spot. If you opt for wild camping, you’ll paddle on towards the base camp the following morning. Are you staying at the base camp, just like us? Then the next day you can either paddle another route or explore the surrounding area on foot.
Curious to see what The Canoe Trip is really like? During our canoe trip, we filmed dozens of videos of the routes, the natural surroundings, the teepee tents and the base camp. In our Instagram Highlights: ‘The Canoe Trip’ you’ll get a realistic picture of the whole experience. Ideal if you’re still not sure whether this trip is right for you.
Our experience: two days’ canoeing through De Alde Feanen National Park
1. Canoeing through De Alde Feanen
We opted for the yellow route of approximately 18 kilometres and we would undoubtedly choose it again in a heartbeat. Right from the start, we were struck by how peaceful it was. Within a few minutes of setting off, we’d left the hustle and bustle behind us and really felt as though we were in the heart of nature. We particularly loved the first part of the route. Here, you sail through wide stretches of water with stunning views, and there are plenty of spots where you can moor briefly to take photos, go for a swim or simply enjoy the surroundings in peace.
2. A short break in Earnewâld
Later on, the landscape changes and you find yourself sailing more and more often through narrow Frisian ditches and under low bridges. It was precisely this variety that we really enjoyed. On the way, we stopped off at Earnewâld, a charming Frisian village where you can easily step out of your canoe for a drink, lunch or an ice cream. This means the trip never feels rushed. You decide entirely for yourself how long you stay in each place.
3. Still lovely even when the weather’s not on your side
We were incredibly lucky with the weather. Perhaps even a bit too lucky. During our trip, the temperature actually soared to 37 degrees. Lovely, of course, but believe us: at that point, you’ll be glad of a bit of shade and a cool drink along the way. That’s why we think The Canoe Trip is still great fun even in less favourable weather. It’s precisely the chance to be outdoors together, the leisurely pace and the feeling that you’ve really got away from the daily hustle and bustle that make this experience so special.
4. Sleeping in a teepee
’That evening, we slept in a teepee tent and, looking back, we were absolutely delighted with that choice. Not only because it was surprisingly cosy, but also because a heavy thunderstorm swept across Friesland that night. Are you looking for even more adventure? Then you could, of course, opt for a wild camping spot in the heart of nature.
Which Travelbase canoe trip suits you best?
After our adventure in Friesland, we can fully understand why so many people are enthusiastic about Travelbase’s canoe trips. But did you know that ‘The Canoe Trip Friesland’ is just one of the adventures on offer? Depending on how much time you have and how much adventure you’re looking for, you can choose from a range of different trips.
Tip: are you planning to book The Canoe Trip? If so, don’t forget to use our limited-time discount code Thousandtravelmiles10 Use the code 10% to get a discount on your booking.
| Journey | Duration | From | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Canoe Trip in Friesland | 2 days | €99 | First meeting, weekend away, friends or families |
| The Canoe Trip in Värmland | 7 nights | €275 | Adventurers who want to explore Sweden on their own |
| Canoe Tribe | 7 nights | €455 | Families with children |
| Nordic Woods Sweden | 7 nights | €460 | Glamping enthusiasts and nature lovers |
Are you looking for an accessible canoeing adventure close to home? Then Friesland is the ideal way to get to know The Canoe Trip. If you’d like to spend a week exploring the Swedish countryside, then The Canoe Trip Värmland is probably a better fit. Canoe Tribe has been specially designed for families, whilst Nordic Woods is ideal if you like to combine the great outdoors with a little more comfort.
Our tips for The Canoe Trip
After a day on the water, we learnt a few things that we’d definitely do again next time. That’s why we’d like to share our personal tips, so that you can set off on your adventure fully prepared.
Before departure
- Arrive a day early. Don’t live nearby? If so, we recommend driving to the base camp a day in advance. That way, you’ll start your adventure well-rested and won’t have to rush in the morning.
- Choose a route that suits you. Don’t just go by the number of kilometres. We chose the yellow route, which is about 18 kilometres long, and found it perfect. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of time to stop off somewhere, take photos or enjoy a leisurely lunch.
- Please download the Travelbase app in advance. Here you’ll find all the routes and practical information, and you can easily get in touch with the rangers. We hadn’t looked properly beforehand, so a lot of things remained unclear. However, everything was clearly listed in the app… neatly organised… in other words, the app is definitely not a luxury.
For when you're on the go
- Make sure you bring plenty of food and drink with you. There are a few places where you can buy something along the way, but your options are limited. So always make sure you have enough water and some snacks. On hot days, a small cool bag ideal.
- Wear clothes that can get wet. No matter how careful you are, you almost always get splashed a bit when getting in and out of the car.
- Hire canoe wheels if your route includes a crossing. On some routes, you have to carry the canoe a short distance over land. This is much easier with canoe wheels.
- Above all, enjoy the peace and quiet. This is perhaps our most important tip. Don’t try to reach the finish line as quickly as possible. It’s precisely those moments when you’re just lying still on the water or mooring somewhere that make this trip so special.
