Currently run by the family’s third generation, Madawaska Kanu Centre was the vision of Christa & Hermann Kerckhoff. Winning the individual Canadian whitewater kayak title in 1968 the couple was inspired to get more paddlers out on rivers. The first whitewater school in the world was born. Modeled after the European ski school concept where paddlers are divided into skill level groups, good food, and a great atmosphere lead to the ‘Rapid Education’ we know as MKC today! The Madawaska River location became the River of choice with its technical rapids and guaranteed surface water releases providing warm whitewater all summer long.

Overview

Our MKC Week of Rivers Program is designed to introduce intermediate kayakers to our favourite river runs. We know and love these rivers and wish to share them with you during five days of paddling BC, Ontario, and Quebec’s best whitewater! You are accompanied by MKC Instructors who are your expert River Guides and support team. All the logistics of the trip are pre-arranged so you can focus on your paddling and enjoy a whitewater vacation like none other.
You and a small group of other boaters will be accompanied by two MKC Instructors. Acting as your guides they will look after all the logistical details of the trip while joining you on the river and creating an environment in which you can push your paddling. Possible rivers include; Several sections of the Madawaska and Petawawa, Middle or Main Channel of the Ottawa, The Gatineau, The Upper Rouge, Desert, Ouareau, or the Lower Lievre River. This is the perfect opportunity to practice your river running skills under the careful supervision of MKC instructors. Selection of Rivers will depend on participants' abilities and water levels.
Starting at
$1084 USD
$1355 CAD
Per Person

Trip Highlights

  • Explore new rivers with an experienced guide
  • Push your paddling abilities on new water
  • We take care of the logistics so you can focus on paddling

Currently run by the family’s third generation, Madawaska Kanu Centre was the vision of Christa & Hermann Kerckhoff. Winning the individual Canadian whitewater kayak title in 1968 the couple was inspired to get more paddlers out on rivers. The first whitewater school in the world was born. Modeled after the European ski school concept where paddlers are divided into skill level groups, good food, and a great atmosphere lead to the ‘Rapid Education’ we know as MKC today! The Madawaska River location became the River of choice with its technical rapids and guaranteed surface water releases providing warm whitewater all summer long.

Quick Facts

Paddlesport

  • Kayaking

Activity

  • Whitewater

Experience/Service

  • Guide Service

Waterway

  • Whitewater Class III

Destination

  • North America

Length

  • 5 Days

Accomodation

  • Lodge or Resort-Based
  • Glamping
  • Campground or Car Camping

Guided

  • Yes

Outfitted

  • Custom

Special Interest

  • Intermediate
  • Advanced

Accreditation

  • Skills Certification

Adventure Level

Easier Challenging

Itinerary

45.414850° N, 77.756885° W

Meeting Place

Madawaska Kanu Centre

Barrys Bay, Ontario

Our first day will be spent warming up and training on the Middle Madawaska. Every day after that, we'll be taking a trip to explore one of our favourite local rivers. The rivers we paddle will depend on water levels and paddler abilities.

Day 1:

*Rivers visited dependent on water levels.

Dates & Packages

Week of Rivers

Shared Lodge Plan | $900 Our rustic Lodge rooms have everything you need! Choose either a queen bed or 2 twin beds. Rooms are at ground level with nearby washroom facilities (en suite not available). Meals included. Shared Cabana Plan | $900 Enjoy our off-the-grid Cabanas tucked in the woods! Choose either a queen bed or 2 twin beds. Washroom facilities are a short walk away. Meals included. No electricity. Dormitory Plan | $750 Dorm room accommodation sleep up to six per room. Dorms are on the second floor with nearby washroom facilities. Meals included. Bring your own bedding. Camping | $650 MKC's wooded campsites are great for tents, trailers and campervans. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, onsite parking, and access to nearby washroom facilities. Meals included. No electricity.
June 17-21, 2024 July 29-August 2, 2024
Rental Package: $365 (for boat, paddle, helmet, lifejacket). Individual items also available to rent

What Guests Are Saying

This week of a different river every day really helped build my skills: paddling, safety, river reading and confidence. We saw some gorgeous parts of Ontario and Quebec. Our two instructors were absolutely superb. They brought a level of reflection and gratitude to this activity that was unparalleled.

- Kate
Reviews
0
Be the first to post a review!

Leave a review

Currently run by the family’s third generation, Madawaska Kanu Centre was the vision of Christa & Hermann Kerckhoff. Winning the individual Canadian whitewater kayak title in 1968 the couple was inspired to get more paddlers out on rivers. The first whitewater school in the world was born.

Read More

Currently run by the family’s third generation, Madawaska Kanu Centre was the vision of Christa & Hermann Kerckhoff. Winning the individual Canadian whitewater kayak title in 1968 the couple was inspired to get more paddlers out on rivers. The first whitewater school in the world was born.

Read More
Location

The Madawaska River is celebrated as one of the best places in North America to learn whitewater paddling. Flowing past our front door, through a forest of hardwood and pine, the dam-controlled water is warm, clean, and dependable all summer long.

Read More
Location

The Madawaska River is celebrated as one of the best places in North America to learn whitewater paddling. Flowing past our front door, through a forest of hardwood and pine, the dam-controlled water is warm, clean, and dependable all summer long.

Read More