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Bungee Jumping in Ottawa: Your Ultimate Guide

Why Go Bungee Jumping in Ottawa?

Bungee jumping is the ultimate adrenaline rush—a heart-stopping leap from a towering platform, free-falling toward the earth before the cord snaps you back into the air. The mix of fear, thrill, and weightlessness creates a unique, unforgettable experience that pushes your mental and physical limits.

Ottawa offers one of the most iconic bungee jumping sites in North America—the Great Canadian Bungee at Morrison’s Quarry, featuring a breathtaking 200-foot drop over crystal-clear water. Whether you’re conquering your fear of heights or chasing that next adrenaline high, Ottawa is one of the best places to take the plunge!

Benefits of Bungee Jumping

✅ Adrenaline Rush – The sudden drop and rebound trigger an intense release of endorphins and dopamine.
✅ Conquers Fear – Overcoming the fear of jumping builds mental resilience and confidence.
✅ Boosts Mental Clarity – The intense focus required sharpens mental awareness.
✅ Enhances Stress Relief – The post-jump euphoria and endorphin release help reduce stress and anxiety.
✅ Increases Self-Confidence – Successfully taking the leap enhances self-belief and courage.
✅ Improves Balance and Spatial Awareness – The body’s response to the freefall enhances muscle engagement and coordination.

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch

Top Bungee Jumping Site in Ottawa

While there’s only one official bungee jump site in Ottawa, it’s widely considered one of the best in the world:

🪂 Great Canadian Bungee (Ultimate Thrill)

📍 Location: Morrison’s Quarry, Wakefield, Quebec (30 minutes from downtown Ottawa)

  • Height: 200 feet (61 meters) – Tallest bungee jump in North America.
  • Water Landing: Jump over a spring-fed lagoon with clear, blue water.
  • Rebound: Experience multiple rebounds after the initial drop.
  • Safety: Professionally certified equipment and expert staff.
  • Options:
    • Regular Bungee Jump – Classic solo jump.
    • Tandem Jump – Jump with a friend (combined weight limit applies).
    • Water Dip – Optional head or body dip into the lagoon.
    • Night Jump – Special events with lit-up jumps at night.

🏆 Pro Tip: Book a weekday slot to avoid long wait times and crowds!

What to Expect When You Go Bungee Jumping

Understanding the process helps reduce nerves and improves your jump experience:

✅ 1. Check-In and Weigh-In

  • Upon arrival, you’ll be weighed to ensure the correct bungee cord strength.
  • Sign a liability waiver (standard for extreme sports).

✅ 2. Safety Briefing

  • Professional staff will explain the jump technique and safety procedures.
  • Learn how to position your arms and legs for a smooth jump.
  • Harness fitting and helmet adjustment.

✅ 3. Walk to the Platform (Nerves Kick In!)

  • The platform is perched over the quarry, giving you a panoramic view of the water and cliffs.
  • Staff will attach the bungee cord to your ankle or body harness.

✅ 4. The Jump (Fear to Euphoria!)

  • Countdown begins: 3…2…1…JUMP!
  • Step off confidently—hesitation increases the mental challenge.
  • The freefall lasts around 2–3 seconds before the cord engages.

✅ 5. The Rebound (Controlled Bounce)

  • After the cord reaches maximum stretch, it rebounds, lifting you back up.
  • Most jumps feature 2–3 rebounds before slowing down.

✅ 6. Retrieval (Back to Solid Ground)

  • Staff will lower you to a platform or into a boat.
  • High fives and victory cheers included!

🏆 Pro Tip: Focus on a spot on the horizon, not the ground, to maintain balance and reduce disorientation.

Types of Bungee Jumps

Bungee jumping comes in various styles—each offering a unique thrill:

🪂 Ankle Harness Jump (Traditional Style)

  • Bungee cord attached to your ankles.
  • Experience a full-body freefall with head-first positioning.
  • The most intense and thrilling jump style.

🪂 Body Harness Jump (Comfort and Stability)

  • Bungee cord attached to a body harness around your chest and waist.
  • Provides more stability and control during the fall.
  • Recommended for first-time jumpers.

🪂 Tandem Jump (Jump with a Partner)

  • Two jumpers attached to a single cord.
  • Requires balanced body weight between partners.
  • Increases the fun factor but requires more coordination.

🪂 Water Dip (Extreme and Wet)

  • Jumpers are lowered headfirst toward the water.
  • Some bungee sites allow head or full-body dips.
  • Available at Great Canadian Bungee for added excitement.

🪂 Night Jump (For the Brave!)*

  • Jump under artificial lights with a spotlight on the platform.
  • The dark surroundings increase the sense of uncertainty and thrill.

🏆 Pro Tip: First-time jumpers should start with an ankle or body harness jump before attempting a water dip or night jump.

Essential Bungee Jumping Gear

Bungee jumping requires minimal gear since most of it is provided by the site:

✔ Harness – Professional-grade body or ankle harness (provided by the site).
✔ Helmet – Protection against impact or accidental falls (provided by the site).
✔ Comfortable Clothing – Athletic gear or lightweight clothing.
✔ Secure Shoes – Tight-fitting shoes to prevent them from falling off.
✔ GoPro or Action Camera (Optional) – Some sites allow you to record your jump with a mounted camera.
✔ Gloves (Optional) – For better grip on the retrieval line.

🏆 Pro Tip: Avoid loose clothing and jewelry—they can snag on the cord or harness.

Safety Considerations and Tips

Bungee jumping is extremely safe when conducted by professional operators using certified equipment:

🔥 Age Requirement: Most sites require jumpers to be at least 16 years old (with parental consent).
🔥 Weight Limits: Jumpers must meet minimum and maximum weight requirements (usually 100–300 lbs).
🔥 Health Considerations: Avoid jumping if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or vertigo.
🔥 Listen to the Staff: Follow all instructions from the staff—especially during the jump countdown.
🔥 Don’t Look Down: Focusing on the horizon reduces the sense of height and fear.
🔥 Stretch and Warm Up: Helps reduce muscle strain during the jump.

🏆 Pro Tip: Confidence is key—overthinking increases hesitation, which makes the jump harder.

How to Mentally Prepare for Your First Jump

Conquering the fear of jumping is part of the thrill. Here’s how to manage your mindset:

🔥 Visualize Success – Picture yourself making a perfect jump.
🔥 Focus on Breathing – Slow, deep breaths reduce anxiety.
🔥 Use Positive Self-Talk – Replace negative thoughts with affirmations (“I can do this”).
🔥 Don’t Hesitate – Commit to the jump and follow through immediately after the countdown.
🔥 Trust the Equipment – Professional bungee sites use rigorously tested gear.

🏆 Pro Tip: Watching others jump before you will boost your confidence and give you an idea of what to expect.

Final Thoughts: Take the Leap!

Bungee jumping in Ottawa offers a heart-pounding, mind-blowing experience for thrill-seekers of all levels. Whether you’re jumping for the first time or chasing a bigger adrenaline rush, the Great Canadian Bungee is one of the best places in the world to test your courage.

💬 Have you taken the leap? Share your story! #OttawaActiveBungee #TakeTheLeap