Course Overview

This is the perfect opportunity for you to learn the paddling and safety techniques you need to enjoy canoeing on our northern rivers. This course focuses on outfitting, rigging, maneuvers, selection of gear and rescues specifically for multi-day northern river trips. The programs are designed to provide excellent instruction in a relaxed and enjoyable setting at Madawaska Kanu Centre on the Madawaska River.

Since 1972, Black Feather has introduced thousands of paddlers to the fun and excitement of whitewater canoeing, teaching a style of paddling designed to let you safely descend rapids in a loaded, tandem tripping canoe. With whitewater skills, a whole new world of wilderness travel is open to you.

Who is this Course for?

This is an excellent choice for experienced whitewater canoeists heading out on northern expeditions as a warm up and review. After this clinic you’ll be ready to head out on your own or try one of Black Feather’s more challenging river expeditions.

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

$500

Accommodation + Meals

$80-370. See below for details

Rental Package

$170 (for boat, paddle, helmet, life jacket). Individual items also available to rent

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* | $370

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* | $370

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* | $370

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 | $310

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 | $420

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.

Check In

The evening before your course between 7 & 10pm

Check Out

Sunday or Monday at 4:30 pm

*For those booking for one for Glamping, Cabanas, 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: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner, plus an après-paddling snack each day. Coffee, tea and juice are complimentary. BYOB.

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

   

Get prepared for your next wilderness canoeing expedition.

June 14-15, 2025

Book Now
Weekend

Weekend Whitewater

MKC’s Weekend Canoe or Kayak Clinic is an introduction to the exciting world of whitewater paddling.

Intermediate

$500 / Per person

COURSE DETAILS
5 Days

Yoga Whitewater Week

Yoga and kayaking or canoeing. Join us for our famous 5 day course with additional yoga programming to harmonize your learning with mindful motion.

Intermediate

$1225 / Per person

COURSE DETAILS
Weekend

Family Weekend

Bring the kids for this fun-filled weekend getaway! Learn to kayak or canoe as a whole family at our Riverside Wilderness Resort!

Intermediate

$500 / Per person

COURSE DETAILS

Reviews

5 star ratingSunny days on the Madawaska River with the Madawaska Kanu Centre Absolutely fantastic experience!!!! I took my three grandchildren, aged 7 - 15 for the two hour family raft experience. Our guide made the adventure so much fun for all of
us. Our neighbours also joined our raft, so we had a total of 11. We will definitely return for another adventure.
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vera g Avatar
vera g
8/11/2024
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
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.