Frequently Asked Questions

As an adventure sport, canyoning offers a distinctive and exhilarating experience to explore natural environments that may be inaccessible by other means. It enables individuals to discover hidden canyons, plunge into natural pools, and navigate through narrow gorges that would otherwise be impossible to see. The activity requires physical and mental stamina, making it an ideal way to test oneself and push personal boundaries while developing skills such as swimming, climbing, and abseiling. Canyoning takes place in natural surroundings, which allows individuals to appreciate the beauty of the environment while enjoying stunning landscapes, clear water, and unique rock formations. Additionally, canyoning frequently requires teamwork, providing an excellent opportunity to foster friendships and develop cooperation skills as participants work together to safely navigate through the canyon. Overall, canyoning is a unique and exciting way to explore nature, challenge oneself, and connect with others.

Canyoning and canyoneering are two terms that are often used interchangeably to describe the activity of exploring canyons by walking, scrambling, climbing, rappelling, and swimming. However, there is no significant difference between the two terms. "Canyoning" is a term that is commonly used in Europe and Asia, while "canyoneering" is more prevalent in the United States. Both terms describe the same activity and involve navigating through canyons using various techniques, such as jumping into pools of water, sliding down natural water slides, and abseiling or rappelling down waterfalls. In summary, while there may be some regional differences in the terminology used, canyoning and canyoneering refer to the same activity of exploring canyons using a combination of physical and technical skills.

Canyoning and rock climbing may appear similar at first glance, but they are actually quite distinct. Canyoning is primarily focused on descending through canyons, often involving significant amounts of time spent in water. In contrast, rock climbing is all about ascending dry rock faces. While there is some overlap in equipment and techniques between the two sports, it's important to recognize that canyoning requires specialized gear and techniques that are specific to navigating wet environments. Conversely, many of the techniques used in rock climbing would be unsuitable or even hazardous in a canyon environment. Thus, despite some surface-level similarities, canyoning and rock climbing are unique sports with their own particular skills and methods.

With its unique and diverse natural landscapes, favorable climate, and abundance of canyoning opportunities, British Columbia is poised to become the next top destination for canyoning enthusiasts. The region's growing reputation as a canyoning hotspot, coupled with its potential for new and unexplored canyons, is sure to attract thrill-seekers from around the world. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner looking for a new challenge, the West Coast of British Columbia offers an unparalleled canyoning experience that is sure to leave you breathless and in awe of the natural beauty around you. So, pack your gear and head to British Columbia to experience the thrill of canyoning in one of the world's most stunning and captivating landscapes.

The canyoning season in the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada typically runs from mid-June to mid-October. Outside of this period, it is usually too cold and the water levels may be too high for safe canyoning. If you are after a more thrilling descent, early in the season, after snowmelt, typically sees higher water flows. It's important to keep in mind that the timing of the season can vary depending on factors such as rainfall, snowmelt, and other weather conditions. It is always best to check with us for the most up-to-date information on the best time to go canyoning in the area.

After experiencing canyoning for the first time and discovering a passion for this exhilarating activity, there are several next steps you can take. If you want to continue exploring this sport, you can come back for an intermediate or advanced canyoning trip. These trips offer bigger jumps and rappels, more challenging obstacles, and greater opportunities for adventure. Another option is to take a training course to improve your canyoning skills. You can enroll in organized training courses or arrange for private lessons with experienced instructors. These courses can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to progress to more challenging canyons safely. For those who are serious about pursuing canyoning as a career, you can obtain certification through the Canyon Guide International organization. These recognized certifications can provide you with the qualifications to work as a professional canyoning guide.

At West Coast Canyoning Adventures, we recognize that canyoning, like other water-based recreational activities, can impact river and waterway ecosystems. These impacts can vary significantly based on the activity's scale and management and can affect water quality and biodiversity through physical disturbances, the introduction of pollutants, and disturbances to wildlife. The intensity of the activity and the ecosystem's vulnerability largely determine the degree of impact​ (MDPI)​. 1. Sustainability and Mitigation Efforts: Proactive Environmental Management: We use eco-friendly gear and adhere to "Leave No Trace" principles to minimize our environmental footprint, ensuring that our adventures are both enjoyable and responsible. 2. Sensitive Species Protections: Coastal Tailed Frog: We manage our activities to minimize disturbances in habitats supporting the Coastal Tailed Frog, carefully planning our routes and timing to reduce our ecological impact. Salmon Spawning: During salmon spawning seasons, we strictly avoid canyoning activities in or near spawning areas to prevent disruptions to the salmon's reproductive processes. 3. Conservation Collaborations: Black Swift Colony: In collaboration with Bird Canada, we have rerouted activities to minimize disturbances to the Black Swift colony. This partnership is an example of our commitment to balancing exciting recreational activities with environmental stewardship. Through these comprehensive measures, West Coast Canyoning Adventures leads sustainable canyoning practices in Canada. Our efforts demonstrate that thrilling outdoor adventures can coexist with a strong commitment to environmental conservation, ensuring the protection of the natural world for future generations.

