Barry's Bay Tours
Madawaska River Family Rafting
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

Madawaska River Family Rafting

By Madawaska Kanu Centre
Recommended by 98% of travelers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About

Ages 2-100, max of 12 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, French
More


  • lifejacket & helmet
What's not included
  • footwear required (water shoes, sport sandals, running shoes etc. --no flip flops, slides, or crocs)


Start:
  • 247 River Rd, Barry's Bay, ON K0J 1B0, Canada
    Park your car/RV in road-side parking lot, and walk to check-in at the Madawaska Kanu Centre office
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 179725P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travelers can participate
    • Is being able to swim necessary? NO
    • Do I get wet? YES
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

    • All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 179725P1

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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Madawaska Kanu Centre
      274
      Canada
      Joined in February 2009
    • 621jacquelinef
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A great facility for an active family reunion.
      We are a large family (22 members) and the MKC absorbed our whole gang with efficiency and excellent service. We had 16 family members guided for 3 days in white water canoe skills with three amazing guides. They loved it and everyone could maneuver white water with great skill at the end of three days. MKC is known for the excellent food it serves and we were all super impressed with every meal served over the three full days. Thanks MKC staff for making us all feel so welcome. You made our family reunion and MOST MEMORABLE ONE. Jackie F.
      Written August 12, 2024
    • C2077AQcatherineg
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      An absolute favorite
      We've visited MKC several times as a family and every time we did have a wonderful experience! Both adults and kids keep wanting to come back. An absolute pleasure to be there for so many reasons: the canoeing, the place, the surrounding nature, fantastic people and food....the entire spirit of MKC.
      Written July 30, 2024
    • foggieparks
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      White water canoe course
      I took a 5 day tandem white water canoe course with MKC. I went from learning on flat water to running grade 3 rapids! What an amazing experience! Wonderful place beside the river. I camped. Very good facilities and comfortable lodge to relax in with open fire. Delicious food (I had vegetarian options). The staff were lovely- from domestic staff to instructors. Everyone mixed together with the guests. I went by myself and really enjoyed everyone I met. They all had an interesting story and were there for the love of the river. My instructor was Regan. She was superb- lovely person, very patient and adjusted her teaching to individual needs. I learned so much- thanks Regan. Would highly recommend MKC to anyone interested in canoeing, kayaking or rafting!
      Written July 17, 2024
    • V8587DCchrisc
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A 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.
      Written August 13, 2023
    • Sherpa57752201563
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Adventure 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.
      Written August 5, 2023
    • ericeisen1973
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      An Incredible Weekeng - Thank you!
      Honestly was mind blown by my experience with MKC. It was literally perfect. The lodge, the food, the grounds, the instructuors, the service. SUPERB! I cannot say enough about my experience and would highly recommend spending some time with this organization and their people. Thanks for a great weekend - Eric
      Written June 13, 2023
    • C1865TPdanr
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Outstanding week of whitewater
      Can’t say enough good things about MKC. Excellent facilities and equipment. The food was amazing and plentiful. The instructors ( Les and Ralph) were amazing teachers and humans. All the staff were engaging and super friendly. I’m so happy that I experienced my first whitewater kayak experience at MKC. Thank you so much ! Already planning to make a return visit
      Written June 5, 2023
    • lauriewM3315BJ
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Exhilarating !!
      If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, MKC is guaranteed to provide just that ! From my first visit about 10 years ago, I fell in love with this magical place. The warm welcoming staff, outstanding instructors and the incredibly family who founded it, make this river vacation/course, one you’ll talk about for years to come. This was my first time paddling the Madawaska in May and I’d like to send out a huge thank you to Ralf my instructor for your expert direction in building my skills and confidence on this magnificent river. Great people, spectacular location, gourmet food for the body and a variety of elements to feed your soul makes this one my absolutely favourite places to be! Laurie
      Written May 15, 2023
    • Cathy F
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Transformative Skill Building!
      I was a student in the Solo Canoe course. It could not have been better. Instructor Jerome was highly skilled and was able to take my basic whitewater ability and transform it. He was patient, sensitive, encouraging but not pushy, and was able to do exactly what he said he would do as we shot rapids together. It only took one or two days for me to fully understand was I was previously doing wrong and then spent the rest of the time practicing the better ways. Not only did I accomplish the goals of reading water better and becoming more precise in controlling my canoe, I learned fun skills like surfing and practiced “rock hugging” in the case of a broach. I wish I could have stayed another week. The facilities at the center were perfect. I loved the outdoor showers (only used the indoor once - it was so pretty with tile work) and the breezeway to hang up wetsuits and gear. And, after three days of rain, I gave in and used the out door dryer for my clothes. I used the campground and the