Family Programs at Madawaska Kanu Centre
If you’re looking for a family vacation that gets everyone outside, learning new skills, and spending quality time together, it’s hard to beat a week at the Madawaska Kanu Centre. Tucked away on the banks of the Madawaska River, about two hours east of Ottawa and just under four hours north of Toronto, MKC sits in a beautiful corner of Ontario surrounded by forests, lakes, and some of the best whitewater in the country. It’s one of those places where you arrive planning to stay for a few days and leave wondering when you can come back.
What makes MKC special is that it isn’t just a paddling school. It’s a riverside resort where you can stay on site, enjoy great food, relax between sessions, and fully immerse yourself in life on the water. There’s a welcoming atmosphere there that makes everyone feel at home, and for families, MKC has developed programs that make learning whitewater fun and accessible for every age group.
Family Whitewater Week
Family Whitewater Week is a five-day vacation designed so everyone gets exactly what they need from their time on the river. Parents can focus on their own paddling goals while kids learn alongside other young paddlers their age. That might sound simple, but it’s a game changer. Kids tend to learn faster, build confidence more easily, and have a lot more fun when they’re surrounded by peers who are sharing the same experience.
Adults can choose to learn either canoe or kayak, while younger paddlers join age-appropriate groups. Kids aged 8 to 11 spend mornings on the water learning kayaking or canoeing skills before heading off for afternoon adventures around the resort. Older youth can paddle with their parents in canoe programs or join dedicated youth kayak courses.
« This was definitely one of our most memorable weeks we’ve spent together as a family and look forward to doing this again and again. »
The week finishes with a paddling adventure that gives everyone a chance to put their new skills into practice.
The best part is how flexible the program is. Complete beginners, experienced paddlers, and everyone in between can all participate. Groups are organized by age, comfort level, and experience, which means nobody feels overwhelmed and nobody feels held back.
For more information about MKC’s Whitewater Weeks, visit this page.
Family Whitewater Weekend
Not every family can commit to a full week, and that’s where the Family Whitewater Weekend comes in.
Think of it as the perfect introduction to whitewater. Over two days, families can try kayaking or canoeing, spend time outdoors together, and get a feel for what whitewater paddling is all about.
Kids paddle with kids in the kayak programs while adults learn alongside other adults. Families choosing canoe programs paddle together, creating a great foundation for future canoe trips and adventures.
These weekends are ideal for families with children aged eight and older. It’s also a great option for flatwater paddlers looking to take their skills to moving water.
Expect plenty of laughs, a few splashes, and a lot of learning!
For more information about MKC’s Family Weekends, visit this page.
Whitewater Riders
While the family programs focus on introducing people to whitewater, Whitewater Riders is designed for the next generation of dedicated paddlers.
Held once each year, this 12-day youth kayak camp brings together talented young kayakers from around the world. The goal isn’t just to develop stronger paddlers, but to help create knowledgeable, responsible, and ethical members of the whitewater community.
The program covers everything from freestyle and slalom to creeking, river tripping, and whitewater rescue. Participants also work toward recognized certifications in whitewater rescue and moving water tandem canoeing.
« Whitewater riders is an amazing program that helped me progress so much as a young kayaker and learn to be a well rounded paddler! »
Founded by Katrina Van Wijk in 2013, Whitewater Riders has earned a reputation as one of the most respected youth whitewater programs around. Young paddlers leave with improved technical skills, a deeper understanding of river safety, lifelong friendships, and enough stories to keep them talking all winter.
Participants should already be comfortable on Class III whitewater and have a reliable roll, making this a program for paddlers who are ready to push themselves and take the next step.
For more information about MKC’s Whitewater Rider Program, visit this page.
