As Seen In

2024 Trip Guide

rapid media magazine

View now

As Seen In

2024 Trip Guide

rapid media magazine

View now

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

Join us for 5 Days of river education in your choice of Canoe or Kayak – the perfect amount of time to immerse yourself in the world of whitewater. Our Instructors are experienced outdoors leaders with a passion for teaching paddling and sharing their love of the river with you. Combine this with MKC’s hospitality and you have an active vacation like none other. Whether a new or established paddler – we welcome everyone to our riverside community.
Our 5 day courses are ideal for all skill levels -beginner to advanced. We divide paddlers into small groups based on skill level the first day of the course to ensure the learning progression will suit your needs.
Starting at
$824 USD
$1030 CAD
Per Person

Trip Highlights

  • Top-notch instruction tailored to your needs
  • World-renowned whitewater, perfect for learning
  • Locally sourced and garden-fresh fare
  • Join the paddling community

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
  • River Running

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
  • Base Camp
  • Campground or Car Camping

Guided

  • Yes

Outfitted

  • Custom

Special Interest

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced

Accreditation

  • Skills Certification

Adventure Level

Easier Challenging

Itinerary

45.414850° N, 77.756885° W

Meeting Place

Madawaska Kanu Centre

Barry's Bay, Ontario

Join us for 5 Days of river education in your choice of Canoe or Kayak – the perfect amount of time to immerse yourself in the world of whitewater. Our Instructors are experienced outdoors leaders with a passion for teaching paddling and sharing their love of the river with you.

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

Five-Day Whitewater Canoe Or Kayak Courses

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.
May 13-17 May 22-26 May 27-31 June 3-7 June 10-14 June 17-21 June 24-28 July 1-5 July 8-12 July 15-19 July 22-26 July 29-August 2 August 12-16 August 19-23 August 26-30
Rental Package: $365 (for boat, paddle, helmet, lifejacket). Individual items also available to rent

What Guests Are Saying

Located on a great section of the Madawaska river, MKC provides outstanding instruction in paddling white water (kayak and canoe), as well as good food. Kinda like summer camp for adults.

- Peter M
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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