Madawaska Kanu Centre.
Whitewater kayak and canoe school plus guided rafting at a riverside wilderness resort near Barry's Bay
The brief.
Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC) is a whitewater kayak and canoe school and wilderness resort at 247 River Road, Barry's Bay, Ontario, on a section of the Madawaska River east of Algonquin Park between Toronto and Ottawa. MKC runs 5-day, 4-day, weekend, family-week and kids whitewater courses, dividing paddlers into small groups by skill level, with weekend instruction often held at Palmer Rapids. It offers professional certifications including Wilderness First Aid/First Responder, Whitewater and Swiftwater Rescue Technician, and ORCKA-style kayak and canoe instructor courses. Guided Family and Adventure whitewater rafting trips run mid-June to late August on a 5-kilometre stretch of the Madawaska. Lodging, buffet meals and video coaching are part of the on-site program.
9. ways in.
- 01
5 Day Whitewater
For: Adults, beginner to advancedFive days of kayak or canoe whitewater instruction with daily river sessions, video analysis and rescue training. Paddlers are split into small groups by skill level. Includes lodging, buffet meals and evening instructional sessions at the resort.
$1100 / per person
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4 Day Whitewater
For: Adults, beginner to advancedA four-day version of MKC's whitewater immersion in kayak or canoe, building river skills across multiple days of guided paddling with experienced instructors on the Madawaska River.
$860 / per person
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Weekend Whitewater
For: Newcomers to whitewater; flatwater paddlers welcomeWhen: May to SeptemberTwo-day introduction to whitewater paddling, starting with flatwater strokes and progressing to Class II rapids, often at Palmer Rapids. Includes meals and overnight stay at the wilderness resort. Programs run May 2 through mid-September.
$500 / per person
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Family Week
For: FamiliesFive-day whitewater kayaking or canoeing program structured for the whole family to learn together at the resort.
$1100 / per person
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Kids Kayak and Canoe
For: Kids aged 5 to 12Five-day program for keen kids who want to play in the river in and around kayaks and canoes, with instruction tailored to younger paddlers.
$650 / per person
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Yoga Whitewater Week
For: AdultsMulti-day program combining whitewater paddling instruction with yoga at the riverside resort.
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Certification Courses
For: Outdoor professionals and instructorsProfessional certifications: Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, Whitewater/Swiftwater Rescue Technician, and kayak and canoe instructor development courses across multiple levels.
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Family Whitewater Rafting
For: Ages 2 and upWhen: Mid-June to late AugustGuided trip through 5 kilometres of whitewater in 12-person rafts. A more mellow, scenic run with chances to jump into the current; suitable for those who may be nervous. Trips run Monday through Thursday.
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Adventure Whitewater Rafting
For: Passengers weighing at least 41 kg (90 lb)When: Mid-June to late AugustMore active guided run in smaller 7-person rafts where a guide teaches paddling, surfing and attempting to flip the boat. Wetter and more physically demanding than the family trip, on the same Madawaska River stretch.
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Worth knowing.
- 01Located at Box 635, 247 River Road, Barry's Bay, Ontario K0J 1B0, on the Madawaska River east of Algonquin Park.Source ↗
- 02Weekend whitewater courses progress paddlers up to Class II rapids and are often taught at Palmer Rapids, 30 minutes from MKC.Source ↗
- 03Rafting trips run Monday through Thursday, mid-June to the end of August, over a 5-kilometre stretch of the Madawaska River.Source ↗
- 04Offers professional certifications including Whitewater Rescue Technician, Swiftwater Rescue Technician, Wilderness First Responder, and kayak/canoe instructor courses.Source ↗
Outside the door.
28° with 13 km/h wind. Go enjoy it.
Get in
touch.
- Website
- mkc.ca
- Phone
- (613) 756-3620
- Phone (Phone)
- 1-888-652-5268
- Phone (Phone)
- (613) 756-3667
- Address
- Box 635, 247 River Road, Barry's Bay, Ontario, Canada K0J 1B0
- www.instagram.com/madawaskakanu/