campsites were very close by so it was easy to retrieve gear. I especially loved getting up in the morning with fresh coffee and making a fire in the dining hall fire place - glamping for sure! Meals were delicious and nutritious. I have Celiac and the kitchen crew did a good job of accommodating my diet. I’m from the US and I thought my phone would work there but it didn’t. Most people, however did have cell and data service. The owners were wonderful about letting me send a short text to let my kiddos know I arrived safely and to download google maps when it was time to leave. Next time, I will double check my service plan! There were a number of folks who have been there in previous years and have returned for practice and further instruction. I can say I may be one of them in the future. Even though I was alone I always felt included - what a great bunch of outdoor enthusiasts!! Everyone, including the other instructors and the owners, were very responsive and helpful for any request I made. MKC is an incredible and valuable resource for canoeing (and kayaking, too!).!!
      Written September 3, 2022
    • 423patg
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent Week of Kayak Instruction
      I did the Seniors Week Kayak Clinic at MKC. What an outstanding experience! It was such a great experience. The administrative staff and instructors were outstanding. Such a friendly and helpful group. All instructors were very knowledgeable, skilled, and helpful with my learning experience. The food was outstanding for the week and there was accommodation for those with food allergies. I cannot say enough about this organization.
      Written August 30, 2022
    • Sara R
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Weekend getaway
      Was looking for good food and adventure activity for beginners to celebrate our 10yr anniversary and was beyond pleased to find this beautiful place. Amazing experience, we signed up for whitewater canoing and had a great group and fun instructor. This place is a gem you will not be disappointed and the meal plan is a must-the most delicious food cooked from scratch-they use fresh herbs that they grow around the property....so dont forget to include the meal plan! Hope to return in the future with the whole family and try the family rafting.
      Written August 25, 2022
    • sallyrA2220LH
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Tandem Canoe Weekend
      My husband and I just finished a weekend of tandem white water canoeing. We had an amazing time. Our instructors were Keith and Alex- they made us feel safe and welcome, they gave super pointers throughout the weekend and helped us improve our skills in only 2 days! We stayed in a cabana and found it to be an adorable little cabin just steps away from the happenings. We also took in the meal plan and everything was so tasty-the baked goods were to die for. Hanging out with instructors and paddlers at mealtimes was very welcoming. Thanks for such a fun weekend, we look forward to going back next spring for the 5 day-we are hooked. Sally and Brian
      Written August 8, 2022
    • andreasmS6791YW
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great day on the Madawaska River
      I spent a great adventure day in a top atmosphere during the preparation, the water tour and the transports ! Go rafting with MKC if you want to have fun and have an exzellent feeling on the water, doesn ´ t matter of it ´s raining or the sun is shining !! I would choose MKC every time again !!👍👍🇩🇪🇩🇪🚣🏻‍♀️🚣🏻‍♀️ Andreas from Germany
      Written July 14, 2022
    • wendy n
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Weekend Tandem Canoe Course
      July 1 2022 was my fourth tandem canoe course at MKC. I started off as a complete newbie last year but have been able to build on my skills due to very attentive instructors who are focused on adding value for every student in their group. Each instructor has added something different to the mix so I have come away feeling very rewarded with the experience. I also plan to go back next year.... The location is idyllic with a beautifully set up chalet and expansive deck, great camping spots, plenty of space for gathering around fires in the evening, and a reading room well stocked with books, mags and games. It is a short walk downhill to the river so has easy access to the water. If you choose the food option, you will be fed fresh meals with lots of fruit and veggies, tasty recipes that make it hard to resist eating more! The baked treats are to die for... Always meet great people on the courses. Students freely mix at meal times so if you are a single participant as I was, it is easy to find a groups or groups to chat with. Last but not least, the instructors are guaranteed to provide you wish a safe but challenging course. if you already have some experience, they will add in some more challenging moves in faster water. If you are a newbie, they will start with the basics and teach you how to master the basic moves so that you can enjoy running the rapids. Maybe you will swim but the rescues are immediate and planned. Even in groups of mixed abilities, the instructors will tailor your experience so that you have something new in your toolbox. What is not to love at MKC?
      Written July 4, 2022
    • 781beckim
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic crew @ MKC!
      We couldn’t be happier with our first WW canoe experience!! The MKC team is extraordinary! From their patient, passionate and friendly guides - we love George and Allistair - and entire staff, to the wholesome and delicious food, and clean and cozy accommodations; all were outstanding! The team is organized, communicative and so efficient! And everyone was so welcoming! We loved chatting with Stef, George, Alex, Alistair and other members of the crew! The knowledge base was inspiring! The cooking team was exceptional, again tending to every need, while preparing fresh, nourishing and delicious food for all! And having them deliver it to the paddle site was an added bonus and good time! Thanks to your team for a fantastic adventure! We will be back! With admiration, Becki & Brian
      Written June 29, 2022
    See all 274 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles50 reviews
    Excellent
    47
    Very good
    2
    Average
    1
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    0