We strongly encourage you to inform us of any pre-existing injuries or medical conditions prior to booking a canyoning tour. Canyoning is a physical activity that can exacerbate existing injuries, and we want to ensure your safety and well-being during the tour. By communicating with us, we can make informed decisions together and determine if canyoning is a suitable activity for you. .

Participants do not need any specific experience, aside from fulfilling minimal requirements. The main requirement is a willingness to try something new. Canyoning is focused on aesthetics and enjoyment, rather than pure difficulty. For some, it's an adventure that provides an adrenaline rush. For others, it's about exploring the beautiful and otherwise inaccessible gorges. The individual activity descriptions list the requirements for each trip. In general, good health and basic swimming ability are necessary for all participants. You should be prepared to sit and stand multiple times during the tour, as you traverse through uneven terrain. Some tours are more challenging than others, so please read the descriptions carefully. Although you'll need to be prepared for an active day, you don't have to be an athlete. In addition to good health and swimming ability, there are a few other requirements. You should also be able to manage your fear of heights, as some tours involve heights. For safety reasons, participants must weigh more than 40 kg (90lbs) and fit the equipment provided. We do take kids on our trips, but we prefer to have families book private trips so we can focus more on their needs. For safety reasons, the smaller participants must fit the safety equipment.

If you have a fear of heights, canyoning may not be the best activity for you as some tours involve heights. However, if you are willing to manage your fear and take on the challenge, you may find that canyoning provides a unique and exhilarating experience. It's important to keep in mind that some tours are more challenging than others, and it's essential to read the descriptions carefully before choosing a tour. If you have any doubts or questions about whether canyoning is the right activity for you, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Jumps and slides are always optional during canyoning tours. If you feel that a jump or slide is too high, too difficult, or too fast for you, your guide will be happy to provide alternative options. In such cases, your guide may recommend rappelling or lowering you down instead of jumping or sliding. Your enjoyment and comfort are important to us, and we want you to have a personalized experience that meets your preferences and skill level. If you have any concerns or questions about the tour, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Basic swimming ability is required for all participants in canyoning excursions, especially in the early season when water temperatures may be cooler. However, we understand that not everyone may feel completely confident in the water. For this reason, we provide personal flotation devices to help keep you buoyant during the excursion. Additionally, our wetsuits offer extra buoyancy, making it easier for you to stay afloat. If you have any concerns about your swimming ability, please let us know before booking, and we can recommend an excursion that is more suitable for you.

Please note that canyoning is a weather-dependent activity. Rain or shine, it is usually possible to go canyoning unless an unusual amount of rain precedes a planned trip. The main obstacle to canyoning is too much water, but as long as we are able to proceed with the trip, we will do so. We continually monitor the conditions in the canyon right up until our departure. In the event of inclement weather or unsafe conditions, West Coast Canyoning Adventures reserves the right to reschedule activities. If rescheduling is not possible or if the customer is unable to attend the rescheduled date, we will issue a refund or credit due to the inclement weather.

Sleep well the night before, hydrate yourself, and have a good breakfast. Most importantly don’t forget your stoke at home. Bring the following personal equipment: Swimsuit Fast-drying shirt/rashguard and shorts Towel Change of clothing for the end of the day. Weather appropriate clothing and footwear for dry cliff sessions. Lunch (light snacks will be provided) Waterproof camera or GoPro (optional) If you regularly wear glasses, we recommend wearing contact lenses in the canyon; please bring an extra set along for after the trip, in case they fall out during the tour. If you do not wear contacts it’s recommended you leash your glasses using straps available at most outdoor stores.

