THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Grab a paddle and meet the Madawaska: a compact, rolling whitewater run that mixes surfable waves and quick eddies. This two-hour guided trip near Barry’s Bay is instruction-forward, hands-on, and designed for active groups ready to get wet.
Grab a paddle and meet the Madawaska: a compact, rolling whitewater run that mixes surfable waves and quick eddies. This two-hour guided trip near Barry’s Bay is instruction-forward, hands-on, and designed for active groups ready to get wet.
Book with Madawaska Kanu Centre
Book directly with Madawaska Kanu Centre for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
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Operated by Madawaska Kanu Centre · Barry's Bay, Ontario
A cool wind off the river sharpens the senses as a seven-person raft tips into the current. The Madawaska doesn’t ask politely — it dares you to match rhythm with its waves. Guides run through strokes on shore, then the raft slips into Staircase, a short sequence of ledges where eddies cradle the boat one moment and a rolling wave sends everyone paddling the next.
moderate.
2 hours.
Moderate — able to paddle actively for sustained periods and handle short swims if necessary
No — the operator provides lifejackets and guides manage group safety, but you should be comfortable in moving water as swims can happen.
Lifejacket, helmet and paddle are provided and a certified raft guide leads the group and gives instruction.
Yes — expect to be splashed and potentially swim; wear quick-dry clothing and secure footwear.
All sales are final; trips may be canceled for bad weather or insufficient participants per operator policy.
The Madawaska served as a travel and timber route for Indigenous peoples and later voyageurs and log drivers; the river’s channels and portages still reflect that working history.
Operators encourage leave-no-trace practices; seasonal flow and habitat health are tied to watershed forestry and water-quality efforts—avoid littering and stay on established access points.
Madawaska Kanu Centre operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Madawaska Kanu Centre
Book directly with Madawaska Kanu Centre for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now