About Us

Explore the Wild. Leave No Trace.

At West Coast Canyoning Adventures, we believe in connecting people to the wild beauty and stunning landscapes of British Columbia’s West Coast through adventures that teach the values of safety, stewardship, and respect for nature. With us, every trip is more than just an adrenaline rush—it’s a chance to learn, grow, and explore responsibly.

Who We Are

We’re proud to be the first certified canyoning operator on Canada’s West Coast, setting the standard for safe, sustainable, and educational canyon adventures. As accredited members of Canyon Guides International, the Outdoors Council of Canada, and Leave No Trace Canada, we’re committed to leading with integrity and care—for our guests and for the environment.

Our 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."

Our 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."

Our Core 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.

Meet the Founder: François-Xavier “FX” Gagnon

François-Xavier "FX" Gagnon is the visionary and powerhouse behind West Coast Canyoning Adventures. Born and raised in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec, FX developed an early love of paddling and fishing alongside his grandfather. By 17, he had already launched his first outdoor guiding business, teaching whitewater kayaking and guiding trips on Quebec’s renowned rivers.

Drawn by the rugged landscapes of British Columbia, FX relocated to Vancouver’s North Shore in 2019, and his adventurous spirit thrived. Joining Lions Bay Search and Rescue, he quickly rose to become a Team Leader and Safety Officer specializing in canyon and swiftwater rescue.

It was here that he discovered the sport of canyoning—and a new calling. He quickly became the first certified Canyoning Operator on Canada’s West Coast.

Today, FX is a Trainer and Examiner for Canyon Guides International and the founder of West Coast Canyoning Adventures. He brings over 20 years of outdoor guiding expertise shaped by his lifelong passion for adventure and nature. He has guided canyoning expeditions across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Costa Rica, pioneering new routes and continuing to raise the bar in safety, education, and environmental leadership.

Quick Facts about FX:

Quebec-born, now based in North Vancouver, BC
First certified canyoning operator on Canada’s West Coast
Safety Officer & Team Leader, Lions Bay Search and Rescue
CGI Trainer & Examiner
Expert in swiftwater, rope, and canyon rescue

Our Team

Our team of certified canyon guides brings a wealth of training, experience, and enthusiasm to every adventure. Each guide is certified in canyoning, rope rescue, first aid, and swiftwater safety—and shares a deep love for the outdoors. With ongoing professional development and a passion for people, our guides are the heart of what we do.

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

Tyler Kriletich

Assitant Guide Lvl 1

Our Partners

We proudly collaborate with a network of trusted partners—from gear suppliers and certifying bodies to sister guiding companies across North America. These partnerships help us stay at the forefront of canyoning safety and sustainability while strengthening the global guiding community.