Questions and answers

Every trip starts in Arkhangelsk. You fly in the evening before; in the morning we pick everyone up at their hotels in our own cars and drive to the helipad, and from there you fly to the lodge.

In winter, the way to Kanin is overland. From Arkhangelsk it’s 380 km by car to Mezen, about 6 hours, then 317 km by snowmobile with an overnight stop in the village of Nes—a day and a half in all. The way back takes a single day, with no overnight stop. The winter trip does not include a helicopter.

International guests usually fly in via Moscow or St. Petersburg. From either city it’s about 1.5 hours by air, with several flights a day; by train from Moscow, about 20 hours.

No. Everyone travels the way that suits them best: a direct flight, a connection, the train or by car. Once you’re in Arkhangelsk, we take care of everything else.

The pilot decides whether to fly based on the weather along the route. If the helicopter can’t fly, we move the departure to the next flying window; if there isn’t one, we move your whole trip to dates that suit you. You don’t lose your deposit.

The pilot makes the call. We don’t fly in fog or strong winds just to keep to a schedule—your safety comes first.

A 50% deposit secures your dates; the balance is paid on arrival in Arkhangelsk.

For the contract, all we need is your passport.

If you cancel, we’ll offer to move your trip to other dates this season or next year at no loss. The refund terms for cancellations are set out in the contract, which we send you before you pay.

Helicopter, house, chef, banya, guides, vehicles with fuel, tackle, licenses and permits, satellite internet and photos. Not included: travel to Arkhangelsk, the night in town, alcohol and personal insurance; on hunts, guns and ammunition; a Mi-8 is available at the group’s request at extra cost. No extra charges at the lodge.

Tell us your dates and group size and we’ll send you rates.

On the Megra we welcome solo guests on any date with places available. On Kanin we put together groups of three or more and, by arrangement, add solo guests to a trip.

Yes—children are frequent guests. On the Megra, any age with their parents; on Kanin and our helicopter journeys, from age 7. For kids there are perch and pike in the lakes, campfires and the banya.

Then we move instead of waiting. On the Megra we have 40 km of river, and the guide picks the spots by water and season. Kanin has six rivers, including the Mesna and the Rybnaya, and salmon enter them from different sides, so somewhere they’re always running. The calendar on each trip page shows what’s biting and when.

Yes. Your guide is with you all day: takes you to the spots, picks the lures, helps you land the fish. We provide spinning rods, reels and salmon lures, so there’s no need to bring your own.

We fish with spinning gear—it’s the main method on our rivers. Fly anglers bring their own tackle, and the guide will point out the right stretches. We provide the spinning gear: rods, reels and lures. Waders are your own.

Atlantic salmon and pink salmon are fished under licenses that we arrange. Some fish are released, some go to the kitchen or home with you—it’s your call, within the license. Your guide will pack your catch for the journey.

Thermal base layers, a waterproof, breathable jacket and pants against rain and wind, warm footwear, a hat and gloves, sunglasses and a personal first-aid kit. We provide tackle and insect repellent; the rain suit and waders are your own. In winter: a down parka, boots rated to −30 °C, a snowmobile suit and a helmet. The full list is on our Plan your trip page.

Both lodges have satellite internet: messaging apps, calls and email all work. There is no cell coverage.

It isn’t included. Let us know what you’d like to drink and we’ll sort it out before your trip.

The risk of an encounter is minimal. Kanin is open tundra without forest, so you see wildlife from far away. In all our years on the Megra, bears have never approached people: they avoid the noise of helicopters and vehicles. Guides carry deterrents, and all of them have completed safety training.

The lodge has a full first-aid kit, guides are trained in first aid, and there’s satellite communication out on the water. In an emergency, we call in an air ambulance or Russia’s Emergencies Ministry.

Yes. The Megra takes up to 12 guests, Kanin up to 15. Yours will be the only group at the lodge. More on our Private groups page.

Most international visitors need a Russian visa; citizens of many countries can apply for the unified e-visa online. Tell us your citizenship when you get in touch and we’ll explain which documents you need and how much time to allow.

International flights arrive in Moscow or St. Petersburg; Arkhangelsk is about 1.5 hours from either by domestic flight.

Kanin Nos lies in Russia’s border zone. We arrange the permits from your passport details; for foreign nationals they take longer to issue, so please get in touch early.

We’ll agree on the payment method when you book. A 50% deposit secures your dates; the balance is paid on arrival in Arkhangelsk.