Course Overview

This is the perfect opportunity for you to learn the paddling and safety techniques you need to enjoy canoeing on our northern rivers. This course focuses on outfitting, rigging, maneuvers, selection of gear and rescues specifically for multi-day northern river trips. The programs are designed to provide excellent instruction in a relaxed and enjoyable setting at Madawaska Kanu Centre on the Madawaska River.

Since 1972, Black Feather has introduced thousands of paddlers to the fun and excitement of whitewater canoeing, teaching a style of paddling designed to let you safely descend rapids in a loaded, tandem tripping canoe. With whitewater skills, a whole new world of wilderness travel is open to you.

Who is this Course for?

This is an excellent choice for experienced whitewater canoeists heading out on northern expeditions as a warm up and review. After this clinic you’ll be ready to head out on your own or try one of Black Feather’s more challenging river expeditions.

Itinerary

Course Location

Our wilderness classroom is the beautiful Middle Madawaska River, located a short distance from our Resort, and just south of the town of Barry’s Bay, Ontario.

   

Cost

Instruction Fee

$433

Accommodation + Meals

$260-360. See below for details

Rental Package

$132 (for boat, paddle, helmet, life jacket). Individual items also available to rent

Accommodation + Meal Packages

Cozy Lodge rooms, off-the-grid Cabanas, budget-friendly Dorms or wooded Campsites. Our Wilderness Resort offers something for everyone.

Shared Lodge Plan* | $360

Our rustic Lodge rooms have everything you need! Choose either a queen bed or 2 twin beds. Rooms are at ground level with nearby washroom facilities (en suite not available). Meals included.

Shared Cabana Plan* | $360

Enjoy our off-the-grid Cabanas tucked in the woods! Choose either a queen bed or 2 twin beds. Washroom facilities are a short walk away. Meals included. No electricity.

Shared Glamping Plan* | $360

Come glamp in MKC's forest! Our newest accommodation options are cozy, comfortable, canvas tents. Two twin beds with bedding can be converted into a single queen bed. Washroom facilities are a short walk away. Meals included. No electricity.

Dormitory Plan | $300

Dorm room accommodation sleep up to six per room. Dorms are on the second floor with nearby washroom facilities. Meals included. Bring your own bedding.

Camping Plan | $260

MKC's wooded campsites are great for tents, trailers and campervans. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, onsite parking, and access to nearby washroom facilities. Meals included. No electricity.

Check In

The evening before your course between 7 & 10pm

Check Out

Sunday or Monday at 4:30 pm

*For those booking for one for Glamping, Cabanas, Lodge or Dorm: it is likely you will stay with other students of the same gender. As a wilderness resort we have chosen to not expand too far into our surrounding forest and therefore have limited indoor accommodations. To book a private room as an individual is an additional cost

About our Meals

We take pride in serving healthy, hearty and delicious meals. As a proud member of FeastON, we source locally when possible and add our special touch with herbs and edible flowers from our own garden. Meals start with breakfast the first day of the course and include: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner, plus an après-paddling snack each day. Coffee, tea and juice are complimentary. BYOB.

Locally roasted specialty coffee and homemade snacks can be purchased from our Riverside Shop & Café.

   

Get prepared for your next wilderness canoeing expedition.

June 8-9, 2024

Book Now
Weekend

Weekend Whitewater

MKC’s Weekend Canoe or Kayak Clinic is an introduction to the exciting world of whitewater paddling.

Intermediate

$475 / Per person

COURSE DETAILS
5 Days

Yoga Whitewater Week

Yoga and kayaking or canoeing. Join us for our famous 5 day course with additional yoga programming to harmonize your learning with mindful motion.

Intermediate

$1030 / Per person

COURSE DETAILS
Weekend

Family Weekend

Bring the kids for this fun-filled weekend getaway! Learn to kayak or canoe as a whole family at our Riverside Wilderness Resort!

Intermediate

$475 / Per person

COURSE DETAILS

Reviews

5 star ratingFamily adventure! When we arrived at the facility, we were greeted with such warmth and hospitality. The staff in the store were so kind and had great vibes. On the actual tour, we were greeted with jokes and clear instructions. Very entertaining and informative.
We had such an exciting and adventurous adventure with our two children (ages 7 and 4). Our guide Alex was so knowledgeable and approachable. She helped make my kids feel comfortable and excited about rafting. Such a wonderful day on the raft. At times, my 4 year old was afraid of the rapids, but by the end she was smiling and so proud of herself for doing something so adventurous! We were on the raft with another family with an even younger child. I know the website says that even 2 year olds can go on the raft, but just be aware that some of the rapids are a bit intense and your child may be afraid. The great thing is that we felt safe with our helmets and lifejackets, and we were given clear instructions on what to do if we did fall in the river. All in all, it was a fantastic activity, and our most adventurous one as a family to date!
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503travellingtania Avatar
503travellingtania
8/17/2023
5 star ratingAwesome time We have done this tour before and it doesn’t disappoint. Coby (baby driver) was our guide and he was awesome. He was funny, enthusiastic and you could tell he truly loves what he does. Also very knowledgeable with local flora which was awesome as well. Coby we hope you had a great trip home for the wedding.
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ShawnaFurtado Avatar
ShawnaFurtado
8/09/2023
5 star ratingAdventure Rafting Great day adventure rafting with friends and family. From bridge jumping, surfing, flipping the raft and the laughs in between. Thanks to our guide Tatiana for an entertaining 2 hours.
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Sherpa57752201563 Avatar
Sherpa57752201563
8/05/2023
November 17th 10am - 6pm EST

Early bird sale.

20% OFF

all 2 and 5 day MKC kayak and canoe programs. Includes Yoga Week, Slalom Week, Week of Rivers, Women’s Week and Weekend, Family Weeks and Weekends, Senior’s Week, Kayak and canoe instructor courses

Must place deposit to receive discount. We cannot combine discounts.

early bird sale heron
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.