madawaska kanu centre

Back when I worked in Chicago and attending college I took a kayaking course at NEU, circa 1994. A friend said go to MKC and get a real strong platform to build upon. I was thinking of NOC, but I'm so so glad I chose MKC. The staff, people and water are awesome to build your skills. I've since then boated more than 3000 river miles, numerous routes throughout US, BC and Central America. I'm now living in Indiana with little ones so when they are old enough we'll sign up for MKC's family programs in boating and art. Thanks MKC!

My brother and I went to MKC in August 2014 for the 5 day white water kayaking course. We were hesitant at first because it does get really expensive, especially with the additional rental costs. However, I knew it would be worth it as soon as we stepped on the grounds. The area is beautiful, the staff is friendly and the food is amazing (I would definitely go for one of the options with meals included).The staff and other paddlers were able to create a positive and supportive atmosphere even when we woke up to cold, rainy weather every day of the week. As soon as we got on the water our instructor helped make it so much fun (and made us work hard) so we warmed up and forgot all about the crappy weather. It is a great place for paddlers of all skill levels! Needless to say, my brother and I both left wanting to go back.

This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Beautiful setting, outstanding service and instructors who are able to bring out the best in you in a positive and supportive way. So glad I did this!

A truly great week of learning whitewater canoeing. My first time having never paddled whitewater before. The course was a perfect intro for beginner whitewater paddlers like me. The program is great, the facilities are great, the food is incredible. I plan on returning next summer with my two teenage kids. They want to try white water kayaking. The instructors are all top notch and deeply experienced paddlers. Some of them are world class competitors. I recommend this place without hesitation.

Went whitewater rafting with a tour guide for two hours. They were patient with the tourists, followed all the safety guidelines, they were very very informative, and they were so polite and respectful. The facilities were clean and welcoming. Beautiful views along the river! Very impressed.

Anyone who wants to learn whitewater canoeing or kayaking should start here. Once you try it, you will want to go again, both to improve your skills and to have a great time. The wonderful management and staff have created a lovely community and are highly professional. In addition to the great teaching, the setting is beautiful, the company of fellow paddlers excellent, and the food is also consistently delicious and healthy.Don't miss a chance to discover this gem!

My family and I have visited Ontario (from the states) several times over the past ten years or so and do the MKC family rafting each time we visit. The staff is amazing (our raft guide was Zofia and she was the best! skilled, friendly, and smiles for miles) There are other rafting trips much closer to our camp but we've never even looked at them. We're going to be coming back here for years. The water is as warm as the air and the trip is extremely fun, yet safe for smaller kids. A great time for everyone!

My third time at MKC and had enjoyed every second of it. Staff were professional and friendly. The instructors were patient and encouraging. I recommend it to anyone who has been debating trying whitewater canoeing or kayaking.

The staff were brilliant at this place and made the rafting experience brilliant for both children and adults alike. It is tame for adults compared to real white water rafting but if you do a family trip its all about the kids enjoying it more.Great value as well and probably has best souvenirs we saw on trip to Canada, boats, paddles etc.

My two teenage sons, (14 and 16) and I went up for a family weekend. I had wanted to go for a week but the boys summer schedules wouldn't allow it (sad I know). But the three of us have been white water kayaking progressively for about 2 to 3 years. They are very much into "playboating" . At MKC they will work with you on whatever type of skills and equipment you are in to. In the last 6 months we have all gotten a decent roll. ( that gives you an idea of our skill levels) My roll was the last to come around just in the last couple weeks, but the folks at MKC really moved me along. One of the pics attached shows me "working" on the roll. We worked a lot with Jordan and Pam and Mark and Annie. All were fantastic. The Energy and enthusiasm of the staff was special. Jordan made extra efforts to customize our experience to our precise desires and frequently checked in to see if we were happy with how things were going. I think that the teaching and paddling, rapids, water experience (which by the way is much warmer than one would expect in that part of Canada) were all superlative. That being said, if you are looking for plush accomodations you will be dissapointed. That is not what this place is about. The bunk room we stayed in had four beds and room to turn around and stow our stuff. it was clean and comfortable. When there was down time the lodge was a nice place to hang out, not plush but comfortable, relaxing and nice commarardarie with the other paddlers. A nice place to meet people with similar interests after the evening teaching sessions. The shower was just outside. I happen to love an outdoor shower. It may not be your cup of tea, but if you've never tried it you should. It was well worth the 6 hour drive that it is for us from south of the border and I plan to return to soak up more of the expertise.

MKC is really THE place to learn about whitewater canoeing and kayaking. Simple but comfortable and low-impact accommodation, great food, excellent atmosphere and very good instruction. Whether a beginner or advanced whitewater enthusiast, there is something to be learned for everybody. We took a 5-day white water canoe course, and loved it!

Took a 5 day white water kayaking course with MKC and couldn't be more pleased. The facility is 5 minute hike from the river, exactly on top of a couple of hundred meter long rapid. The facility itself is beautiful, in the middle of the forest, great atmosphere. The two kayaking instructors: Fernando and Nate are the best instructors in any activity I ever had, the staff overall is very nice and helpful. And the food was great as well.

I took my granddaughter on the rafting trip. she and I had a blast. It was the topper to my annual vacation road trip. Easy to find, clean and very helpful and personable guides. I will probably return next year.

My husband and I went to MKC for a three day whitewater kayak course, and it was everything we had hoped for and more. We went with no experience and significantly differing expectations... my husband is highly adventurous and keen to try anything, whereas I am more cautious and take my time with new things. MKC made sure that we were both 100% satisfied, and they did it with class, skill, good humour and boundless patience! Jordan and Nate were absolutely stellar as instructors, and our entire group would have followed them anywhere with complete faith. They took great pleasure in even our smallest accomplishments, and as a beginner that sort of support is invaluable! Every student progressed as far as they chose, and for some the results were outstanding. Back at camp we were provided with delicious, substantial meals and snacks, and the outdoor showers were a little bit of heaven after a long day on the river. The atmosphere at the lodge is relaxed and friendly, a place made for meeting new people and making new friends. I can't say enough good things about the whole experience, and I would highly recommend Madawaska Kanu Centre to anyone that has thought about giving this sport a try.

We recently took a three day white water open canoe course at MKC. The course was fantastic. Our instructor was an excellent paddler and a great teacher. He had the perfect balance of clear exposition, careful observation and limited, carefully chosen feedback. He was also able to personalize the course to meet each student at his/her skill level. What's more: we had great fun. I highly recommend MKC for whitewater instruction.In addition to receiving excellent instruction, we also very much enjoyed my visit to MKC. The atmosphere is laid back and very friendly. It is located in a beautiful setting. The facilities are simple; but clean, neat and well organized. Just what you want for an outdoor adventure. An unexpected bonus was the food. Most of the guests choose to participate in the meal plan during their stay. This turned out to be a great choice as the meals (and snacks and desserts!) were far more than camp food, approaching gourmet quality. Every member of the MKC staff that I met was friendly, enthusiastic, energetic and helpful. Thanks to all of you for making our visit so comfortable and such fun.