Best Canyoning Places

Combining a number of different techniques like hiking, climbing and swimming, canyoning is an exhilarating sport that tests your strength and courage in a range of natural settings. The challenge of canyoning is conquering the obstacles like jumps, natural slides and pools along steep inclines and slippery paths. Canyoning is one of the most unique outdoor adventure sports out there, and it's one that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

You’ll need to be somewhat physically fit for this type of outdoor adventure activity, as canyoning involves climbing, hiking and swimming, but don't worry about having any previous experience. Regardless of your physical ability or experience, hiring a great canyoning guide will give you the opportunity to make your next canyoning adventure an incredible one.

The world is your oyster in the sport of canyoning, with countries across the globe being home to some of the most gorgeous landscapes that are perfect for your next canyoning adventure. If you've been wondering where to get started, this is the place for you. Here are a list of the best canyoning places in the world:

Best Canyoning Places in the UK

Surprisingly enough, the UK has some of the most beautiful canyoning locations in the world. The country is well-known for its steep and challenging mountain trails, but unlike many other countries, the UK has a large selection of canyoning routes to choose from. Here are some of the best routes in the UK:

Lake District

Home to some of the most outstanding natural beauty in the British Isles, it's no surprise that the Lake District is home to some incredible canyoning trails. A fantastic place to check out if you're looking for that all-around experience, Lake District's canyoning trails are a perfect mixture of stunning scenery, natural beauty and challenging terrain.

One of the best features of canyoning in the Lake District is the massive jumps that will definitely satisfy the cravings of adrenaline junkies. But not before they climb, scramble, jump and swim through any of the trails that are available. Canyoning in the Lake District is suitable for canyoneers of all levels, which it’s great for an exciting day out with loved ones!

Perthshire

Source: The Canyoning Company

Over in Scotland, the Perthshire region has some incredible locations for your next canyoning adventure. The canyons located in this area include the likes of Tummel, Devil's Glen and Glen Lyon – with some of the highlights of these canyons being the stunning rock formations, deep ravines, and plenty of great swimming spots.

This region of Scotland is littered with crystal clear waters and scenery that will make you feel like you’re in a Jurassic Park movie – without the scary dinosaurs, of course. The most accessible canyon trail in Perthshire is Bruar Falls, which features everything a canyoneer could ever dream of in a trail. When canyoneers travel through the gorge, they will come across natural water slides and arches, as well as 9-metre high jumps and massive waterfalls.

Snowdonia

The Welsh region of Snowdonia welcomes visitors with a never-ending list of lakes, as well as plenty of locations to enjoy some swimming. Standing at 1085 m tall, Snowdonia is home to the tallest peak in Wales as well as some gorgeous scenery that's ripe for a canyoning adventure.

A great canyoning route in Snowdonia is Afon Dwyryd, a 3-4 hour trail that takes canyoneers through some of the most beautiful natural scenery that the British Isles have to offer. Those who decide to go there for their next canyoning adventure will be greeted by 250 feet river drops and a 40-foot waterfall that adventures will descend via zip-line.

Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales contains some of the most gorgeous natural scenery in England. Aside from hiking, bouldering and caving, the Yorkshire Dales is also an excellent location for canyoning. Several canyoning locations are located in the Yorkshire Dales, which can suit even the most beginner of canyoneers.

The Yorkshire Dales offer some of the most breath-taking scenery that Britain has to offer, from sculptured canyons and gorgeous greenery. Canyoning in the Yorkshire Dales will reward canyoneers with a view over the highest overground waterfall found in the British Isles.

Best Canyoning Places in Europe

Across the Channel, some of the best canyoning spots in the world call Continental Europe home. From gorgeous mountains to pristine lakes, there isn't a shortage of locations for your next canyoning adventure. These are some of the best places for your next European canyoning trip:

Montenegro

Source: Rafting Centar Drina Tara

Nestled in the Balkan region, Montenegro features great locations for an outdoor adventure, including, you guessed it, canyoning. The country contains an abundance of natural beauty with a predominantly mountainous terrain. Montenegro has three dominant ranges that occupy most of the land, which are all home to numerous canyons.

The Tara Canyon is said to be the best canyoning spot in the country, and it's not hard to see why. This UNESCO World Heritage site stretches 51 miles long and goes up to 4,300 feet deep. This canyon is home to an abundance of stunning scenery that is sure to impress.

