canterbury travel lapland competition

New to TTG?

Pioneering lapland operator marks 50 years.

The company that offered the first Lapland holidays from the UK marks its 50th birthday this month.

Canterbury Travel has sent more than 750,000 people to Finnish Lapland since 1970 when Delores and Adrian Collins thought of theming winter breaks to the region.

The operator’s sales and marketing consultant Donna Blackmore said the anniversary had been marked with “a small gathering for staff members” due to Covid restrictions.

Finland’s borders remain closed, but Blackmore said the majority of bookings had been switched to 2021.

Managing director Jacqui Banham, who has been with Canterbury Travel for 34 years, added: “Each year, I am humbled by the number of families that trust us with their dream to search for Santa in the most enchanting place in the world – Lapland.

“I now find myself talking to mums and dads who travelled with us as young children, returning with their own offspring to continue that magic. This is what it is all about for us, the chance to step away from reality and have the most magical, family time and fulfil those childhood wishes to meet with Santa and his special elves.”

To mark the anniversary, Canterbury Travel is offering one family of four the opportunity to win a two-night holiday to Lapland next December.

The prize includes return flights from Manchester, Stansted or Dublin plus accommodation, all meals and a themed itinerary of traditional Arctic activities culminating in a private family meeting with Santa Claus. The competition is open to agents.

Ambassador ship collides with cargo vessel during world cruise

Viking admits preference for direct business in stock market filing, tui: ‘we see tourism as a force for good, but we're aware it leaves a footprint’, caribtours appoints elaine jones to newly created uk trade sales manager role, how women are driving intrepid's exploration of saudi arabia, year-round fun: the events and festivals clients will love in greater palm springs partner content, gary noakes.

Read TTG April 2024

Editor's pick.

Introduce your clients to the new Siem Reap

Jet2 confirms resort flight check-in, flight deck and cabin crew redundancies, phil gardner to leave ambassador cruise line after two years, uk's largest ota adds more than one million seats to its atol, heathrow operations chief emma gilthorpe to head up royal mail, travel ‘on the brink of its most transformative era yet’ – wttc, sign up for weekday travel news and analysis straight to your inbox, recommended for you.

Competitions

Win a £50 or £250 Amazon voucher with Hawaiʻi Tourism Europe

Join us on the TTG Luxury Journey to the Maldives

Win a three-night escape to Corfu with Mar-Bella Collection

Win one of 10 bottles of The Jersey Cow vodka with Visit Jersey

Our next events.

TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2024

Fairer Travel Month 2024 by TTG

The Travel Industry Awards 2024 by TTG

Press ESC to close

Or check our popular categories..., canterbury travel.

Canterbury Travel competitions

Win a family holiday to Lapland with Canterbury Travel

Canterbury Travel is organising this holiday competition and is giving away the chance to win a magical family holiday for 4 to Lapland!

• Responsible Travel
• Competitions
• South Africa
• City Breaks
• Staycations
• Summer Mountains
• Northern Ireland
• Lake District

Last chance Lapland: how to do a Finnish day trip with preteens

Searching for Santa on a Lapland holiday is one of those dream family experiences. Jo White and family went to discover if the once in a lifetime trip is worth it with pre-teens or is it too late?

Elves, Santa’s Post Office, Lapland

Real snow quickly sets the Lapland holiday mood

“Eden, look! Proper snow” shouted Logan excitedly. He had just walked off the plane and was somehow already armed with the first of the many snowballs he was going to throw at her that day.

The instant rush of the cold Arctic air had hit us all. It hadn’t felt much like Christmas when we left Gatwick three hours earlier, but now we found ourselves in the global epicentre of Christmas and mere minutes away from Santa’s mystical Lapland home.

I have two step-children, Eden (12) and Logan (10), and I had always dreamed of experiencing this magical break with them. Over the last eight years, I have brought them into my travel world, but when it came to a Lapland holiday, we were running out of time. It was now or never. 

Jo and family with Santa, Lapland holiday

No trouble getting kids to get up early for this adventure

We were on the day trip to Enontekiö , in Finland, with award-winning Canterbury Travel, the Lapland holiday specialists. They offer an impressive collection of day trips and short breaks from a variety of regional airports, so it was a joy to fly from Gatwick, so close to where we live.

