Course Overview

Join us for 5 Days of whitewater education in your choice of Canoe or Kayak

The perfect amount of time to immerse yourself in the world of whitewater. Our river instructors are experienced outdoors leaders with a passion for teaching whitewater 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 5 day whitewater 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 whitewater 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

$1075

Ask about our early season discount for May and early June!

Accommodation + Meals

From $200-925. See below for various accommodation & meal packages

Rental Package

$425-475 (whitewater 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* | $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, 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* | $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 Plan | $700

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 | $200

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: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 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

The Highlight of my program was the entire experience!! All the staff, the great food, the thoughtful layout of all the buildings and campsites. The camaraderie and the new friends I made. I enjoyed it all. Oops! Almost forgot to mention the river

Alex M

Amazing, organized and joyful. You can sense the passion here as soon as you pull up. Everyone loves what they do and it’s a very welcoming feeling

Brooke S

This course runs most weeks Monday to Friday from:

May 12 – August 29

Book Now

Can’t find your preferred date? Let us know and we’ll do our best to help you get onto some whitewater!

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

Senior’s Week

Whitewater is for everyone! Never kayaked or canoed? Been at it for decades? Join peers for an active and relaxing vacation!

Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced

$1075 / 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

Reviews

5 star ratingPerfect Family Adventure I cannot say enough good things about MKC - their facilities, their staff, the river, all of it. My family actually joined the five day learn to kayak program (which was not an option in the TripAdvisor drop down). The river has just the right amount of challenge to be PERFECT for learning. There are easy lines for absolute beginners, and enough challenge that a competitive slalom race was being held for top competitors on an adjacent section of the river during our stay. We will be back in the future for the same program.
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Scott S Avatar
Scott S
7/28/2024
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
5 star ratingAn absolute favorite We've visited MKC several times as a family and every time we did have a wonderful experience! Both adults and kids keep wanting to come back. An absolute pleasure to be there for so many reasons: the canoeing, the place, the surrounding nature, fantastic people and food .the entire spirit of MKC.
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Catherine G Avatar
Catherine G
7/30/2024
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.