Italy

Italy is home to a number of canyons located in some of the most beautiful regions of the country, which make up many of the unique places in the country. Its natural beauty makes it one of the best locations in the world for outdoor adventures. Many of the canyons in Italy have been carved out by the erosive forces of water and wind, which makes their captivating natural beauty that much more impressive.

A great canyoning location in Italy is the Dolomites. The Dolomites region is home to many beautiful canyons and rivers, the most well-known being the Cinque Torri canyon. The Cinque Torri, which translates to five towers, consists of five distinct peaks that stretch out of a mountain ridge. The canyon is also known for its natural beauty and the large variety of habitats, including bright green moss in sheltered valleys, deep red rocks in exposed rock formations, mixed deciduous forest with beech trees and oak trees or brownish fir-coniferous forests.

Switzerland

Source: Interlaken.ch

This alpine country is world renown for its jaw-dropping natural scenery, thanks to the many mountains that make up the land. While you're sure to pull off a number of great outdoor adventures, Switzerland is also home to some great canyoning spots on the continent. It's really difficult to narrow Swiss canyoning spots down to just one, but one of the best in the country for canyoneers of all abilities is Interlaken.

One of the prime reasons that Interlaken is such a popular spot for canyoning is its ease of access. The city is situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, there are three main canyons – Saexten, Chli Schliere and Grimsel – which budding canyoneers can access. Regardless of which trail you pick, you’re sure to find some heart-thumping adventures as you jump, and rappel through the canyon before sliding down long vertical waterfalls.

Portugal

Source: Tobogã

Portugal is one of those places that you can't go to and not check out the beautiful blue ocean waters. The country, which boasts some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, also has its fair share of canyons that are perfect for your next outdoor adventure. The natural landscape of Portugal is full of beauty and is encouraged to be explored by anyone looking for a new outdoor adventure.

The northern region of Portugal is heavily influenced by mountainous peaks, forests, rivers and an ocean coastline that sweeps across the northwest region and is home to the Peneda-Gerês National Park – one of the best canyoning spots in the country. The Peneda-Gerês National Park is well known for its natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities that invite budding canyoneers to abseil, jump, rappel and scramble through.

Best Canyoning Places in North America

The United States has vast expanses of natural beauty across its 3.5 million square miles of land. The country includes an abundance of natural scenery spanning from forests and lakes to the Rocky Mountains in the west. Its northwardly neighbour Canada, on the other hand, is known for its abundance of geographical variety and landscape that includes mountain ranges, glaciers, lakes and expansive forests.

The two North American countries are perfect locations for those with a hunger for outdoor adventure. With that much natural beauty to boast, it's a small wonder why the US and Canada are home to some of the best canyoning spots in the world. Here are some of the must-go canyoning spots:

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Source: Discover Banff

Located in the Canadian region of Alberta, Banff National Park is home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world. This massive park contains some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, as well as some great canyoning trails that you simply must experience for yourself.

One such place is the Ghost Canyon, which is home to a beautiful waterfall and some stunning natural beauty. The trail isn’t very easily accessible, requiring a 4x4 to get to this remote location, but the effort will be absolutely worth it. Ghost Canyon features gorgeous mountain vistas as you canyoneer through rappels, and slides, with some fun pool jumps awaiting budding canyoneers too!

Waimea Canyon, Hawaii, USA

A popular destination for travellers from all over the world, whether you're in need of some R&R or heart-pounding adrenaline, Hawaii is a great American state for you. The gorgeous islands of Hawaii are famous for their great surfing waters, but a hidden gem of the island state is its great canyoning experiences. Hawaii is known for its beaches, tropical weather and beautiful canyoning trails.

One of the most stunning canyoning spots in Hawaii is located in Waimea Canyon State Park. This state is home to some of the most unique canyon landscapes in the country, and since Hawaii is better-known as a surf state, is a less travelled area than many others. Canyoneers visiting here will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views, magnificent waterfalls and more geological wonders that simply must be experienced first-hand.

The Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Source: National Park Service

Possibly the most famous canyon in the world, the Grand Canyon calls the desert state of Arizona its home and, as you might have guessed, has some of the best canyoning trails out there. The Grand Canyon is home to some of the planet's most spectacular vistas and cliffsides, which makes it a must-go for anyone looking for a memorable canyoning adventure.

