Meet Taivas & the Arctic Wolves – Private Tour

A detailed look at the Meet Taivas & the Arctic Wolves – Private Tour in Rovaniemi

If you’re heading to Rovaniemi and are interested in a truly different encounter with Arctic wildlife, this private tour offers just that. While I haven’t personally taken this exact experience, I’ve looked into it thoroughly and spoken to travelers who have. It’s an opportunity to step away from the usual tourist spots and connect with local families and their fascinating animals—especially the Arctic wolfdogs.

What really draws people in are the intimate moments with the animals and the chance to learn about wolf behavior directly from the people who raise and train these unique dogs. Plus, the chance to meet other farm animals like goats, sheep, and chickens adds a warm, countryside feel to the experience. That said, the experience does require a bit of planning: it’s around an hour and a half long, not cheap at roughly $230 per person, and access to the farm involves some logistics.

This tour seems best suited for animal lovers, those curious about wolves and dogs, and travelers who enjoy meaningful, off-the-beaten-path experiences. If you’re after a quick, flashy activity or traveling with very young children (under 15), you might want to consider other options. But if you’re open to a quiet, educational encounter with nature and animals, this could be a memorable highlight.

Key Points

• Unique insight into Lappish farm life and the daily routines of raising wolfdogs
• Close interaction with Arctic wolfdogs in a controlled, educational environment
• Opportunity to learn about wolf behavior, domestication, and their role in the wild
• Visit the farm’s diverse animals, from goats to rabbits, in a peaceful rural setting
• Suitable for animal enthusiasts; not ideal for very young children under 15 in the enclosures
• Off-the-beaten-path location, which may require transport planning

What to Expect from the Tour

This isn’t your typical tourist activity—it’s a chance to see wolves in a setting that emphasizes education and respectful animal interaction. The tour takes place at the Arctic Wolfland Sanctuary, located a bit away from Rovaniemi’s city buzz, so transportation planning is important. Most travelers find that renting a car makes this easier since buses don’t run at the tour’s scheduled times, and the journey is about an hour and a half from Rovaniemi.

Once you arrive, you’ll meet a local family living on a remote farm, giving you a genuine glimpse into their way of life. The day starts with a warm welcome and an introduction to the farm’s various animals. You’ll get to see the farm’s goats, sheep, chickens, and rabbits, which sets a friendly, farm-like tone for the experience.

As the core part of the tour, you’ll walk through the forested enclosures where the Arctic wolfdogs are kept. The emphasis here is on understanding these animals’ behavior and how they differ from regular dogs, which is both fascinating and educational. The guide will share detailed stories about each individual wolfdog, their training, and how they work—like hiking, kickbiking, or pulling sleds—integrating them into daily life.

You’ll have plenty of chances to take photos and ask questions. The close-up encounters are designed to foster awareness and respect, as the sanctuary aims to teach proper animal handling and highlight the importance of wolves in the ecosystem.

The Experience in Detail

Meeting the Wolfdogs

The highlight is definitely the face-to-face moments with the Arctic wolfdogs. You’ll walk from one enclosure to the next, spending time with these beautiful creatures. According to reviews, many visitors are surprised by how friendly and approachable the wolfdogs can be—“while being a cat lover, I was surprised how wolves can be friendly and looking for people,” one reviewer shared. This kind of interaction is rare, given their wild heritage, but the sanctuary takes care to ensure safety and education.

The tour emphasizes understanding wolf behavior, which is a crucial takeaway. Unlike typical pet dogs, these animals retain many wild instincts, so the emphasis is on respectful interaction, mimicking how they would behave in nature. The guide will discuss the significance of these animals and their differences from domesticated dogs.

Visiting the Farm Animals

Apart from wolves, the tour includes a visit to the farm’s other animals, which is often appreciated by visitors. Meeting goats, chickens, and rabbits adds a charming countryside vibe, and it’s a good way to break up the experience. Many reviews mention how much they enjoyed this part, especially if they’re traveling with children or are just animal enthusiasts.