It wasn’t difficult to get the kids up at 4.00 a.m. for our journey to the airport. They had received their personal invitation from Santa a few weeks prior, praising them for being good this year, and were counting down the minutes. Their branded backpacks and water bottles were by the front door, and we were on our way on time, for once.

Greeted by friendly festive staff at check-in, we were instantly thrown into a merry frenzy, an energy that would be maintained throughout the day.

The excitement on our festive flight to Enontekiö Airport was out of this world and we were still singing carols as we began our descent over the glistening, frosty Finnish landscape.

Despite the months of waiting, we were finally in the icy winter wonderland: the cold, fresh air made everyone stop in awe at the sparkling vistas that welcomed us. The kids were all eager to get started on their Lapland holiday with a search for the Big Man in Red, and the magnitude of where we all were hit. So we knew it was going to be a very special day.

Traditional transport, Lapland holiday

Speeding through Lapland’s snow covered woodland

Boy were they expecting us at Enontekiö. I have never disembarked a plane so quickly as we did on this Lapland holiday. We were through passport control in minutes and guided by energetic Elves into a separate building where we were all swiftly kitted out in snow suits, hats, gloves and boots. 

Rows of sleighs (pulled by snowmobiles) were already lined up for us and before we knew it, we were snuggled under blankets and whizzing across the endless snowy woodland, the fresh falling snow sprinkling continuously down on us.

I could hear Eden squealing in the back, excited by the pure thrill and speed of the 15-minute journey to Santa’s Village. Although she’s a non-believer now, being almost a teenager, she was instantly swept up into the magic and without her phone (we had left it in our storage sack back at the airport) she was almost childlike again.

Logan and Eden with Santa, Lapland holiday

The search for Santa is the real reason for a Lapland holiday

“It’s your lucky day”, said a cheery Elf as we (I mainly) clambered out of the sleigh. “You are the first family to go and see Santa. Please follow my Best Elf friend here”. 

The suspense was real as we walked up the lantern-lit pathway of steps to Santa’s log cabin. An Elf was waiting by a fire pit, so Logan put the snowball he had been working on down immediately and walked slowly towards the cabin. He opened the door and instantly froze, gazing in astonishment. We had found him! That must be some kind of a Canterbury Travel record for finding Father Christmas.

Sitting either side of Santa in his toasty cabin, the kids delightfully told him how good they have been this year. Even though Eden knows the truth, she still seemed innocently keen to impress Santa. And he had plenty of time for them; softly asking them questions and trying to get to know them a little.

At the end of our time with the star attraction, Santa gifted both of the kids a Christmas present, a cute, cuddly reindeer that they both loved and will cherish forever.

Elfing around in snowy Lapland

A winter playground like we have never seen

We felt like we had ticked off the big bucket list item pretty early on in our day, so the playtime part of our Lapland holiday was now on! But first, we headed into the restaurant that offers unlimited buffet food, pancakes, teas, coffees and hot chocolate all day to warm up a bit. Our menu for the day included delicious vegetable soup and pasta Bolognese.  

Once refuelled, we headed out into the wilderness to tackle the different activities.

Everything was in close proximity to the central hub of the restaurant but even so, everywhere where you went, jovial elves showed you the way – apart from the one that was willingly being buried in the snow by about 10 children.

The children have never seen real snow before, at least snow that has settled. After some obligatory snow angels, both Eden and Logan quickly became obsessed with the Stiga toboggans, which the kids can steer themselves. Neither was brave enough at first to go down by themselves, but following a tandem run, they were up and down like yoyos, dragging their toboggans back up to the top of the hill for another go.

My husband and I also had plenty of turns speeding, and sometimes spinning, down the hill. It was exhilarating! Plus, it was a chance for all the grown ups to be free and connect with their inner child too.

Huskies, Lapland

How much did I love being in charge of a snowmobile

The snowmobile experience was my favourite part of the day, although I think Logan is still slightly traumatised by my driving.

Only adults with full driving licenses can drive them and safety is taken very seriously before you’re let loose to do a lap of an enormous field. After a few kangaroo-jumps, I got to grips with the beast and got slightly braver with the speed as we progressed.

