Downtown Ottawa Kayak Instruction - Madawaska Kanu Centre

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Course Overview

Downtown Ottawa Learn how to Kayak

Whitewater with the backdrop of our Parliament buildings? Yes please! The Pumphouse location in Downtown Ottawa is a wonderful place to kick start your whitewater kayaking passion!

Our MKC Instructors will drive into the city to run a course for a group of at least 4 participants.

Who is this Course for?

Beginner and novice whitewater kayakers, ages 18 and up. Groups of 5 – 12 participants.

For Youth Programming at the Pumphouse, contact the Ottawa River Runners.

Itinerary

We can work with your schedule – weeknights or full days. Our minimum course time is 3 hrs.

3 Hour Course

Full Day Course

Course Location

The Pumphouse section of the Ottawa River is located off of Commissioner Road behind the Parliament Buildings. The Ottawa River Runners Boathouse is a beautiful new building right next to the whitewater section, a dynamic Class 2 -3 section with hanging gates for slalom training.

Google Maps Directions

Cost

Instruction Fee

3 Hour: $250

Full Day: $500

*Minimum 5 course participants

Includes: Boat, Paddle, Helmet, PFD, Sprayskirt

This year:

Contact us to organize your dates

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

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.

Beginner

$1225 / Per person

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

$1075 / Per person

Weekend

Weekend Whitewater

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

Beginner

$500 / Per person

Reviews

					Exciting, 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
8/16/2024
					White 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
8/15/2024
					A 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
9/08/2024