Course Overview

Take your weekend family getaway to the next level and sign up for MKC’s Family Programs

This is an opportunity for the family to “get their feet wet” in their choice of kayak or canoe, while enjoying time in nature as a family. These weekends feature kid-focused kayak courses (kids paddling with kids while adults kayak with adults), or family-focused canoe courses (parents paddling with their kids).

Who are Family Weekends ideal for?

Families with kids aged 10 and older. Weekend courses are perfect for a great introduction to whitewater. Experienced flatwater kayakers or canoeists are also very welcome. Intermediate & Advanced whitewater paddlers should instead join a Family Week or Specialty programs.

Itinerary

Course Location

Instruction often takes place at Palmer Rapids, a popular whitewater teaching site located 30 minutes from MKC. After paddling, you return to the comfort of our Wilderness Resort with hot outdoor showers, log sauna, yoga pavilion, and your choice of Accommodation & Meals Plan.

mkc madawaska kanu centre whitewater instruction kayak canoe surfing surf river lifesize jenga family games outside

Cost

Instruction Fee

$500

Accommodation + Meals

From $80-$370. See below for various accommodation & meal packages

Rental Package

$170-$190 (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 | $280

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 | $80

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

Friday 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 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.

   

Group Discounts

We welcome groups of 5 or more at a discounted rate (conditions apply)

Youth aged 12-16 years receive 20% off, youth aged under 12 receive 30% off

This ranks as one of the top family experiences we have done in the WORLD!

Shen B

I think that MKC is perfect. The food is the best in the world and the atmosphere is magic. I love it!

Jonas T, age 14

MKC is probably the most welcoming place I have ever been. I love the personalities. I love the people. I love everything about the programs. The atmosphere is wonderful, which is why I bring my kids and friends here!

Joe T

Did the intro weekend course to whitewater kayaking. The facilities and campground were beautiful and the experience awesome. We got to spend time with three different instructors Coby, Erin and Mike whom were all patient, encouraging and great teachers. The instructors also did a great job working with the different skill and comfort levels in the group making sure everyone had a great time. Super fun experience!

Tessa D

Join us for Family Weekend 2025!

July 19-20
August 9-10
August 23-25

Book Now

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

Weekend

Weekend Whitewater

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

Beginner

$500 / Per person

COURSE DETAILS

Whitewater Riders Youth Teen Kayak Camp

Two weeks of whitewater – freestyle, slalom, creeking, expeditions, and rescue – building positive whitewater leadership.

Beginner

$3200 / 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

$1075 / Per person

COURSE DETAILS

Reviews

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
5 star ratingWhite water canoe course I took a 5 day tandem white water canoe course with MKC. I went from learning on flat water to running grade 3 rapids!
What an amazing experience! Wonderful place beside the river. I camped. Very good facilities and comfortable lodge to relax in with open fire. Delicious food (I had vegetarian options). The staff were lovely- from domestic staff to instructors. Everyone mixed together with the guests. I went by myself and really enjoyed everyone I met. They all had an interesting story and were there for the love of the river.
My instructor was Regan. She was superb- lovely person, very patient and adjusted her teaching to individual needs. I learned so much- thanks Regan.
Would highly recommend MKC to anyone interested in canoeing, kayaking or rafting!
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foggieparks Avatar
foggieparks
7/17/2024
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.