    RMac
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2021
    Jerome was our guide for both of our group (both adventure and family rafting.
    He is an amazing and entertaining guide and made the experience that much more special our entire group of 12 would heartily recommend the experience. The staff was great and easy to work with.
    We will go again!
    Written July 9, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    So glad that you had a great trip! We'll pass this on to Jerome for sure, and we'll look forward to having you and everyone back here again soon!
    Written July 10, 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Mike E
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2020
    Bridge jump, body surf through a standing wave, and, a rollicking ride through whitewater in a gorgeous setting.

    Sales agent was great.

    Tour guides, Alistair and Jerome, made everything fun and safe.

    First class operation all around, can't wait to try the 'real' rafting experience when my son is old enough.
    Written July 7, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi there! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this great review, being referred to as a 'first-class operation' has made our day! We will pass along the kind words Alistair, Jerome, and our office team, they'll be thrilled. When your son gets a bit older, we recommend checking out our sister company 'OWL Rafting' for more rafting trips! We hope to see you again soon (either on the Madawaska River or the Ottawa River)!
    Written July 16, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Sky K
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Solo
    This was my 3rd, five day white water kayaking trip with MKC. It was another fabulous week.

    I always choose the all inclusive option. I camp, but there are a number of indoor options for those who prefer that. I select the full meal plan, as I really don't want to do my own cooking before I paddle, or after a long day on the water. Don't let the young cooks worry you. (They're students working the summer months. Some of them are in culinary arts training.) The meals are better that a lot of restaurants. There's always vegetarian options at every meal. I like this because, and I like variety, and sometimes I want a change.

    It doesn't matter what your skill level is, you'll have fun and will learn. On this last trip, there was a couple in their 80s, who wanted a new adventure to try out. How great is that. The instructors/guides always give positive feedback. You'll never hear you did anything wrong. (Typically, you all ready figured that out.) The guide will say something like: "Try this technique, and see how you like it." The guide will then demonstrate the technique a couple of times, and watch you trying it, while shouting encouragement to you. Plus, the rest of the people in your group will be cheering you on. When someone in the group does their first practice roll, or any combat roll, the cheers are thunderous. The grin on the person who just did the roll, says it all.

