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Extreme Sports in Canada: Intense Adventure
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 sports: we suggest you discover some of them in this article. However, we note that extreme sports are not for everyone. Minors, people with heart or back problems or who are overweight will not always be able to participate.
Sliding sport
Canada is a country known for its harsh winters and abundant snow, making it the perfect playground for all extreme sports that take place in the snow.
Skiing and snowboarding
In Canada, the snow forms a thick blanket, ideal for skiing or snowboarding. There are 250 ski areas in the country. While they are rather small in the east, the largest and those that attract the most international visitors are in the west.
Families or beginners will choose to go to resorts such as Sun Peaks, Big White or Silver Star. Those with an advanced level can go to Whistler or the interior of 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 skiing off-piste and paragliding. The speedrider is equipped with a sail that it can orientate, which allows it 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 allowed in Canadian ski resorts. Those who wish to do so must opt for off-piste skiing. You will find them mainly in western Canada or in Quebec in the Torngat.
In the same vein, snowkiting combines skis or snowboarding with the wind, thanks to the use of a sail. With the help of the wind, you can perform big jumps and beautiful figures. You can do it in Quebec, Ontario or Alberta.
Other board sports
Bobsleigh is dedicated to the greatest speed lovers. The public can try it out in complete safety at 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 of the 90s. Very easy to handle, it is accessible to almost all ages. Discover this unusual snow sport at Mont Sutton.
Paraskiing is another sliding sport already known in Canada. It is somewhat similar 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 learn the basics.
Mountain biking in the mountains
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 possible in Canada. The country has an extensive network of trails and bike parks, for all levels of difficulty, including climbs, tight trails, fast descents and more or less technical terrain.
Almost all of the provinces of Canada have mountain biking trails. The best ones 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 those who love extreme sensations, whitewater rafting and kayaking are a must.
Rafting
Rafting is a water sport that is very popular with adventurers at heart. Going down small waterfalls provides very strong sensations that we often seek to recreate in complete safety. Canada is a must-see destination for rafting that can be done on several rivers.
If you are passing through the Canadian Rockies, head east to the Ottawa River. Several specialized companies offer safe rafting activities there. For even more adrenaline, there is also the Kicking Horse River and its beautiful descents.
The Chilcotin River in British Columbia also offers great thrills in a beautiful setting. To the east of the province of Quebec, also discover the Jacques-Cartier River and its clear, lively waters.
Whitewater Kayaking
Whitewater exploration is perfect for those who want to get their adrenaline pumping. 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 adapted to all levels. It is generally recommended to opt for a stay of a few days to make the most of it.
Other extreme sports
Other thrilling sports are possible in Canada. In fact, did you know that the country is home to the highest bungee jumping site in the world? Note, however, that these extreme activities are not always open to children. It is therefore advisable to inquire beforehand if you are visiting Canada as a family.
Parachute jump
This activity is no longer reserved for the military and is now offered by specialized leisure companies. Beginners can 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 (Progressionaccompagne en Chute).
It only takes a few minutes of flight to reach the height required for the jump, which is several thousand meters above sea level. The jump itself lasts less than a minute, but it will definitely 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 sauter en bungee, which is the literal translation of bungee jumping.
The Great Canadian Bungee - the highest in North America is located in Ottawa in the province of Ontario. The jump is made over a limestone quarry with its turquoise water lagoon.
In British Columbia is Whistler, the must-see destination for outdoor and thrill-seeking fans. Here you will find Whistler Bungee above the Cheakamus River. Bungee jumping can be enjoyed at any time of the year, even in the coldest of winter.
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