The kids can get a feel for driving them too. In the children’s snowmobile area, there are two zones, each with a snowmobile tied to a central pole that the kids can drive round and round in circles. “Eden, hold the handlebar in!”. “Go faster Eden, it’s easy!”, shrieked Logan. 

The six hours flew by! Logan loved the Reindeer Sleigh Ride and being pulled by Rudolph himself. The snow igloo was spectacular, a place of calm with impressive sculptures, and a bar serving traditional hot berry juice.

Eden’s highlight was definitely the husky sled ride, which ventures into the surrounding wilderness.

We got there just as a new pack of dogs was being led down. They were ready and raring to go, clearly very happy and just wanting to run. The ride was peaceful yet fast and the silence of the tranquil wilderness was a complete contrast to the madness of children laughing and playing we had just left behind. Now we couldn’t hear a sound.

We warmed up after the husky ride in a nearby tipi, roasting marshmallows over an open fire. Perfection.

Toasting marshmallows and being kids, Lapland

Is a Lapland holiday worth it with pre-teens?

Visitors had to queue for most of the attractions, but the longest we waited was for the husky ride, arguably the most popular attraction, and that was only 15 minutes. There was also a fire pit so you could warm up as you waited.

Even though there were a lot of families, we somehow spent a lot of time alone, just the four of us, enjoying the attractions or building a snowman in the woods together. It really was a special bonding experience that as a family we have never done.

The activities were stimulating for children of all ages. Eden found them hardcore and she’s no wimp. Plus, the smile didn’t leave her face all day. You could see how swept up she was in the wonder and excitement of it all. Plus, being the caring soul she is, there were times where she helped some of the little ones there too. Logan, complete with perma-rosy cheeks, was just there for the thrills and he was buzzing with adrenaline all day. He could not get enough of the snow or the fast rides.

In fact the only time they were quiet was when they were showing Santa their best selves. The rest of the day was filled with belly aching laughter and endless ‘wow’ moments. Whatever your family dynamic, if you’re thinking of taking children about the same age, I would highly recommend it. Don’t leave them behind because you think they are too old for a Lapland holiday. Unless they’re on Santa’s Naughty List, of course. 

Santa, Canterbury Travel Lapland holiday

Book your Canterbury Travel Lapland day trip now for 2024

Canterbury Travel’s Enchanting Lapland day trips book out quite far in advance so book now for 2024 to avoid any disappointment. Day trips start from £719 per person. They also offer a collection of three, four and six night short breaks starting from £1455 per person, for those who want to stay longer. 

Find out more and for 2024 now at Canterbury Travel

Related articles, full disclosure tracy-ann oberman is a moominmamma and she loves finland, slow train to santa: how to visit finnish lapland with your kids, best places in europe to see northern lights with kids this year, find the best family winter breaks to enchant your kids this year, ultimate christmas gift: bag lapland holidays for less than £1,000pp, new family traveller magazine with free uk postage, let your child plan your holiday to win a tui trip for..., join tripbeat free, save up to 60% on family holidays, save up to 60% on a winter getaway with tripbeat, love to travel with your family.

Get inspiration, tips And holiday competitions straight to your inbox!

Hello traveller!

• Skip to main content
• Skip to main navigation
• Skip to search
• Skip to talk navigation

Advertisement

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations .

Thinking of going to Lapland with Canterbury Travel. Are they worth the money?

archstanton · 03/08/2010 16:37

Thinking of booking a trip to Lapland this December. Probably the week before Christmas. But for DH, me and 3DCs it comes to 6k for the 4days! I've looked at Cosmos, Transun and First Choice too. They work out about 1.5k cheaper which is obviously quite a lot. But I'd rather spend 5800 for an amazing time which is a trip of a lifetime than 4600 for an ok but very expensive trip IYKWIM. It's a huge amout of money which we've been saving for since last year so I want to get it right. DS is almost 7yrs and I just think it's this year or never as I think next year at almost 8yrs, the magic will have passed. So has anyone done it? Who did you go with? Anyone know whether CT are worth it? TIA

BTW, DCs will be: DS 6 (nearly 7), DD1 4.5, DD2 3.5

Have you looked at the travel reviews...Canterbury aren't rated that well!

