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

Every summer we help women find their river smile for the first time or reach new heights of paddling potential during our Women’s Week. Learn the art of whitewater kayaking or canoeing, enhanced by our additional workshops and perks: wine and cheese tasting, yoga, health and wellness workshops, and massage.
Our aim is to provide a supportive, fun-filled week to develop paddling skills and connect mind and body through outdoors exploration. Our instructors are inspirational women who love teaching the language of the river. Our Women’s Week workshops are different every year. Past workshops include: Mind & Body Awareness, Nutrition for Women, Watercolour Painting, Stand Up Paddleboarding and Nature-inspired Facials and the Art of All-Natural Perfumery
Starting at
$825 USD
$1030 CAD
Per Person

Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy perks: wine and cheese tasting, yoga, massage, and more
  • Learn from amazing and inspiring women on and off the river
  • Share amazing experiences with new and old friends

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
  • Canoeing

Activity

  • Whitewater

Experience/Service

  • Instruction or Skills Clinic

Waterway

  • Whitewater Class I
  • Whitewater Class II
  • 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

  • Women
  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced

Accreditation

  • Skills Certification

Adventure Level

Easier Challenging

Itinerary

45.414850° N, 77.756885° W

Meeting Place

Madawaska Kanu Centre

Barrys Bay, Ontario

Day 1:

8:00 am - Breakfast 9:00 am - Welcome Meeting with the Instructors 9:30 am - Distribution of Rental Gear 10:00 am - Off to the River! 12:30 pm - Lunch 1:30 pm - Back to the River! 4:00 pm - Snack on the porch 6:00 pm - Dinner 7:30 pm - Instructional Video

Day 2:

8:00 am - Breakfast 9:00 am - Off to the River! 12:30 pm - Lunch 1:30 pm - Back to the River! 4:00 pm - Snack on the porch 6:00 pm - Dinner 7:30 pm - River Rescue Session

Day 3:

8:00 am - Breakfast 9:00 am - Off to the River & Video Session 12:30 pm - Lunch 2:00 - 4:00 pm - Video Analysis with your Instructor, Free Time, Optional Massages & Flatwater practice 6:00 pm - BBQ Dinner 7:30 pm - Free time. Games? Sauna? Yoga? Chill on the deck? Your choice!

Day 4:

8:00 am - Breakfast 9:00 am - Off to the River! 12:30 pm - Lunch 1:30 pm - Back to the River! 4:00 pm - Snack on the porch 6:00 pm - Dinner 7:30 pm - Diplomas Ceremony

Day 5:

7:30 am - Breakfast 8:30 am - Shuttle leaves for River Trip 12:30 pm - Lunch by the River 1:30 pm - Continue downriver 4:00 pm - Snack on the shuttle back to MKC 6:00 pm - Dinner 7:00 pm - Departure

Dates & Packages

Women's Whitewater Canoe or Kayak Retreat

Shared Lodge Plan | $810 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 | $810 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 | $675 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 | $585 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.
July 10-14, 2023
$329 (for boat, paddle, helmet, lifejacket). Individual items also available to rent

What Guests Are Saying

MKC is a great training centre. I was challenged & supported. I grew in confidence and competence. The retreat provided wonderful nourishment for body, heart and soul. It was wonderful to connect with women from many different places to learn together and support each other through our love of paddling.

- Kathleen
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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