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

Take your weekend family getaway to the next level and sign up for MKC’s Family Programs. This is an opportunity for the family to “get their feet wet” in their choice of kayak or canoe, while enjoying time in nature as a family. These weekends feature kid-focused kayak courses (kids paddling with kids while adults kayak with adults), or family-focused canoe courses (parents paddling with their kids).
This trip is perfect for families with kids aged 10 and older. Weekend courses are perfect for a great introduction to whitewater. Experienced flatwater paddlers are also very welcome.
Starting at
$380 USD
$475 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

  • 2 Days

Accomodation

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

Guided

  • Yes

Outfitted

  • Custom

Special Interest

  • Family
  • Youth
  • Beginner
  • Intermediate

Accreditation

  • Skills Certification

Adventure Level

Easier Challenging

Itinerary

45.414850° N, 77.756885° W

Meeting Place

Madawaska Kanu Centre

Barrys Bay, Ontario

Day 1:

8:00 am Buffet Breakfast 9:00 am Welcome Meeting with the Instructors 9:30 am Off to the River! 12:00 pm Lunch at MKC 1:00 pm Drive to Palmer Rapids 4:00 pm Snack on the van ride back to MKC Volleyball and games 6:00 pm Dinner in the MKC dining hall 7:30 pm Instructional Video, and a big group game

Day 2:

8:00 am Breakfast 9:00 am Off to Palmer Rapids 12:30 pm BBQ Lunch Buffet served at Palmer Rapids 1:30 pm Back to the River! 4:00 pm Snack on the porch and departure from MKC

Dates & Packages

Family Weekend

July 13-14, 2024 July 20-21, 2024 August 24-25, 2024
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

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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