Really. Lynette? I first considered them because I read some archive stuff on here and they were recommended. Which review website should I look at? Thanks.

Oh!!! I've just read the 3 reviews on here and all are critical. Which other firm come recommended? I really want it to be amazing. Lynette, thanks so much for pointing me in the direction of the MN reviews.

Bloody hell. That's a lot of money. Just hope no bigmouth at school blurts out that there is no FC (as happened to dd)

It is a lot of money but we've looked at it as our 'main' holiday this year and started saving last November. I just want to get it right. The First Choice one looks very professional but not sure if it would be a let down compared to Canterbury.

Bumping for any other views. Thanks

As an ex-travel agent, I'd be a bit wary of Canterbury Travel. Not so much the bad reviews but I think that there may be a few more, smaller, travel companies such as this one that may go under in the future. Just a hunch I have.

Thanks, Hinny! Hadn't really thought of that. They are covered by the regulator though so at least we'd get our money back. I really want to hear good reviews or good reviews from those who have gone with another company whom they recommend.

I'd book with First Choice or Thomas Cook or Cosmos to be honest, purely as they are much bigger. Thomas Cook stores might match their internet price if you take your print-out into their shop. (better for their figures!) Which airport do you want to fly from?

Thanks, Hinny. We're having a look at Emagine, Transun and First Choice now. I guess there may be the same problem with Emagine but a few good write ups here and elsewhere.

Bump (hopeful) There must be lots of MNs who have been.

We went with Esprit to Saariselka last Christmas. The reps we had were great and talk about some of them being dedicated. We ran late seeing Father Christmas as one group had been held up. Despite it being their breaktime, our 2 reps refused to go on their break until we had all seen Father Christmas and it was - 20 odd. They were so cold their eyelashes were freezing up. We went for Christmas. It was great and dd loved it even though she had been before with my parents. It is an experience and we are so glad we did it although we wouldn't do it again. Probably too cold as it was -28 on christmas eve which was too cold for the children being towed behind the skidoos, despite all the proper clothes and 3 pairs of gloves etc. It only went down to -16 when dd went the first time and that was more bearable for her. One tip -if you want to drink alcohol when you are away buy some in duty free. Our hotel charged 26 for 2 glasses of wine and a bottle was 50 euro (for white). We got a special price on Christmas Day! And get some soft drinks from the local supermarket. Ours was open every day including christmas day although the off licence shut at lunchtime on Xmas Eve.

That's really helpful, thank you Sushiqueen! Can I ask, did you look at other tour operators? What made you go with Esprit? The extreme cold does worry me as DD2 will only be 3yrs. The problem with Esprit is that their destinations are the most northern therefore it follows (I suppose) that their trips are the coldest.

I looked into Igloo and thought they looked good as well, but it is a big decision as it will be the trip of a lifetime for DD aged 7! Still not booked due to the same worries as you!

It's hard, isn't it Miggsie? It is such an expensive, once in a lifetime trip and I just don't want to get it wrong. What I really want is some sort of Which? report where they've been on them all and can give me the lowdown!

To be honest I only had a quick look at some of the other operators. My parents had looked it in all so thoroughly when they went 2 years beforehand, that I used their holiday as a basis. We had relatives that also went with Canterbury and weren't impressed. Esprit included all the proper clothes gloves etc in the holiday which not all of them do. Saariselka is cold but they do also go to Rovenimi (not sure of spelling). Our friends went there with Esprit and loved it. It is more commercialised than Saariselka and I think more touristy. The cold is an issue but we had really young children on our trip. If it is too cold it will mean things like the skidoo trip is not suitable for them as they go in a trailer behind so the wind chill factor is horrendous for them. We had children crying with cold and some of the mums sat with them in the trailer and couldn't believe how much it affected you. Whereas on the skidoos you were fine as you had heated handlebars etc and a full visor helmut (although it did mist up). That is an optional extra though so you can choose not to do it. When we did the activity day there was a hut you could go into for warm berry juice and cookies and there was also a restaurant where you could stay in the warm. So it is possible to be in and out of the cold. If you do go, take loads of layers as well as the clothes they give you. We all had thin wool gloves on underneath the ones they gave us, as well as thermals, tops, extra socks etc. They give you the gloves and boots larger than normal to allow for the extra clothes. Bit of a pain layering up in the morning but worth it. We also took our own hats although they did give us some and your all in ones had hoods on. I must admit it was freezing when we were there but we didn't really feel it most of the time. Your fingers and faces are the worst so balaclavas for the children are great. I had a scarf pulled up over my face and it still froze up occasionally during the day thanks to me breathing. lol. It is worth it though when you do things like the husky ride and play ice hockey. We were lucky as well in that the hotel we stayed in had a swimming pool, so we used to come back and relax in that before dinner. One thing- they are very fond of small frankfurter sausages over there as a lot of the food has to be imported. We had them for every meal (buffet style) including Christmas dinner.

