Backpacker Buzz

Add some excitement to your day and feel the thrill of flying...

Whistler offers whack loads of outdoor activities, including the adrenaline-pumping bungee jumping hosted by Whistler Bungee! Now, not everyone does the Charlie Brown dance when bungee jumping is mentioned but for 3 friends and me, we were cha cha cha-ing all the way to Whistler.

Bungee jumping is an unreal experience. Superheroes make jumping off buildings look like a breeze but when you're the one jumping into oblivion, it's anything but pretty - legs flailing all over the place and high-pitch screams flood the air as the only thought that comes to mind is, "wow, I am stupid".

Minutes before the jump, I played Ms. Cool and acted as if it was no big deal, when really, it was a big deal. The second I jumped off the 160-foot bridge I thought, "I am going to die" and screamed until my little lungs couldn't scream any more - very attractive. As I headed straight for the glacial-fed waters of the Cheakamus River, the bungee cord hoisted me up - phew, saved. But then I headed towards the water again and my stomach flipped 360 degrees. Finally, the bungee stopped bungee-ing and as I hung there with nothing but a single cord keeping me from plunging to a guaranteed visit to the hospital, the only thought that came to mind was, "again, again!"

Bungee jumping is a definite must on everyone's list. I won't lie, the falling part is scary. Whether it's happening in real life or in a dream, falling is scary as heck. So why do people like myself willingly jump from unimaginable heights every year and fork over hard-earned cash to do so? Because it's ridiculously, awesomely, fantastically fun fun fun! You won't know until you try.

Most countries will offer a site to go bungee jumping. In BC, Whistler Bungee is one such site. It operates year-round and is situated approximately 15 minutes south of Whistler Village. To make a booking, go visit their website, www.whistlerbungee.com