    This year I was in seniors week. (I'm 73.) Virtually everyone had their own equipment. No worries if you need gear. MKC has excellent equipment, and will outfit you with everything you need, appropriate to your experience level. If you want to try a performance boat, they'll let you try one.

    All in all, it's a great experience. I plan to return next year for my 4th time.

    Give it a try!

    Alan - Registered Maine Guide in Sea Kayaking
    Written September 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi Alan, thank so much for this beautiful review! It was so great having you here, and we're so stoked to hear that we'll get to see you here again next summer! Until then, keep on paddling and we'll see you on the water soon :)
    Written September 10, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Shawna F
    17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023 • Family
    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.
    Written August 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks so much for this awesome review! We will certainly make sure that Coby sees this and we hope you'll join us again soon!
    Written August 10, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    L M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2020 • Family
    Alistair made this family rafting trip unreal! Our family of 7 from 9 years old to 89 years old were all able to enjoy this adventure. We felt safe in our rafting bubble while enjoying the rapids and water. Going down the "stairs" was a lot of fun and also surfing the rapids. Hope to come back for a different adventure.
    Written July 19, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi Unreal, Thanks for your great review! We love having people of all ages join us and we'd love to have you back soon for another adventure. Glad you felt safe!
    Written July 21, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    AliciaOrangeville
    Orangeville13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2020 • Family
    Had a great time! John and Jerome were great guides. Kids ranging in ages from 6-10 all had a great time. Many precautions put in place to keep everyone participating healthy.
    Written June 30, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks so much for the review and positive feedback! I'll pass this on to John and Jerome as well! We hope to see you here again soon!
    Written July 3, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Shabbir K
    Montreal, Canada4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2020 • Family
    We loved Madawaska River Family Rafting Experience. Family of five with a 5 year old and it was amazing for all of us. Our guide Jerome was awesome. We did the 2 hour rafting and the highlight was swimming in the rapids as well as jumping from the bridge.
    We will definitely return if we plan a trip back to this area.
    Due to Covid they followed all the physical distance protocols, had soap and water available and were asked to wear mask on the shuttle.
    Written July 6, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi there! We're so happy to hear that your family had an amazing time and felt safe! We will pass along the good news to Jerome, he'll be stoked to hear it. We hope that you get the chance to visit the area again soon! Have a great rest of your summer!
    Written July 16, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Andrew
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023 • Family
    We had an amazing white water experience with our two young daughters. Our guide Mel was so encouraging and fun in spite of the drizzle. Great interaction with our kids and would highly recommend this to families looking for their first rafting adventure.
    Written August 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Quest556825
    Cambridge, Canada2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2021 • Couples
    Our guide was very helpful to us as first time rafters. She prepared us for each set of rapids. The view down the River was beautiful. The day we went, there were no extra guides to come along for pictures. This would have been nice as not advisable to take our own pictures along the way for fear of dropping our phones into the River.
    Written August 29, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks so much for the great review! Hopefully you'll be able to join us again and we can get some photos of your group!
    Written September 4, 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Aaron G
    Lakefield, Canada7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Alex our tour guide was fantastic, funny and knowledgeable she set the tone for a great trip. I was impressed on how all the staff made things comfortable and safe for all levels of thrill seekers. My Wife, myself and two kids 12 and 15 all had a great time. The rapids were fun and we all got wet. Next time we will try the 8 person adventure boat, can’t wait to do it again.
    Written July 14, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    So glad to hear that you had a great time! We'll definitely pass this on to Alex and hopefully we'll see you on the river again soon!
    Written July 15, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Showing results 1-10 of 46
    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Madawaska River Family Rafting provided by Madawaska Kanu Centre

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