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

Family Week a parents and kids vacation to learn whitewater paddling together. Canoeing classes have families paddling together-divided into skill levels groups of Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced ,Tandem and Solo boats will be challenging the rapids that meet your own comfort zone. Often switching bow and stern positions we aim to prepare families for running your set of rapids, or multi-day river trips upon leaving our controlled environment.
See everyone re-unite on MKC's chalet deck, where a homemade snack and the hydration station await you-refreshing the body and spirit. Join in a volleyball match or rope game' with your kids, or sit back and watch them have fun. Dry-land workshops-reviewing paddling skills through the visual feedback of videos as well as practicing river rescue scenarios enhance the learning curve for all. Meal times are also shared family-time. Activities for teens are organized after paddling and continue until the sun starts to retreat. At this time, parents, the responsibility is yours to complete for the day. This ensures that MKC focuses on what we do best-teaching paddling and providing an incredible outdoor experience! Teens aged 12 to 16.
Starting at
$824 USD
$1030 CAD
Per Person

Trip Highlights

  • Meet and mingle with other paddling families
  • Fun for the whole family
  • Top-notch instruction for you AND your kids

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

Destination

  • North America

Length

  • 5 Days

Accomodation

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

Guided

  • Yes

Outfitted

  • Custom

Special Interest

  • Family
  • Youth
  • 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

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. Kids must be a minimum age of 9 years old to participate in paddling programs.

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 & Games 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 7:30pm - 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

Family Kayak Or Canoe Week

July 1-5, 2024 July 22-26, 2024 August 12-16, 2024
Rental Package: $365 (for boat, paddle, helmet, lifejacket). Individual items also available to rent
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.

What Guests Are Saying

Now that our kids were old enough to try the sport, we booked a week of instruction and adventure at MKC. Consensus among all of us - one of our best trips ever. If you have any interest in whitewater (kayak or canoe) this visit is a must do

- Tim C
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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