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

Seniors Paddling Week is a great combination of learning whitewater skills in a relaxed river running environment amidst peers. It is an active vacation to challenge yourself at your skill level in either canoe or kayak, while also enjoying MKC hospitality and R&R. Perks include healthy & hearty cuisine, riverside stretching, evening socials, sauna and scotch tasting. Get ready for adventures and good times with friends this August!
Different for this week will be knowing when to take a break to stretch & hydrate, with a focus on technical river reading, and practicing efficiency – using the current to your advantage (a less is more approach!) In addition to paddling skills the week covers paddling posture, outfitting your own boat, reviewing video footage of yourself on the water, après paddling stretch sessions, and option to purchase a mid-week massage. The Scotch Tasting has become the signature event of Senior’s Week – do plan to bring a bottle of your own favourite! At our Wilderness Resort, you will have full use of our hot outdoor showers, log sauna, and yoga pavilion. The final day of your course is a full River Trip – allowing you to use your new skills on a different river and finish your active vacation with a healthy dose of adventure.
Starting at
$824 USD
$1030 CAD
Per Person

Trip Highlights

  • Suitable for any skill level
  • A paddling course designed specifically for you
  • Paddle and spend time with peers

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

  • 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

Arrival, Sunday evening. Course finishes Friday after dinner.

Day 1:

8:00 am - Buffet Breakfast 9:00 am - Welcome Meeting with the Instructors 9:30 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 & Video Session 12:30 pm - Lunch 1:30 pm - Back to the River! 4:00 pm - Snack on the porch & Video Analysis with your instructor 5:00pm - Scotch Tasting 6:00 pm - Dinner 7:30pm - River Rescue Session

Day 3:

8:00 am - Breakfast 9:00 am - Off to the River 12:30 pm - Lunch 3:30pm - Departure to Lakefront property on Bark Lake. Options to paddle, swim, or relax on the grass 6:00 pm - BBQ Dinner at the lake! (weather permitting) 7:30/8 pm - Return to MKC

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 - Awards Ceremony

Day 5:

7:30 am - Breakfast 8:30 am - Shuttle leaves for River Trip Day 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 back at MKC 7:00 pm - Departure

Dates & Packages

Seniors Canoe or Kayak Week

August 19-23, 2024
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.
Rental Package: $365 (for boat, paddle, helmet, lifejacket). Individual items also available to rent

What Guests Are Saying

5 star I took the 5 day whitewater canoeing class at MKC. I camped in their cozy campground and bought the full meal ticket as well. First, ALL of the employees (and ownership) are open and welcoming and friendly beyond all reason. Second, their facility is second-to-none. Third, the instruction.

- Paco Jazztorious
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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