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

Course Overview The course begins with learning basic strokes and boat control on flatwater which is then applied on easy current in the afternoon. By the end of day two you will be having fun on the river, paddling up to Class II rapids. Add to this MKC’s hospitality and you have the perfect weekend getaway! Who is this Course for? Our weekend courses are for those who are new to whitewater! Experienced flatwater kayaker or canoeists are also welcome. Intermediate & Ad
Starting at
$380 USD
$475 CAD
Per Person

Trip Highlights

  • Top-notch instruction tailored to your needs
  • World-renowned whitewater, perfect for learning
  • 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

Experience/Service

  • Instruction or Skills Clinic

Waterway

  • Whitewater Class I
  • Whitewater Class II

Destination

  • North America

Length

  • 2 Days

Accomodation

  • Lodge or Resort-Based

Guided

  • Yes

Outfitted

  • Custom

Accreditation

  • Skills Certification

Adventure Level

Easier Challenging

Itinerary

45.414850° N, 77.756885° W

Meeting Place

Madawaska Kanu Centre

Barrys Bay, Ontario

The course begins with learning basic strokes and boat control on flatwater which is then applied on easy current in the afternoon. By the end of day two you will be having fun on the river, paddling up to Class II rapids. Add to this MKC’s hospitality and you have the perfect weekend getaway!

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 5:00 pm - Departure

Dates & Packages

Weekend Canoe or Kayak Clinic

May 4-5 May 11-12 May 25-26 June 1-2 June 8-9 June 22-23 July 13-14 July 20-21 August 3-5 August 10-11 August 24-25
Shared Lodge Plan | $360 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 | $360 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 | $300 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 | $260 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: $146 (for boat, paddle, helmet, lifejacket). Individual items also available to rent

What Guests Are Saying

Just finished a weekend refresher tandem canoe course at MKC and don't have enough superlatives to describe how fantastic the experience was from beginning to end. All staff, from the canoe instructors to the cooks, were amazing. Every detail was just right. Thanks, MKC, I'll be back!

- Emily E
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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