I went on a one day trip to Lapland with CT around 7 years ago and it was a fantastic if expensive trip. I did however have a lot of trouble with them regarding the booking, they'd initially booked me on the wrong trip and it took a while to get it sorted and wasn't that impressed with their customer service but the actual day was brilliant. DC1and 2 still talk about it and I'm currently saving to take DC3 and 4 in a few years

Thanks everyone, all really helpful!

Don’t want to miss threads like this?

Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

Canterbury are specialists in this also have a look at emagine both are very good.

You could email my pal amanda, she's a travel counsellor, she's in Pease Pottage, West Sussex. link She can tell you the best companies to deal with and who's got the best reputation, best feedback and best value for money. As an ex TA I book with her as I trust her judgement. ( no I'm not on commision! )

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

Suggested companies

Santa's lapland, santaclaustrips.

Canterbury Travel   Reviews

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.5.

Most relevant

Excellent booking experience

Excellent booking experience, staff member was friendly, informative and very helpful. Nice easy booking just want you want.

Date of experience : 18 March 2024

Absolutely magical

Absolutely magical. One of the best holidays I’ve ever been on. Brilliantly organised - handling a couple of guest issues with total professionalism. Our Arctic star (rep) Timothy was absolutely brilliant - not just with the adults but also with the kids. Huge thanks to him Amazing activities - the memories of which will stay with us for a lifetime. And the elves were totally amazing. Special mention to Wendy Wood whom we all loved and Speedy Sam who my son now hero worships and who spotted and waved to him as we left. Would totally recommend.

Date of experience : 16 December 2023

We’ve just come back from Enontekio m

We’ve just come back from Enontekio m, booked with Canterbury Travel and couldn’t fault it. The kids had the most magical time and we loved it so much that we’re going to book again for next year. Everything was so well organised from arriving at the airport to leaving. Everything was included with the price which is a bonus when you’ve got kids as they seem to ask for everything. Can’t wait to book again with Canterbury Travel, a highly recommended company

Date of experience : 22 December 2023

Christmas Sparkle (Soumu)

We had the most magical time in Lapland, meeting Santa, Husky ride, Reindeers, it was all perfect! Special mention to Robert our arctic star, he was fantastic-thank you! We would definitely recommend Canterbury travel.

Date of experience : 18 December 2023

A wonderful magical experience

A wonderful magical experience, everything was seamless and thought through. Our Arctic Star was Wendy and she did a fantastic job, especially considering she told us it was her first tour on her own. The booking experience was also great with helpful service.

Date of experience : 19 December 2023

Suomu Christmas sparkle

We went from stansted to suomu for the Christmas sparkle package and overall it was a good experience. Jet2 were fab and couldn’t fault the energy and enthusiasm of the Canterbury staff. We thought the food was excellent too. Everything was well organised but… for the price level there were some things that were disappointing. There were no clean mugs in our log cabin (not just tea stains actual dried on hot chocolate) so had to wash them all up before we could have a warm drink. We had to bring our own hot drinks as tea bags, coffee etc isn’t provided in the lodge/cabins (we were aware of this before travel but for a 2 night £6k holiday seems ridiculous that a few tea bags couldn’t be provided). There were also no Christmas lights or decorations in our log cabin - just one light up reindeer. Meeting Santa was magical but the children made Christmas cards whilst they were waiting to go in and were given paper cups of old broken crayons (surely some felt tips/glitter etc could have been provided). None of these things were terrible or ruined it in any way for the kids but so many people had raved about the experience and for something that was so expensive we had expected it to be incredible- not just good.

