ITV Stefi Van Wijk – Madawaska Kanu Center – 2026 Summer Program

The Madawaska Kanu Center in Canada, located two hours east of Ottawa and just under four hours north of Toronto, is a haven between forest and lakes, set on the beautiful Madawaska River. With a welcoming resort, comfortable accommodation, ethical outdoor practices, and locally sourced food, it is the perfect place to unwind and take a whitewater course this year. Connecting people to the environment and the paddling community, the Madawaska Kanu Center offers a range of specialty courses this year. From women’s to family programs, packrafting to whitewater, and from two-day sessions to week-long experiences, there is something for everyone. To learn more about this beautiful whitewater center, we had a chat with Stefi, the director of MKC.

Kayak Session: Hi Stefi! Can you tell us about Madawaska Kanu Center? Where are you located? What’s the river like?

Stefi Van Wijk: Madawaska Kanu Center is located just east of Algonquin Park, near Barry’s Bay, Ontario. We are right on the banks of the beautiful and dynamic Madawaska River. It’s a pretty special place—both geographically and culturally. The river itself is warm, pool-drop, and very forgiving, which makes it an ideal learning environment. It’s dynamic enough to challenge people as they progress, but friendly enough that beginners can build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.

« Madawaska Kanu Center is located just east of Algonquin Park, near Barry’s Bay, Ontario »

We’re surrounded by forest, lakes, and a strong sense of quiet. It’s rural, in the best way. People come here to focus on learning, to connect with the river, and to be part of a community that forms really naturally when you’re sharing meals, campfires, and time on the water together.

KS: Sounds like an amazing place. How’s the upcoming season looking for you? You are organizing a couple of special programs, right?

SVW: We’re really excited about how the upcoming season is shaping up. Alongside our classic whitewater weekend and week-long programs, we’re offering a number of specialty weeks that allow people to dive deeper into specific interests or learn in a particular community setting.

« We have women’s weeks, youth and family programming, yoga and paddling integration, and packrafting courses. »

We have women’s weeks, youth and family programming, yoga and paddling integration, and packrafting courses. Each of these weeks creates a slightly different learning environment and energy. Some are about skill progression, others about community-building, and most are a blend of both. It gives people the opportunity to choose an experience that resonates most with how they want to learn and who they want to learn alongside.

KS: You now offer two weeks of women’s instruction, up from just one week. Does this mean that this segment is growing? Do you see this shift happening?

SVW: Yes, absolutely. There’s been a really encouraging growth in demand for women-centered spaces in paddlesports. Expanding to two weeks felt like a natural response to that. These weeks aren’t about exclusion; they’re about creating an environment where people who identify as women can show up fully, try things, take risks, and support one another. There’s often a different dynamic in those spaces, and it can be really powerful for learning and confidence-building. We’re definitely seeing that shift more broadly in the paddling community, and it’s something we’re excited to support.

KS: Great initiatives! What about your family programs? Do you teach the families together, or do you have parents on one side and kids on the other?

SVW: A bit of both! We try to strike a balance between shared family experiences and age-appropriate learning. There are definitely moments where families are learning and paddling together—that’s part of the magic. But we also break into groups so kids and adults can learn at their own pace and in ways that suit them best.

« The goal is for everyone to feel successful and to come back together with stories, new skills, and a shared experience on the river. »

The goal is for everyone to feel successful and to come back together with stories, new skills, and a shared experience on the river. When parents are in classes with their kids, they are often distracted by their kids’ learning progression and forget to learn for themselves! So, we like family programs at MKC because parents can focus on their skill development while the kids enjoy paddling with others their age.

KS: You also offer yoga and paddling programs. Does integrating yoga help attract new paddlers?

