Whitewater fun for the whole Family!

Wind your way through 5 fun-filled kilometres of tumbling whitewater in a wilderness setting, just east of Algonquin Park. We have 2 different trips along the same stretch of river. Choose the level of excitement best for you or your group:

 

 

 

Family Whitewater Rafting: Our skilled raft guides introduce you to the river world – while you hold on and enjoy the adventure in our 12-person rafts. To get you in the swim of things, there are opportunities to jump into the current – so dress to get wet! Suitable for ages 2 & up!

 

Adventure Whitewater Rafting: Up the challenge in our smaller 7-person rafts! A guide will teach you to paddle, surf, and attempt to flip the boat over! Passengers must weigh at least 41kg (90lb).

Prepare for your Trip

What to Bring:

Arrive at MKC dressed to get wet! Adjust your clothing for the weather. Cotton is very cold when it gets wet! Toilets and changerooms are available for your use.

 

Shoes are mandatory – Ones that will not come off when swimming (no flip flops or crocs). Life jackets and helmets are provided, and sanitized between use.

 

What to do:

For the health and safety of everyone, please do not arrive at MKC if you or anyone in your group has any symptoms of COVID-19

 

Each participant must have their waiver signed at least 1 day prior to their rafting trip to help the MKC team prepare.

 

Trips must be paid for at least 1 day prior to rafting trip.

 

Snack & Gifts:

Enjoy our Riverside Shop & Café before or after your trip, with Madawaska Coffee, refreshing beverages, ice cream, sandwiches, and souvenirs available for purchase. Disposable cups not available, please bring your own if you’d like your drink to go!

 

   

Trip Times

Monday – Thursday

10am |  12:30pm |  2:30pm

Please arrive a half hour before Trip Time to check-in (must reserve in advance)

Trip Fees

Family Rafting - Children
(Ages 2 -12)
$55
Family Rafting - Adults
(Ages 13 and up)
$75
Adventure Rafting - Adults (min weight 41kg/90lbs)
$95

All costs are in Canadian dollars & subject to 13% tax. Book in June and receive our early season discount!

Directions

Madawaska Rafting is located 14 km south of the town of Barry’s Bay, Ontario.

FAQs

What if it’s raining?

Our trips run rain or shine – Rafting is a great activity to do in the rain, as it doesn’t matter if you get wet from above or below!

Do I need to know how to swim?

Nope! We’ll be wearing lifejackets for the whole trip, and they will keep you floating, even if you don’t know how to swim.

Why only Monday to Thursday?

We receive a guaranteed water release keeping our river flowing Monday to Thursday but not on weekends.

What is the minimum weight?

For Family Rafting there is no minimum weight restriction.  Even two year olds are welcome to raft the Madawaska River.

For Adventure Rafting, passengers must weigh at least 41kg (90lb).

What is the Madawaska River rafting season?

From mid-June until the end of August when the water temperature is warm.

Whitewater Rafting Trips on the Madawaska River run Monday through Thursdays from mid June to the end of August.
Book Now

Take your family whitewater rafting this Summer with a private guide! Or purchase a gift certificate for someone and let them choose their own dates!

Reviews

5 star ratingWhite water rafting Brilliant fun from start (jumping from a bridge into the river) to the end (flipping the raft)
Easily the best activity of our 2 week holiday in Ontario.
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simon o Avatar
simon o
8/03/2023
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 ratingA great week at MKC I have been to MKC many times over the years, and it is a fabulous way to spend a weekend or a week. I did the 5 day kayaking course with my daughter and granddaughter this year. The instruction at MKC is some of the best you will find anywhere in the world. The facilities are beautiful. It is set in a wooded area of north east Ontario. August is a great time to attend because the water is warm, and not a lot of bugs. July may be a bit warmer, , and early September in this area can be very beautiful, and the water is still warm. May and June in this area can be a bit buggy so come prepared if you are going in the early summer.

The river is dam fed from a top release dam, so the conditions are consistent and the water warm-- no need for dry suits-- I think the water was around 80 degrees this past week. The river itself is probably a class 2-3 river, but has some good technical lines for more advanced paddlers.

MKC is great at accommodating all levels of paddlers. I have gone with paddlers who have never been in white water, or a kayak for that matter, and by the end of the week, they are running the river with confidence. I have been doing white water kayaking for around 30 years, and I still learn something new every time I go. More importantly, I have fun with both the family I bring and the staff at the facility.

The business is now being managed by the founder's granddaughter. It is a third generation business. Stefi holds true to her grand parents and parents vision of a top notch teaching facility, but at the same time brings her own touches and personality to the operation. Since Stefi has starting running MKC, I have notice some really nice changes to the facilities, and the food is excellent-- I am vegetarian and really enjoyed the vege dishes. Lots of good looking meat dishes for those who like them. The staff all seem to be very happy and excited to be doing what they are doing. They clearly have a solid team that makes every part of the experience excellent.

There are various packages available. You can camp and do your own meals if you are on a budget. They have bunk style rooms for groups, and individual rooms for individuals and couples. There are also several screen walled cabins up in the bush that I love-- feels like camping but with a real bed and no wet tent to deal with when you get home. The accommodations are not fancy, but clean and comfortable. The chalet where meals are served and where people gather is beautiful. If you have kayaks (or canoes if that is what you are doing) you can use your own equipment or rent from MKC. There equipment is top of the line.

Price wise, I view it as an all inclusive vacation with the added benefit of instruction. It is a lot less money that you would pay for an all inclusive vacation pretty much anywhere else, and you are building skills and great memories.
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Chris C Avatar
Chris C
8/13/2023
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.