Date of experience : 15 December 2023

Not been yet to lapland yet but…

Not been yet to lapland yet but as far as Canterbury Travel goes, really helpful staff, happy to explore all the options and then helped me find the package that was right for me and my family not necessarily what can feel like the one that makes them the most money or biggest bonus. Able to answer all my questions how ever unusual they may have been. Their confidence made me feel booking with them was safe and secure.

Date of experience : 23 March 2023

Christmas at Suomu

Thank you to the lady my daughter spoke to last night when we realised the Gatwick flights to Luosto for Christmas 2023 were fully booked. She advised us to consider Stansted to Suomu which we did. I booked this wonderful-looking family trip for a large group of us this morning. Carl, you were so helpful, friendly and professional, despite the problems with your phone, and our documents have already been emailed and sorted. We can’t wait for our Christmas holiday!

Date of experience : 12 January 2023

Reply from Canterbury Travel

Glad Carl was able to help you book this trip for your family. We'll see you in Lapland later this year! Best regards, Donna Canterbury Travel

Fantastic but busy day - loved it

We travelled to Enontekio Finland with Canterbury Travel for the day. The day was amazing, the place was fantastic, plenty to do & not over crowded as there were only 2 planes of people there. Only thing that is needed to improve the day is to make the suit & boot collection better - that part of the day was very chaotic. Other than that highly recommend the day - was an awesome experience - loved it

Date of experience : 02 December 2022

Thank you for your review Mrs Stevens. We're sorry that collecting your snow suits and boots was chaotic. Unfortunately, Enontekio is a very small airport but our team at this location are working hard to improve this. We delighted that you had a good time in Lapland. Merry Christmas from us all ! Donna Canterbury Travel

Made a phone booking for my family…

Made a phone booking for my family today. Things were not straight forward but the customer service assistant Bernie went to a great deal of trouble to sort out the issues. Thank you so much for your excellent service. Looking forward to our Lapland Experience!

Date of experience : 15 March 2023

Firs visit to Lapland

The first time i have ever been to Lapland and enjoyed every single minute of it. This was a day trip organised by Canterbury travel and i would absolutely recommend it. 4 adults with 2 grand children 8 and 5, and it was a really magical day for them, concluding with meeting the big man himself, Santa. The flights with Jet 2 were very good, with no delays, and food (good food) on both outbound and inbound flights. Temperature was around -12 degees but you are provided with boots and snow suits to keep you well warm. Transfer from Enontekio airport to the "Playground" was via sledges pulled by snow mobile through the forests of Lapland. A magical journey by itself. Advised to book the visit to Santa as soon as we got there and were given a time slot. We found all the things to do were not overcrowded and very little waiting around, Snow mobiles, husky rides, sledging, reindeer rides and more. Dinner was in the "Canteen", where there was a bit of choice of food, so i am sure there would be something for everyone. It does get a little bit busy but we still found somewhere to sit down. Over all we all thought it had been a magical experience and well worth the money. Would definitely recommend Canterbury Travel

Excellent from enquiry to booking

From making the enquiry online to booking the whole process was quick and easy. I wasn't hounded after making the enquiry and allowed to take my time deciding, unlike another company who have called a few times and emailed me everyday which put me off. The lady I dealt with via email was so helpful and the man who I booked on the phone with sounded genuinely interested in helping and polite. Really good customer service

Date of experience : 25 September 2022

5 Day, 5* - Christmas at Luosto, Lapland

Without question this was the best holiday and family experience we've ever had. My children (12 and 8), myself and my wife got to tick off a bucket list item and got to meet Santa on his home turf. It was superb, and the organisation delivered by Canterbury travel was second to none. Yes, it is expensive, but you never feel short changed in any way. We met elves, we had fun with our arctic stars guiding us round Lapland, we got to try out snow mobiles, sledges, feed reindeers and loads loads more. It's amazing how much you actually do in the time you are there. There's even a few surprises that isn't mentioned on the operators itinerary that just adds to the magic. We wouldn't have changed a thing. Thanks Canterbury Travel. You deserve all the travel accolades that you keep getting. We'll be thinking about this holiday for a long time to come.

