About Us
Discover the stunning landscapes of Canada's West Coast through adventures that emphasize sustainability, education, and safety. With us, every step is an opportunity to learn, grow, and appreciate the natural world, inspiring responsible exploration and lasting connections with nature.
Our commitment to high standards is demonstrated by our accreditations from organizations such as the Canyon Guide International, Outdoors Council of Canada (OCC), Leave No Trace Canada. These affiliations ensure our adventures adhere to the best practices in safety and environmental stewardship.
​
Vision
"To be a pioneering leader in sustainable adventure tourism, leveraging our unique position as the first certified Canyoning Operator on Canada's West Coast to inspire a global shift towards environmental stewardship and sustainable practices in adventure tourism."
Mission
"We commit to achieving our vision by continuously innovating our canyoning experiences, fostering education and awareness about environmental conservation, and collaborating with industry leaders to establish best practices in adventure tourism. Through our dedication to excellence and sustainability, we strive to inspire a global community of adventurers to explore responsibly and cherish the natural world."
Values
-
Environmental Stewardship: We prioritize the protection and preservation of the natural environment in our operations, ensuring that our adventures leave minimal impact on delicate ecosystems.
-
Innovation: We continually enhance our canyoning experiences, pushing boundaries and setting new standards in adventure tourism.
-
Education: We are committed to educating our guests, staff, and the broader community about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices in outdoor recreation.
-
Safety: We prioritize the safety and well-being of our guests and staff above all else, maintaining rigorous standards and training protocols to ensure a secure and enjoyable adventure for everyone.
​
ABOUT THE FOUNDER:
François-Xavier Gagnon, known as FX, is the founder and lead guide of West Coast Canyoning Adventures. With over three decades of experience in guiding adventure trips globally, FX specializes in activities like backcountry skiing, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and canyoning. He established his company to promote sustainable adventure tourism and share his passion for the outdoors.
FX holds numerous qualifications, including Canyon Guide Pro Level 3, CGI instructor and Guide Assessor, Swiftwater Technician Level 4, Wildland Rope Rescue Advanced Technician, Wilderness First Responder, and Leave No Trace Instructor. He is also a dedicated Team Leader with Lions Bay Search and Rescue since 2010, emphasizing his commitment to safety and community service. Through his leadership at West Coast Canyoning Adventures, FX fosters an appreciation for nature and advocates for responsible tourism practices.
WHAT IS CANYONING?
Canyoning, or canyoneering, is an adventure sport that combines the thrill of exploration with the beauty of nature. This activity involves navigating through canyons using a variety of techniques such as swimming, rappelling, and climbing, often with the help of ropes. It appeals to both those seeking an adrenaline rush and nature lovers, offering a unique way to engage with the natural world by overcoming obstacles like waterfalls, rocky passages, and natural pools. Although its roots can be traced back to the late 19th century, canyoning did not emerge as a widely practiced sport until much later, gaining significant popularity in Europe and the USA in the mid-1980s as adventurers sought to explore untouched and challenging landscapes
​
You can learn more about what's involved from this ultimate guide to canyoning. You can discover diverse canyoning opportunities that cater to various skill levels and preferences across Canada and the US, like Western Canyoning in the Canadian Rockies and the Okanagan or Wild Sky Adventures Guides in the Pacific Northwest, Washington State and spearheadadventures in California.
or Wild Sky Adventures Guides in the Pacific
Northwest, Washington State
OUR TEAM
Our team comprises certified guides who have undergone extensive training in all aspects of canyoning. They have expertise in leading canyoning trips and are equipped to handle any situation that may arise. Our guides’ dedication and passion for canyoning and the outdoors make us stand out.
Francois-Xavier "FX" Gagnon
Lead Guide CGI Lvl 3
Felipe Avila Valdivia
Lead Guide CGI lvl 2
Tim Lee
Lead Guide CGI lvl 2
Georgia Temple
Assistant Guide lvl 1
Rodger Williams
Lead Guide CGI lvl 2
David Monegas
Lead Guide
Paul Colpitts
Assitant Guide CGI lvl 1
Natasha Wilbrink
Assistant Guide
Hugo Voyer
Lead Guide CGI lvl 2
Steve Ingold
Lead Guide CGI lvl 2
Colton Lee
Assistant Guide CGI lvl 1
