Course Overview

4 Days of Whitewater Canoe or Kayak on the Madawaska

Join us for river education in your choice of Canoe or Kayak – the perfect amount of time to immerse yourself in the world of whitewater. Our Instructors are experienced outdoors leaders with a passion for teaching paddling and sharing their love of the river with you. Combine this with MKC’s hospitality and you have an active vacation like none other. Whether a new or established kayaker or canoeist – we welcome everyone to our riverside community to learn new skills and build confidence on the water.

Who is this Course for?

Our 4 day courses are ideal for all skill levels -beginner to advanced. We divide kayakers and canoeists into small groups based on skill level the first day of the course to ensure the learning progression will suit your needs.

Itinerary

Course Location

Our wilderness classroom is the beautiful Middle Madawaska River, located a short distance from our Resort, and just south of the town of Barry’s Bay, Ontario.

   

Cost

Instruction Fee

$860

Ask about our early season discount for May!

Accommodation + Meals

From $160-$620. See below for various accommodation & meal packages

Rental Package

$340-$380 (boat, paddle, helmet, life jacket).

Accommodation + Meal Packages

Cozy Lodge rooms, off-the-grid Cabanas, budget-friendly Dorms or wooded Campsites. Our Wilderness Resort offers something for everyone.

Shared Lodge Plan* | $740

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* | $740

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* | $740

Come glamp in MKC's forest! Our newest accommodation options are cozy, comfortable, canvas tents. Two twin beds with bedding can be converted into a single queen bed. Washroom facilities are a short walk away. Meals included. No electricity.

Dormitory Plan* | $620

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 Plan | $560

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.

Camping No Meals | $160

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. Bring your own camping and cooking equipment to enjoy meals at your site. Dishwashing station available. No electricity.

Check In

The evening before your course between 7 & 10pm

Check Out

Fridays at 7pm

*For those booking for one for Glamping, Cabana, Lodge or Dorm: it is likely you will stay with other students of the same gender. As a wilderness resort we have chosen to not expand too far into our surrounding forest and therefore have limited indoor accommodations. To book a private room as an individual is an additional cost.

About our Meals

We take pride in serving healthy, hearty and delicious meals. As a proud member of FeastON, we source locally when possible and add our special touch with herbs and edible flowers from our own garden. Meals start with breakfast the first day of the course and include: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners plus an après-paddling snack. Coffee, tea and juice are complimentary. BYOB.

Locally roasted specialty coffee and homemade snacks can be purchased from our Riverside Shop & Café.

  

Group Discounts

We welcome groups of 4 or more at a discounted rate (conditions apply)

What do folks think of us?

What really sets them apart, is the quality of their instructors. As William Ward said: "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." We have both been inspired to keep paddling

Jake J

The facility has been lovingly maintained and was peacefully beautiful. The food was great: abundant, fresh, flavourful and healthy. Customer service is clearly a priority as all the staff from the instructors, administration and food services were smiling, accommodating and helpful.

Adam L + Mary-Lynne S

Did a four day course this spring. It was so well worth it. So much fun and so much progression in skill. All staff and instructors were so welcoming, competent and fun. If you are thinking about it, go for it, you will know straight away it’s the right decision

Steve B

The highlight of the program was the spirit of learning while respecting and cherishing everyone’s differences/abilities

Genevieve J

This course runs once in May:

May 5-8

Book Now

Can’t find your preferred date? Let us know and we’ll do our best to help.

5 Days

Women’s Week

Find your river smile for the first time or reach new heights of whitewater potential during our Women’s Week.

Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced

$967.50 / Per person

COURSE DETAILS
5 Days

Family Week

Enjoy your next family vacation learning whitewater kayaking or canoeing at MKC! A truly uplifting getaway for the whole family!

Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced

$1075 / Per person

COURSE DETAILS
5 Days

5 Day Whitewater

MKC’s most popular course! Immerse yourself in the whitewater world and take your kayak and canoe skills to the next level.

Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced

$1075 / Per person

COURSE DETAILS

Reviews

5 star ratingA great time. I highly recommend MKC This was my 3rd, five day white water kayaking trip with MKC. It was another fabulous week.

I always choose the all inclusive option. I camp, but there are a number of indoor options for those who prefer that. I select the full meal plan, as I really don't want to do my own cooking before I paddle, or after a long day on the water. Don't let the young cooks worry you. (They're students working the summer months. Some of them are in culinary arts training.) The meals are better that a lot of restaurants. There's always vegetarian options at every meal. I like this because, and I like variety, and sometimes I want a change.

It doesn't matter what your skill level is, you'll have fun and will learn. On this last trip, there was a couple in their 80s, who wanted a new adventure to try out. How great is that. The instructors/guides always give positive feedback. You'll never hear you did anything wrong. (Typically, you all ready figured that out.) The guide will say something like: "Try this technique, and see how you like it." The guide will then demonstrate the technique a couple of times, and watch you trying it, while shouting encouragement to you. Plus, the rest of the people in your group will be cheering you on. When someone in the group does their first practice roll, or any combat roll, the cheers are thunderous. The grin on the person who just did the roll, says it all.

This year I was in seniors week. (I'm 73.) Virtually everyone had their own equipment. No worries if you need gear. MKC has excellent equipment, and will outfit you with everything you need, appropriate to your experience level. If you want to try a performance boat, they'll let you try one.

All in all, it's a great experience. I plan to return next year for my 4th time.

Give it a try!

Alan - Registered Maine Guide in Sea Kayaking
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Sky K Avatar
Sky K
9/08/2024
5 star ratingExciting, fun experience! Great experience. Reagan did an awesome job on our family rafting experience. She along with her partner, Tatiana made us feel safe at all times. My 10 year old grandson had an amazing first time experience and can’t wait to come back to try the Adventure Rafting!
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Marg W Avatar
Marg W
8/16/2024
5 star ratingWonderful time at Madawaska Family Rafting Wednesday, July 31 2024 @ 12:30pm - 2:30pm We went rafting with our 10 year old twin granddaughters and friends Andy, Dianne, Maggie and Abbie. Our guide Alix was excellent. Alix explained every detail of the trip before we entered the rapids. It is very safe for all ages. We had a great time and will not forget our memories. We plan on making this a yearly event. Thank you to Madawaska Family Rafting for the wonderful time! Andrew and Marlene
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Marlene S Avatar
Marlene S
8/08/2024
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.

early bird sale heron

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.