Date of experience : 23 December 2022

Thank you very much for your amazing review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your trip and had a magical time with us in Lapland. Best regards, Donna Canterbury Travel

Think carefully before booking with Canterbury Travel

Cabin accommodation was excellent; tour guide was excellent. However the food was absolutely disgusting - nuggets and chips, turkey twizzlers and chips, no fresh produce - the breakfast was one of the worst I have ever experienced. The food was completely sub-standard given the high cost of the package. Regarding activities, Day 1 was too long and activities were packed together. Kids were exhausted, hungry and hysterical by the end. Day 2 we had a lot of spare time. Why not spread the activities more evenly over the 2 days? Also, ALOT of time wasted playing unnecessary “snow games”. By day 2 nearly everyone in the group had had enough of playing these games in the freezing cold and wouldn’t even get off the bus when told to. Overall, I would not recommend Canterbury Travel for a Santa Experience and the majority of the parents in our group all felt the same.

Date of experience : 06 December 2022

We're sorry to hear that you were disappointed with the food and some of the tour activities. We will include your feedback at our debrief meeting with the resort managers. Please do not hesitate to contact our team if you would like to discuss this further. Regards, Donna Canterbury Travel

Magical & Fantastic Experience 🌟

The whole experience was excellent and well organised by Canterbury Travel. Our Canterbury guide Matthew on coach Y was just the best! We had issues with our Cabin and he instantly alerted the right people and we were transferred to better accommodation. His enthusiasm and entertainment on the coach was just contagious and made the experience so enjoyable. The whole experience was magical and our highlights were seeing Father Christmas, reindeer & the Husky rides. Our only disappointment was we never actually got to do snow mobile riding. We found out children had to be 140cm in height to accompany an adult on a snow mobile. They offered mini snow mobiles for kids but some of these were not working onsite and with only two available and a long queue waiting in the cold we just retreated back to the coach without riding as the cold just got the better of us! However we did enjoy the sleigh ride to and from the ski mobile track. All the staff were friendly and helpful especially hotel site manager (lady with long blonde hair whose name I forgot to take I think it’s Libby). Dispute the couple of issues mentioned the whole experience was good value and I highly recommend. We have treasured memories from this fantastic experience.

Date of experience : 03 December 2023

We had the most amazing magical 4 day…

We had the most amazing magical 4 day break in Luosto. Every tiny detail was covered to make it truly magical. We travelled with 2 teenagers 16, 15 and a 10 yr and disabled 8 year old. Canterbury travel from start to finish made sure everything was in place to cater for us. We all said it was the most incredible time and so glad we did it, bought back all the magic of Christmas. Our tour guide Chloe was exceptional and nothing was too much trouble. Our coach was B the best too, always singing. We would go back in a heartbeat. I absolutely would highly recommend Canterbury Travel and so many of our friends did to us too.

Date of experience : 08 December 2022

Thank you for your smashing review. We're delighted that your family made magical memories together. It was an absolute pleasure welcoming you to Lapland! Best regards, Donna Canterbury Travel

The booking process was very easy

The booking process was very easy. The website is easy to use and has all of the information you need. When I made an enquiry I was emailed a quote and Michelle made a courtesy call. I wasn’t in a position to book at that time. I received another email about my enquiry but didn’t feel pestered. During booking Michelle was very friendly and explained everything clearly. I would definitely recommend Canterbury Travel.

