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What Can You Learn By Paddling a River?

by Courtney Sinclair


When I reflect on what I’ve learned by paddling rivers a whole library of experiential education reveals itself. Rivers are very dynamic teachers, offering a depth of lessons ranging from animal habitats, ecosystems, environmental health, water quality, how to read water, the history of the waters and of its original travelers, and of course the ever-important lessons of personal growth and insight. With gratitude for the flowing waters of this land, I share some of the teachings that rivers have gifted me.

The Rideau River taught me that headwinds could be relentless but that I could respect its commitment and match it with mine, slowly but surely moving forward with patience and perseverance.

In the darkness of night on the Muskoka River, I was taught that although I may be a solo paddler, I’m never really traveling alone. The spirit of the river kept me company as the shadowed reflections of trees lined the riverbank as beacons guiding me to safe passage.

Playing in the whitewater of the Madawaska River I received river running education on crossing eddy lines, the joy of standing waves, finding deep water, that failing gracefully means trying again, and that my skills will develop in proportion to my courage to try.

It was on the Mattawa River that I learned about camaraderie. I learned that I can push my own physical limits while simultaneously encouraging those around me to be at their best as well. I learned that happy people on the water make other people happy, on the water.

The Bonnechere River revealed to me the sound that cattails make as the wind rattles through them on a September day. I learned that otters live amongst weeds, wind, and waves, and they move as if it’s all just a big playground.

On the Ottawa River, I learned to love my own company and find solitude at sunset. I learned about fluctuating river levels and their impact on users, saw the remnants of logging history, and came to know the locations of deadheads along my favourite routes.

Over many stunning misty morning sunrise teas on the Amable du Fond River, I understood that there is no better place in the world that I could paddle out to early in the morning to feel speechless, present, and alive.

On the Riviere Noire, I learned that a Yeti cooler can keep ice cream frozen all the way to the take-out, that a day on the river with friends is a day well spent, and that it is without a doubt my very favourite river.

The lessons from these rivers live within me and shape who I am becoming, just as the current shapes a riverbank. Perhaps what lies in the beauty and allure of a river is that you never know what lessons you’ll stir up from beneath the surface of the water each time you set out to dip your paddle in.

Reviews

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
8/12/2024
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
7/28/2024
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
7/30/2024

Splash into
Spring Sale

Save up to $300 on select 4 & 5 day Whitewater Kayak and Canoe Courses from May 5th – June 16th, 2025.

Spots are limited—book now before they’re gone!

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.

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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.