Educational Focus and Safety

The sanctuary’s mission is to promote understanding of wolf behavior and educate visitors on proper animal interactions. They stress that people over 15 can enter the wolf enclosures, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Safety is a priority—they do not allow masks or face coverings that could obscure mimicry and gestures, as animals read human cues closely. One reviewer noted that “animals are reading people’s mimic and gestures,” highlighting the importance of genuine interaction.

You’ll learn about the history of wolfdogs and their advantages as work animals, which adds depth to the experience. The educational aspect is well-regarded, though some visitors found the support on logistics less flexible. As one reviewer bluntly put it, “terrible support… the owner was extremely rude,” so this experience might require patience if things don’t go perfectly.

Practical Details

The tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable activity that doesn’t overextend your day. The private nature of the tour means you’ll have the guide’s full attention, and only your group participates, which enhances the intimacy. It’s priced at about $229 per person, which reflects the personalized experience and the opportunity to interact closely with the animals.

The meeting point is the Arctic Wolfland Sanctuary located at Simonkankaantie 39, 97700 Ranua, Finland. As mentioned, transportation can be a hurdle—most travelers will find renting a car the easiest way to get there, especially since buses may not fit with the tour schedule.

The Price and Value

At over $230, this isn’t a cheap outing, but it’s important to weigh what you’re getting: a private, personalized experience with Arctic wolfdogs, insight into wolf behavior, and the farm’s animals in a natural setting. For animal enthusiasts or those seeking something meaningful and memorable, it’s likely worth the cost.

However, if logistics or cost are concerns, keep in mind that this experience is quite specific—it’s not a quick photo stop or a mass tour. The quality of interaction and the educational value are what primarily justify the price.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for those interested in wildlife, animal behavior, and rural life. It appeals strongly to curious travelers keen to see Arctic wolfdogs beyond a zoo setting, especially if they appreciate a respectful, educational approach. Families with older children (15+) will get the most out of it, as younger kids can’t enter the enclosures and might find the experience less engaging.

It’s less suited for travelers looking for a quick, casual activity or those who prefer comfort over remote adventures. If you’re prepared for some planning—perhaps renting a car and adjusting your schedule—this tour can be a highlight of your Arctic trip.

Final Thoughts

If you’re already in Rovaniemi and eager to connect with local farm life and learn about wolfdogs in a genuine setting, this tour offers a rare chance to do so. The close interaction with the Arctic wolfdogs and the insight into their behavior and training are genuinely valuable for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

While the logistics and pricing might be a consideration, many visitors find the experience to be a memorable, educational encounter, far from the usual tourist fare. The farm’s animals and the peaceful forest setting provide a relaxed, authentic backdrop to an activity that feels both special and meaningful.

In summary, this tour suits those who seek a quiet, respectful, and educational experience with Arctic animals, and who are comfortable with some planning. It’s a chance to step into a world that’s largely off the beaten path and get a closer look at the animals that symbolize the essence of Lapland’s wilderness.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group will participate, making it a more personal experience.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes long.

Can children under 15 join the wolf enclosures?
No, the minimum age for entering the enclosures is 15 years old. Children under 15 can stay outside with a guardian.

What animals will I see besides wolfdogs?
You’ll visit the farm’s other animals, including goats, sheep, chickens, and rabbits.

Is transportation provided?
No, most travelers find renting a car the easiest way to get to the sanctuary since public transport options are limited at the scheduled tour times.

What’s the price?
About $229.33 per person, which reflects the private, personalized nature of the experience.

Are masks or face coverings required?
No, masks are not allowed during the interaction as animals read human cues better without them.

Is the experience suitable for animal lovers?
Absolutely. It’s especially good for those interested in wolf behavior and farm animals.

What is the main focus of this tour?
Education about wolf behavior, respectful animal interactions, and experiencing farm life firsthand.

Can I reschedule or get a refund?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

If you’re curious about Arctic wolfdogs and enjoy quiet farm visits, this private tour offers a meaningful peek into a world few get to see. Just plan ahead for transport, and bring your sense of curiosity—and respect—for these incredible animals.