Date of experience : 04 November 2022

A truly magical experience

We chose Canterbury Travel for this once in a lifetime trip to meet Santa in Lapland for our four girls. The first day travelling wasn’t ideal. There was a flight delay, it took quite a while getting the thermal suits, and first night meal (Skandia Hotel) was pretty sub standard. That, coupled with having tired children (and adults) and a lot of hanging around, wasn’t a great omen for the rest of the trip. The staff in fairness were very responsive and helpful. However, the next day the magic began and the next 2 and a half days were magical. We were immersed in a winter wonderland of elf characters and experiences which was amazing, The reindeer sleigh ride and husky sledging were magical. Getting to meet Santa the way we did (who even had the original letters we posted from Belfast!!) was wonderful. The accomodation (in a Ruka Lodge) was warm, cosy and very spacious. And the staff ferried us around between breakfast lunch and dinner and lots of activities in between - which must have been a logistical nightmare to plan- was delivered with military precision, great professionalism and enthusiasm. The whole experience ( except for the first couple of hours) was amazing. Our guides - Mia and Grace / never stopped and were so kind and helpful. All of the elves couldn’t have done enough to make the experience so special, I was blown away!! I could not recommend Canterbury Travel and the staff more highly. When booking, I thought it was a bit expensive, but it really was well worth it. It was a very, very, very good experience for both children and adults!

Date of experience : 01 December 2023

Expertise at its best!!!…

Such an easy booking and payment system. Canterbury travel kept me fully informed throughout the process. This is my second time using Canterbury Travel for a Lapland trip. I would not hesitate to use them again. Brilliant.

Date of experience : 30 September 2022

Was due to fly tomorrow been poorly in…

Was due to fly tomorrow been poorly in hospital with high blood pressure and today after lots of asking and being told yes the gp told me I was unfit to fly rang Canterbury straight away as I’d got a medical letter to see if could transfer all the party to next year with any extra costs or cancel. They weren’t prepared to even ask me what was wrong the attitude on the phone was go or lose money. So half the party are going me and my partner will not be going and I most definitely will not be booking with them next year when I’m fit to fly and not tomorrow 22/12/22

Date of experience : 21 December 2022

Tracy, thank you for your review. You made your booking via a travel agent, and it is your agent you will have spoken to regarding this matter. It is most unfortunate that you were diagnosed as unfit to fly by your Doctor, the day before departure. As per our terms and conditions, it is not possible to transfer a booking to the following year and you should contact your travel insurance provider to see if the reason for your cancellation is covered under your policy so that you may reclaim cancellation charges.

RECRUITMENT

Become a Part of the Magic

Canterbury Travel is a highly rated, award-winning company that has been helping families explore Lapland for over 50 years. Being one of the Leading Tour Operators in the industry with countless travel awards behind us, we are continuing to expand what we do best across Finnish Lapland. 

Our resort teams take visitors away from the crowds to experience unique locations in Finnish Lapland, working with experienced local suppliers. As holiday experts, we help families choose the right trip for them, which means we want the best team available to make sure our guests have a magical holiday. 

We Operate over Five Resorts!

Luosto, Pyhä, Suomu, Ruk a and Enontekiö. 

We are proud to offer our bespoke Search for Santa tours across four of our resorts, with Enontekiö offering our Enchanting Lapland day trip tour. 

​We are looking for dedicated, hardworking people who understand that working in the Arctic isn’t always easy. Working away from Family during the Festive Period is also required so we urge you to take this into consideration before applying.

Contract dates run between 14t h November -  5th January.

(Please note these dates are Resort Specific as some contracts are shorter than others).

Our Character Roles

Noisy Nod is the oldest and wisest elf in Lapland.

Snowy Bowy is the beautiful princess of Lapland.

Speedy Sam is the fastest elf in all of Lapland.

Tricky Dicky

Tricky Dicky is highly energetic who enjoys playing pranks and tricks.

Wendy Wood is Santa’s number one wooden toy maker.

Santa & Mrs Claus

Our resort roles.

Arctic Star

Our Arctic Stars guide the groups around our Magical resorts.

Arctic Ranger

The chance to experience the Arctic hands-on, running our outdoor excursions.

Guest Experience

A customer-facing role, helping resolve day to day queries.

Hospitality

Helping ensure guest happiness and satisfaction.

Make-up Artist

Creatively bring our characters alive during the tours.

Join the Magical Experience

We welcome determined  individuals who will help us deliver the magic of Christmas and spread some festive cheer.

Any Questions?

Check out our frequently asked questions for important information you may be looking for regarding flights, accommodation, food, clothing and more.

You will have the chance to ask any further questions you may have within the application process, and if successful  we will provide you with any additional information you require.