Extreme sports in Canada: From whitewater kayaking to bungee jumping.

Canada is a must-see destination for all action sports. With its rivers and mountain ranges, the country offers a multitude of terrains to indulge in action sports. Many professionals offer this type of activity. Mountain biking, board sports or white water: we invite you to discover some of them in this article. On the other hand, we note that the extreme is not for everyone. Minors, people with heart problems, back problems or those who are overweight will not always be able to participate.

Board sport

Canada is a country known for its harsh winters and heavy snow. It is therefore the perfect playground for all extreme sports playing in the snow.

Skiing and snowboarding

In Canada, the snow forms a thick coat, ideal for skiing or snowboarding. There are also 250 ski areas in the country. If they are rather small in the east, the largest and those which attract the most international visitors are found in the west.

Families or beginners will choose to go to resorts such as Sun Peaks, Big White or Silver Star. Those who are already well advanced can go to Whistler or inland British Columbia, such as Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, White Water or Red Mountain.

Speedriding and snowkiting

Snowkiting and speedriding are risky sports. They require essential training to be practiced safely.

Speedriding is halfway between ski off-piste and paragliding. The speedrider is equipped with a sail that he can steer, which allows him to fly for a few seconds between two jumps. This is the ideal activity for people who are already very comfortable on their skis. They then perform impressive jumps while enjoying a great adrenaline rush. This extreme sport is not permitted in Canadian ski resorts. Those who wish to do it must opt for off-piste. You will find them mainly in western Canada or in Quebec in the Torngat.

In the same vein, snowkiting combines skis or snowboards with the wind, thanks to the use of a sail. With the help of the wind, we made big jumps and beautiful tricks. We can do it in Quebec, Ontario or Alberta.

Other board sports

Bobsleigh is dedicated to the greatest speed enthusiasts. The public can try it safely in the Sliding Center in Whistler. It's ideal if you're passing through to ski, for example.

The snowscoot, a type of snow bike without wheels, is an invention from the 90s. Very easy to handle, it is accessible to almost all ages. Discover this unusual board sport at Mont Sutton.

Paraskiing is another board sport already known in Canada. It's a bit closer to snowkiting. Equipped with a paragliding harness, a track and a suspension system, you are then ready to make beautiful jumps on the ski slope. For beginners, a short training course is enough to assimilate the basics.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking is adventure cycling. It is an exhilarating activity that takes place in a particularly enchanting setting. The four disciplines (enduro, cross-country, downhill or freeride) are all practicable in Canada. The country has an extensive network of trails and bike parks, for all levels of difficulty, including climbs, tight trails, rapid descents and more or less technical terrain.

Almost all provinces of Canada have mountain bike trails. The essentials are in Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies in general (in Alberta and British Columbia).

Water sports

With its many rivers and lakes, Canada is a dream destination for water sports. For lovers of extreme sensations, whitewater rafting and kayaking are a must.

Rafting

Rafting is a water sport that greatly appeals to adventurers at heart. Climbing down small waterfalls provides very strong sensations that we often try to recreate in complete safety. Canada is an essential destination for rafting which can be done on several rivers.

If you are passing through the Canadian Rockies, head east to reach the Ottawa River. Several specialized companies offer rafting activities in complete safety. For even more adrenaline, there is also the Kicking Horse River and its beautiful descents.

The Chilcotin River in British Columbia also offers great sensations in a beautiful setting. To the east of the province of Quebec, also discover the Jacques-Cartier River and its white, clear waters.

Whitewater kayaking

Whitewater exploration is perfect for those who want to get their adrenaline rush. In Ontario, but it is especially in the Northwest Territories that tourists flock massively. There are indeed many rivers there (Yellowknife, Keele, Nahanni, Mountain, etc.), with courses suitable for all levels. We generally recommend opting for a stay of a few days to make the most of it.

Other extreme sports

Other thrill sports are possible in Canada. Besides, did you know that the country contains the highest bungee jumping site in the world? Note, however, that these extreme activities are not always open to children. It is therefore preferable to find out beforehand if you are visiting Canada with family.

Parachute jump

This activity is no longer reserved only for the military and is now offered by specialized leisure companies. Beginners will be able to jump with an instructor after a briefing. On the other hand, those who want to jump solo will have to undergo training and have the necessary authorizations, such as the PAC (Accompanied Fall Progression).

It only takes a few minutes of flight to reach the height necessary for the jump, several thousand meters of altitude. The jump itself lasts less than a minute, but it's sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Once the parachute is deployed, it takes about 5 minutes to descend.

Bungee jumping

In French-speaking Canada, we would rather say bungee jumping, which is the literal translation of bungee jumping.

The Great Canadian Bungee - the tallest in North America is located in Ottawa in the province of Ontario. The jump is made above a limestone quarry with its turquoise water lagoon.

In British Columbia is Whistler, the unmissable destination for fans of the outdoors and thrills. There we find Whistler Bungee above the Cheakamus River. You can indulge in bungee jumping at any time of the year, even in the coldest of winter.

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