Welcome to Canoe-Poland
)
LAKE GAŁADUS, THE FRONTIER LAKE, NEW
ROUTE 2009
CANOE THE CANAL 2009 NEW ROUTE
Earlier this year, the Augustow canal was submitted jointly by the
Polish and Belarussian goverments to be considered as a UNESCO monument.
This is hardly suprising since the canal is older than both the Suez and
Panamanian.It is one of the few canals in Europe which is ideally suited for
canoeing, on this canal you will not come across any industrial barges. Most
of the route goes through forests and meadows and of course through the town
of Augustow. You will paddle through several locks located in the middle of
the Puszcza, which is Polands largest forest complex. For the first time
ever you will start in the vicinity of the renovated locks on the Polish-Belarussian
border, ideally we would have preffered to start the route in Belarus, but
due to the formalities involved in obtaining visas this is not practical.
The route will finish at the lock in Debowo, which is also where the canal
joins the river Biebrza in the Biebrza national park. In years to come , the
Augustow canal will become the premier canal canoeing route in Europe. It is
ideal for beginners, there is no fast flowing water and if you attempt this
route out of season, then you will see very few other people. One of the
most numerous animals that presently live in this habitat is the beaver and
along the route you will see evidence of how hard they work and how little
they complain about toothache. One of the most interesting stretches , is
south of the town and this is known as the beaver trail. The canal at this
stage weaves and meanders amongst meadows and you will hear and hopefully
see cranes, egrets and a variety of raptors. Eventually you will end up at
the lock in Borki, where the lock keeper will treat you to a glass of
homemade wine or something stronger. The route should take no longer than
four days at a leisurely rate. There are campsites or hostels on this route.
Detailed maps can also be provided.
Poland can be described as one of Europe's leading canoeing destinations. There are numerous waterways all over the country which are waiting to be paddled, the water is clean, the scenery stunning and of course the beer is cheap.In the next few months Canoe-Poland will provide you with details on where to go and how to get started, we will list companies, which provide services such as canoe rental, transportation and other associated services. More importantly you will be able to communicate with them in english.However we will start off, with North East Poland, an area which has an extensive waterways network, which includes rivers, canals and lakes. Rivers which flow through national parks, forests, meadows and areas of outstanding natural beauty .Habitats which are home to the wolf, lynx,wild boar and of course the world famous polish stork.
)
Canoe rental/hire in Poland. Where can you hire a canoe and what type, is it
a new model or older model, does it have a keel, is it suitable for
families, not forgetting the dog. Does it have two or three seats. Are they
solid i.e. made from plastic or wood or are they the more comfortable webbed
variety. Will there be room to stretch your legs, of course this is
dependent on the amount of luggage that you have. What are the paddles made
out of , are they aluminium or wooden, in most cases the wooden ones are
more comfortable.Will bouyancy aids be provided, are all sizes available.Do
I need to bring my own dry bags. Will any other safety kit be provided. If
Iam a beginner, will I be provided with a lesson on the basics of canoeing.
Where to rent canoes in North East poland
)
The question of transport is very important, how do we get to this wonderful
location, can somebody collect us from the airport, if we arrive by train,
can we be picked up at the local station. If we choose to come by car can it
be parked safely for the trip.Can I get hold of a train /bus timetable. How
do we get to the river, what are the options and of course the cost.
)
Accommodation, once we arrive where do we sleep, can lodgings be
arranged prior to our arrival, is there a choice, hotels or B.B's etc. If we
do not bring our own camping equipment, can this be rented, tents, cookers
etc.
)
Tours and routes, how long do I need to be on the water, is there an option
ranging from a couple of hours to several days. Are there easy or difficult
routes. Where can I buy decent maps. Is there a choice of routes. Are these
routes based on personal recommendations, has the tour organiser, paddled
these routes? Will I need permits to paddle through national parks. Can you
provide me with guides.
)
Tourist information. What else can you provide and organise
in this area, eg. Bike rental, horse riding any other outdoor activities.
Where can I go for a decent meal.
After
several days hard paddling and after losing many calories. It is nice to be
able to sit down and have something decent to eat.
)