For the night’s accommodation
- Do bring something warm for the evening. It can be lovely and warm during the day, but as soon as the sun goes down, it cools down quite a bit. A warm jumper or a pair of long trousers comes in very handy then.
- Pack smart. We used our packing cubes to keep our clothes tidy in the teepee. We also took our emergency radio with Bluetooth with us, so that we could charge our phones and listen to some music in peace in the evening.
Tip: are you going wild camping or sleeping in a teepee? Take a look at our Free packing list for a motorhome holiday Just as an extra reminder. Not everything applies, but a lot of camping kit comes in very handy.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Canoe Trip Friesland
1. Is *The Canoe Trip* suitable for beginners?
Yes. Precisely because you can choose from different routes, The Canoe Trip is also suitable if you’ve never been in a canoe before. During the briefing, the rangers explain everything clearly, and after that you set your own pace.
2. Is *The Canoe Trip* a tough trip?
That depends mainly on the route you choose. We opted for the yellow route, which is about 18 kilometres long, and found it quite manageable. You can stop as often as you like along the way, which means the trip is also suitable if you’re not an experienced canoeist.
3. What is the difference between teepee tents and wild camping?
During The Canoe Trip, you can choose between spending the night in a fully equipped teepee (with a bed) or a wild camping spot in the heart of nature. We opted for the teepee tent and were very happy with our choice, especially when a heavy thunderstorm swept across Friesland that evening. If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, wild camping is a great option.
4. Can you bring your dog on The Canoe Trip?
Yes, dogs are welcome on The Canoe Trip Friesland. Please bear in mind, however, that your dog will be in the canoe for quite some time. Make sure you bring plenty of drinking water and give your dog regular breaks along the way.
5. Is *The Canoe Trip* suitable for children?
Yes. Travelbase offers a range of routes, so families can also choose a trip that suits them. What’s more, Canoe Tribe has even developed a special canoeing trip for families who enjoy going on adventures together.
6. What is included in the price?
Your booking includes, amongst other things, a canoe, paddles, life jackets, a waterproof container for your luggage, a detailed briefing from the rangers and access to the Travelbase app, which contains all the routes and practical information. Would you prefer to sleep in a teepee, have a food pack or something else? If so, you can book these extras separately.
7. When can you book The Canoe Trip Friesland?
The Canoe Trip Friesland is organised every year from June to September. You can choose from a range of start dates, both on weekdays and at weekends. Would you like to start your adventure at a leisurely pace? If so, we recommend booking an extra night at the base camp.
8. What if it rains?
We were very lucky with the weather, but we still got caught in a heavy thunderstorm that evening. Fortunately, we were nice and dry in our teepee tent at the time. In hindsight, that actually just made the experience all the more enjoyable. Even in less favourable weather, we think The Canoe Trip remains a brilliant adventure.
9. Do you need to have experience of canoeing?
No. We didn’t have much experience of multi-day canoe trips beforehand either. Thanks to the clear instructions, the variety of routes and the calm waters, The Canoe Trip is also suitable for beginners.
10. How long do you spend canoeing each day?
That’s largely up to you. Depending on the route, the number of breaks and the stops along the way, you’ll spend a large part of the day on the water on average. Precisely because you set the pace yourself, the trip never feels rushed.
11. What is the difference between The Canoe Trip Friesland and Sweden?
The Canoe Trip in Friesland is a two-day micro-adventure and perfect as a first taste. Are you looking for more of a challenge and would you like to spend several days paddling through the Swedish wilderness? Then The Canoe Trip in Värmland probably a better choice. After our weekend in Friesland, we understand very well why so many people then choose to go to Sweden as well.
Our conclusion
If you’d asked us before this weekend whether you absolutely had to go abroad for a special adventure, we’d probably have said “yes”. After *The Canoe Trip*, we’ve completely changed our minds. In just two days, we discovered just how beautiful the Netherlands really is. We paddled through De Alde Feanen National Park, enjoyed the peace and quiet on the water, slept in a teepee tent and were able to get completely away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a while.
Are you looking for an original weekend break with friends, your partner or the family? Then be sure to check out Travelbase’s ‘The Canoe Trip Friesland’! And be warned… there’s a good chance that afterwards, just like us, you’ll immediately start dreaming of a multi-day canoe trip through Sweden.
We try to keep our blog posts as up to date as possible, but we can’t do this without your help. If anything in this blog post about The Canoe Trip has changed, please let us know via info@thousandtravelmiles.nl.
This blog was created in collaboration with Travelbase. We have experienced The Canoe Trip Friesland for ourselves and are sharing our own honest opinion in this blog. In addition, some of the links in this blog are affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase via these links, we’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these affiliate links, you’re supporting Thousandtravelmiles. This enables us to travel the world, fund the website and offer you free information to help you plan your trip. This means that a ‘real’ person does a little happy dance whenever you make a purchase via this link!