SVW: It definitely can. Yoga and paddling share a lot of common ground—balance, breath, body awareness, and presence. Integrating yoga can make the experience feel more approachable for people who might not initially see themselves as “paddlers.” It also adds a layer of recovery and reflection to the day. Whitewater can be physically and mentally demanding, and yoga offers a way to slow down, reconnect, and process the experience. It tends to attract a slightly different audience, but also really enriches the experience for seasoned paddlers.

KS: And what a place to be able to do that! Packraft courses are a fairly new offering for Madawaska Kanu Center. How do you approach these courses?

SVW: Packrafting is such an interesting addition because it sits at the intersection of paddling and backcountry travel. Many packrafters come from hiking or expedition backgrounds, and they’re looking to expand their ability to move through landscapes that include water. Our approach is to meet that mindset—focusing on efficiency, adaptability, and safety in a lightweight craft. It’s less about traditional paddling progression and more about giving people the tools to integrate rivers into bigger journeys.

KS: You offer so many different programs. Can we ask why you segment these weeks into different focus groups?

SVW: Segmenting weeks allows us to be more intentional about the learning environment. Different groups have different needs, and creating space for that can make the experience more meaningful and effective. That said, it’s not a complete shift away from our core model—it’s more of an expansion. We still run our classic mixed programs each week, but these specialty weeks give people more choice in the environment that surrounds them at MKC when they get off the water.

KS: Who is your clientele, and where are they coming from? Do you see many Europeans, for example?

SVW: We have a really diverse clientele, and we are so grateful for that! A lot of our guests come from across Canada and, in most years, about 15% from the U.S. We continue to see international visitors, including many from Europe, and they love the uncrowded, clean water of the Madawaska and rivers nearby. There’s a long-standing connection to Europe, partly because of our history and the style of instruction we offer. People come for different reasons—some for a learning vacation, some for community, some for a first introduction to whitewater. It creates a really interesting mix of perspectives on any given week.

KS: What a mix! During your specialty weeks, can other people join too?

« The specialty weeks are designed with a particular focus, but they’re not about rigid exclusivity »

SVW: The specialty weeks are designed with a particular focus, but they’re not about rigid exclusivity. For example, during Senior’s weeks, the primary intention is to break down the conception that you can be “too old for whitewater”. So, while there will be a lot of grey hair that week, we’re always happy to have conversations with individuals about whether it’s the right fit. Ultimately, we want people to be in an environment where they’ll feel comfortable, supported and excited to paddle!

KS: Do you stick to teaching on the Madawaska River during those weeks, or do you branch out?

SVW: The Madawaska is our home base and an incredible teaching river, so most instruction happens there. But depending on the program and water levels, we do branch out to nearby rivers to give students a broader range of experiences. Our sister company, OWL Rafting, is on the world-famous Ottawa River, so we can base there for any paddlers looking for bigger water and better waves to focus on surfing skill development.

KS: How can someone know if they’d fit in one of those clinics?

SVW: The best way is to reach out and have a conversation with us. We’re always happy to help people figure out what will suit their goals, experience level, and comfort zone. In general, if you’re open to learning and excited to spend time on the river, there’s a place for you here.

KS: Can you tell us more about those whiskey evenings you have during the season? That could convince us…

SVW: They’re exactly what they sound like—relaxed, social evenings where people come together after a full day on the river. There’s often a bit of storytelling, a bit of laughter, and a chance to unwind and connect. It’s not really about the whiskey itself—it’s about creating space for community.

KS: You’ve historically attracted world-class paddlers to teach at MKC. Why is top-tier instruction so important to you?

SVW: Great instruction has a huge impact—not just on how quickly people learn, but on how they experience the sport as a whole. When instructors are skilled, thoughtful, and engaged, it creates a safer, more supportive, and more inspiring environment.

We’ve always valued bringing in instructors who are not only exceptional paddlers, but also excellent teachers and community members. That combination elevates the experience for everyone, and it helps maintain a strong culture of learning and respect on the river.

To learn more about Madawaska Kanu Center, visit their website and check out the various courses they have to offer.