The Dalsland Canal, of which only ten kilometres is actually man-made, connects a 240 kilometre navigable system of lakes of tremendous beauty and serenity. More than anything, Dalsland is known as a mecca for canoeists and kayakers, who come from all over Sweden and the rest of Europe to enjoy weeks of paddling and peaceful, scenic camping, always with an abundance of natural luxuries such as solitude and pristine wilderness.

The Dalsland Canal system can also be enjoyed at leisure from a passenger´s vessel, with any of four companies operating the system from 1 May to 30 September. There are several sights and attractions along the way, including the famous and frequently pictured passage at Håverud – a combination of a roadway bridge, a railway bridge and an aqueduct, opened in 1868. Not far from Håverud is the House of Crafts, one of southern Sweden´s best places to shop for genuine local handicraft, beautifully located by Lake Upperudshöljen, just down the road from Dalsland´s Museum.