Kayaking and Canoeing for the Whole Family

By Adrick Brock

Class III rapids aren’t your average family destination. There are rocks to worry about, plus ledges, drops, undercuts, hydraulics. But the river is also a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts looking for the catharsis that accompanies facing your fears, and according to the Madawaska Kanu Centre, the whole family should be there for the experience.

The MKC is nestled into the bank of the Madawaska River, a two-hour drive from Ottawa, Ontario. Canada’s oldest whitewater school is run by Claudia Van Wijk and her husband Dirk. With two daughters of their own, the Van Wijk’s understand the importance of paddling together as a family. “Paddling is a lifestyle sport,” says Claudia Van Wijk. “It’s so important that your kids fall in love with it alongside you.”

The real draw to their Family Week program, according to Van Wijk, is that you arrive together as a family but are challenged at your own individual level. You may prefer canoeing, for instance, but your spouse may be a kayaker. Kids are grouped together, meaning you get to focus on your strokes while your children rip around at their own fearless pace. Classes are small, split by skill level, and lead by certified instructors.

The Madawaska river itself provides an idyllic . . .

Read the full article on the Adventure Sports Network!

Reviews

5 star ratingApprendre le kayak de rivière dans un cadre enchanteur! Mon mari, moi-même et notre fils de 23 ans avons beaucoup aimé notre semaine de kayak débutant avec notre prof Les. Beaucoup de plaisir, d’apprentissage et un super mélange de respect de nos appréhensions et de stimulation à progresser. Enseignants professionnels et haut niveau de sécurité. Une semaine énergisante, dans un milieu respectueux des gens et de la nature!
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167genevi_vej Avatar
167genevi_vej
8/15/2024
5 star ratingWhite water st madawaska kanoe club. MKC Thank you Tatiana and Reagan!!! Great fun family rafting guides. This us a affordable trip the whole family will enjoy. Will return for adventure rafting for sure!
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Teena S Avatar
Teena S
8/15/2024
5 star ratingA great facility for an active family reunion. We are a large family (22 members) and the MKC absorbed our whole gang with
efficiency and excellent service. We had 16 family members guided for 3 days in
white water canoe skills with three amazing guides. They loved it and everyone
could maneuver white water with great skill at the end of three days.
MKC is known for the excellent food it serves and we were all super impressed with every meal served over the three full days. Thanks MKC staff for making us all feel so welcome. You made our family reunion and MOST MEMORABLE ONE. Jackie F.
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621jacquelinef Avatar
621jacquelinef
8/12/2024

Splash into
Spring Sale

Save up to $300 on select 4 & 5 day Whitewater Kayak and Canoe Courses from May 5th – June 16th, 2025.

Spots are limited—book now before they’re gone!

Wednesday November 27th

Early bird sale.

20% OFF

KAYAK AND CANOE PROGRAMS AT MKC

Please get in touch with us prior, so we can prepare your quote in advance.

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Must place deposit between 9am and 6pm EST November 27th to receive discount.

We cannot combine discounts.

March 4th - 8th 2024

10% off

5 day kayak + canoe courses

5% of all revenue from this week is donated to your choice of three organizations

We are forever grateful for the support we continually receive from our communities. To say a small thanks, we want to give back.