The Ultimate Guide to Bungee Jumping in Canada’s Most Thrilling Spots
Delivering an adrenaline-pumping rush like no other, bungee jumping is the ultimate extreme adventure. Standing on the edge of a platform and taking the leap into the unknown challenges your limits, offering an unmatched blend of fear and exhilaration. If you’re ready to conquer your nerves, here’s where you can check this bucket-list item off in Canada.
Bungee Jumping Has Its Origins in Vines
Bungee jumping has its roots in an ancient tradition from Pentecost, one of the 83 islands that make up the country of Vanuatu in the South Pacific, where men perform a ritual called land diving. They leap headfirst into empty space from 30-metre-tall wooden towers, with nothing but vines tied to their ankles, as a rite of passage.
Modern bungee jumping, however, began in 1979 when members of the Oxford University Dangerous Sports Club jumped off the Clifton Suspension Bridge in England using elastic cords. Their stunt, inspired by the land diving ritual, captured global attention and sparked the development of the activity as we know it today.
In 1987, New Zealander A.J. Hackett popularized commercial bungee jumping after his daring jump off the Eiffel Tower was televised globally. Hackett opened the world’s first commercial bungee site at Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge in 1988 in Queenstown, New Zealand, cementing bungee jumping as a must-try adventure for thrill-seekers worldwide.
Whistler Bungee in Whistler, British Columbia
Already renowned for its action-packed offerings like ziplining, white-water rafting, skiing and snowboarding, Whistler gets an extra shot of adrenaline thanks to Whistler Bungee, just 20 minutes south of Whistler Village.
Perched 50 metres above the glacier-fed Cheakamus River, the jump platform, which is a bridge that spans 91 metres across the river, offers jaw-dropping views of the emerald-green waters below, winding through a rugged canyon carpeted by towering evergreens, basalt column cliffs and the Coast Mountains. Aside from its stunning natural scenery, what sets Whistler Bungee apart is its year-round operation in all weather conditions, giving adrenaline seekers the opportunity to plunge even in the snow.
WildPlay Element Parks in Nanaimo, British Columbia
With six locations across British Columbia, Ontario and New York, WildPlay Element Parks offers a range of outdoor adventures, including ziplining, axe throwing and obstacle courses. But the star attraction is the Bungy Jump, exclusively available at the Nanaimo location. This adrenaline-pumping experience features a 45-metre freefall over the Nanaimo River, where thrill seekers have contributed to the park’s record of over 450,000 jumps. The season kicks off in February and runs through mid-December, giving you plenty of time to take the leap. Choose to jump solo or grab a partner for a tandem jump, and pick from 16 different styles, ranging from the beginner-friendly swan dive to advanced maneuvers like the corkscrew or front flip. If you’re feeling extra bold, let the jump master decide your style.
WildPlay Nanaimo is also hosting its 19th annual Naked Bungy for Mental Health on March 1 and 2, where participants bungee jump in support of mental health awareness, shedding their clothes as a symbolic gesture of vulnerability. This event has raised over $600,000 over the years for mental health programs and fostered conversations around mental health challenges.
Great Canadian Bungee in Chelsea, Quebec
For the ultimate bungee jumping thrill in Canada, head to the Great Canadian Bungee in Chelsea, Quebec, where the season runs from mid-April to mid-November. Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Ottawa and about 2.5 hours from Montreal, this site is home to the country’s tallest bungee jump—an exhilarating 61-metre freefall over a stunning aqua lagoon with a rebound that rockets you nearly 50 metres back up. Known as “The Rock,” the jump platform is dramatically perched on the edge of a towering limestone quarry, and if you’re feeling extra daring, ask your jump master for the chance to take a head or body dip into the waters below.
What First-Time Jumpers Should Know Before Going
Research Your Location
Put yourself in trusted hands by researching your bungee jumping location and choosing a reputable facility with certified equipment and experienced staff. Reputable operators adhere to strict safety standards, maintain their equipment regularly and employ trained professionals who guide you every step of the way so you can focus on the thrill of the jump.
Check That You Meet Health and Weight Requirements
Most bungee sites have weight limits and health guidelines to ensure a secure, safe and enjoyable jump for everyone. Checking that you meet these requirements is crucial to ensure your safety, as these guidelines are in place to prevent strain on the equipment and minimize risks to your body, particularly for those with heart conditions, back issues or other medical concerns.
Dress Comfortably
Wearing secure clothing and sturdy shoes, like sneakers, is key for a comfortable jump. Avoid loose or flowy items that could get tangled in the harness. Consider jumpsuits or overalls to keep your outfit in place so clothes don’t go flying over your head mid-plunge.
Trust Your Jump Master
Jump masters are experienced in creating a positive experience and are trained professionals who are there to ensure your safety before, during and after the jump. They guide you through every step, from properly securing your harness to double-checking the equipment and offer reassurance to help ease nerves. Take the direction of your jump master and ask questions if you have concerns.
Eat Strategically
Eating too much or too little before bungee jumping can dampen the experience. A heavy meal close to your jump may lead to discomfort or nausea, while an empty stomach can leave you with acid reflux. Aim for a light, balanced meal one to two hours before jumping, like toast with peanut butter or a banana. This provides steady energy without weighing you down, ensuring you feel your best for the jump.
Don’t Look Down
Looking forward and focusing on the horizon, rather than looking down and fixating on the height below while standing on the platform, can help calm your nerves and keep your attention on the adventure ahead.
Then it’s time to take the leap. Jump!