Provide your height and weight at booking time to help us pack the right size equipment for you. We provide our participants with top quality and completely CE-tested canyoning gear to keep you comfortable, warm, and safe in the canyon. 5mm neoprene wetsuit bottom* 5mm neoprene jacket with hood** 3mm neoprene socks Premium Five-Ten or Adidas canyoning shoes Edelrid canyoning harness (CE-Norm) with two safety lines and descender*** Canyoning helmet (CE-Norm) Life jacket (CE-Norm) available on request *You will need your own swimsuit to wear under the wetsuit. **Our neoprene wetsuits and socks are washed thoroughly with neoprene shampoo and antibacterials soap after every use. ***For safety reasons, we must ensure our customers fit the equipment. The harness is a crucial piece of equipment that must fit properly.

Yes! But make sure it is fully waterproof. GoPro-style cameras are perfect for canyoning. Cameras cannot be mounted or strapped to the helmet or other safety equipment, and your hands must be free at all times in the canyon. The proper functioning of your safety equipment is absolutely paramount and don’t forget, we’re taking pictures too and they’re free! Please Note: We do not have insurance to cover your cameras or electrical equipment. you take cameras into the canyon at your own risk

WCCA takes the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously and understands that we all need to work together to limit transmission, protect vulnerable citizens, and prevent community transmission. This is an added risk to our outdoor activity, but we are no strangers to managing risk with solid protocols and Personal Protective Equipment. After all risk management is what we do and we do it well!

As with any outdoor activity, canyoning involves an element of risk and requires respect for the sometimes inhospitable environments that we visit. However, with proper training and patience, these risks can be managed. Canyoning requires the use of specialized tools, such as harnesses, ropes, descenders, helmets, and appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking on slippery terrain. At West Coast Canyoning Adventures, we understand the importance of using high-quality equipment to ensure the safety of our participants. Our approach to safety is based on years of experience and rigorous training. All equipment is checked daily and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after use. Anchors are also regularly checked for wear and tear. Prior to the start of each excursion, our certified canyoning guides provide a comprehensive safety and equipment briefing, as well as an overview of the day's itinerary. Our guides are highly experienced and trained to identify and manage any potential risks during the excursion. To ensure the safety of all participants, we require a collaborative attitude, strict adherence to our guides' instructions, and the use of all equipment supplied by West Coast Canyoning Adventures. We encourage all participants to communicate any concerns they may have with our guides so that we can address them promptly and effectively.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION, RESCUE, OR FIRST AID In case of an accident, West Coast Canyoning Adventures will do everything to get you out of the canyon to safety. Outside help, such as local Search and Rescue groups, are free of charge in British Columbia but could take hours to reach the injured party. If the nature of the incident requires fast and more complex evacuation, WCCA Guide(s) may require outside private rescue organizations and helicopter transport such as TEEAM Medevac. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO MENTION THAT PARTICIPANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH EMERGENCY EVACUATION, RESCUE, OR FIRST AID. Some private insurance policies cover emergency rescue costs. However, before your trip, it is essential to confirm that your insurance covers rescues, including those arising from mountain or climbing-related accidents. BOTH CANADIANS and US CITIZENS: The American Alpine Club will insure out-of-country members. Website: www.americanalpineclub.org

CANCELLATION & REGISTRATION CHANGE POLICY Pricing: Prices are quoted in Canadian funds and are subject to federal tax. Prices are subject to change without notice. Full payment is required upon booking our activities. ​ Cancellations and rebooking activity dates are time-consuming as spots in our activities can be hard to fill. Please understand that cancellations are subject to fees. Within ten days of the activity start date, a change in participation date may be possible but is subject to availability with a $25 administration fee per person or a 75% refund. ​ Within 48 hours of the activity or NO SHOW, no refund. Note: Cancellations and booking changes must be made in writing (email, text ) and are not considered cancelled until West Coast Canyoning Adventures acknowledges. ​ Inclement Weather Policy West Coast Canyoning Adventures reserves the right to reschedule any activities due to inclement weather or unsafe conditions. However, if West Coast Canyoning Adventures cannot reschedule or the customer cannot attend the rescheduled date, a refund or credit will be issued due to inclement weather. ​ Minimum Participants Threshold: West Coast Canyoning Adventures reserves the right to reschedule any activities that don’t have a minimum of three participants. However, West Coast Canyoning Adventures can transfer the participants into a private class for an additional fee.