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 big water fun! Based on the banks of the Ottawa River, we will spend time paddling big water waves, surfing, and honing our techniques. Get ready to expand your comfort zone as we help you feel confident making moves on a high volume river.
Starting at
$860 USD
$1075 CAD
Per Person

Trip Highlights

  • Top-notch instruction tailored to your needs
  • Expand your comfort zone to include bigger water

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

Activity

  • Whitewater
  • Freestyle
  • River Running
  • River Play

Experience/Service

  • Instruction or Skills Clinic

Waterway

  • 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

  • Intermediate
  • Advanced

Accreditation

  • Skills Certification

Adventure Level

Easier Challenging

Itinerary

45.414850° N, 77.756885° W

Meeting Place

Madawaska Kanu Centre

Barrys Bay, Ontario

Join us for 5 Days of river education on the Ottawa River. 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 - Shuttle to River Experience the Ottawa River! Packed lunch on the river 4:00 pm - Off the river, optional pontoon boat BBQ cruise back to base camp

Day 2:

Days 2-5 will be the same as Day 1!

Dates & Packages

Intermediate Whitewater Kayaking On The Ottawa River

June 23-27, 2025 -- August 11-15, 2025
Shared Lodge Plan | $925 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 | $925 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. Shared Glamping Plan | $925 Come glamp in MKC's forest! Our newest accommodation options are cozy, comfortable Dormitory Plan | $775 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 | $700 MKC's wooded campsites are great for tents, trailers and campervans. Sites are equipped with a picnic table, onsite parking, and access to nearby washroom facilities. Meals included. No electricity.

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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.

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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
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