The Grand Canyon is also one of the top canyoning spots in the United States. Canyoneers of all levels are welcome in the massive Arizonian gorge, which features breathtaking scenery, from the river rapids to the waterfalls and limestone formations.

Canadian Rockies, British Columbia, Canada

Source: Canadian Wilderness School and Expeditions

Nestled within the British Columbia region of Canada are the Canadian Rockies - the area is famous for its diverse landscape that includes cliffs and rivers, with a beautiful mountainscape. The Canadian Rockies are home to some great canyoning spots in the continent, with trails that will suit canyoneers of all abilities.

One such canyoning place is the Castle Canyon. Although this canyon is the most easily accessible, it is one more suitable for those with above-average fitness levels. Castle Canyon features five rappels that are sure to give canyoneers a proper challenge as they traverse through numerous pools and rivers and even jump off a 12-foot waterfall!

Best Canyoning Places in Asia and Oceania

Over on the other side of the world, budding canyoneers looking eastward will definitely be able to find some great canyoning spots that are loved by canyoneers all over the world. Spanning across the humongous Asian and Oceanic regions are countless canyons that are primed for great outdoor adventures. Here are some of the best countries in the two regions for canyoning:

Indonesia

Source: Canyoning Bali

The South East Asian country of Indonesia is home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world. With such a varied range of environments, from dense jungles to steamy volcanic mountains to terraced rice fields, and so many different cultures, you are sure to have a brilliant time here. And, if you're a canyoneer, there are tons of spots around the country that will satisfy your taste for adventure.

One great canyoneering spot in Indonesia can be found on the popular vacation island of Bali. The canyons in Bali are available year-round, thanks to its tropical climate, and feature trails that are suitable for all abilities. What's great about this place is that it has a series of waterfalls, pools and rapids that you can swim all through. If you're lucky, you may even be able to spot flora and fauna that are unique to the region!

Philippines

Source: Wanderers & Warriors

Yet another South East Asian country, the Philippines, just like its neighbour Indonesia, is home to a slew of gorgeous nature. The Philippines is especially well-known for its beaches and great food, but you may be surprised to find out that the country is also home to some of the world's best canyoning spots. If you ever find yourself in Cebu, be sure to book a canyoning trip in the Mantalongan Mountain Range!

One of the best features of Mantalogan, aside from its lush greenery, is the many waterfalls that dot the landscape. Kawasan Badian National Park is home to the region’s most famous of the waterfalls, Kawasan Falls, where you can jump off and dive into crystal-clear waters after a great canyoning adventure.

Nepal

Source: Xtremespots

The landlocked country of Nepal is an excellent place for anyone who's an outdoor enthusiast. If your heart's not ready to climb Mt Everest, don't worry! Nepal is also home to some great spots for canyoneering that will keep your heart pumping. Compared to its neighbours, Nepal boasts a diverse range of natural environments, and if you're looking for some canyoning action, you should definitely head to the Jalbire Canyons.

The Jalbire Canyons are situated on the Trisuli River and are dominated by landscapes that allow adventurers to abseil, climb, and slide their way through the trail. Canyoneers who decide to venture over to this area will be greeted by extraordinarily clear water pools and enormous waterfalls.

Australia

Source: High and Wild

Although you may not believe it, the Oceanic country of Australia is home to quite a diverse set of landscapes – from red-hot deserts to beautiful beaches. Possibly one of the lesser known things about Australia is its unique mountainous region, the Blue Mountains over on the west of Sydney. Known for its unique volcanic features, the Blue Mountains is a great canyoneering spot for anyone who's looking for an adventure.

The Blue Mountains can be a great place for canyoning because you're able to take in the natural beauty of the region across its over 400 canyons. From the Grand Canyon to Empress Falls, there is a canyon trail for everyone. The Blue Mountains is known for its rare flora and fauna that are found nowhere else on the planet, as per the traditional Australian way.

Conclusion

If you're looking for some canyoning adventure, you don't have to worry about running out of places to visit. The world is home to countless canyons that are ready and waiting to be explored. With so many canyons around the world that are full of gorgeous sceneries that are waiting to be explored, there's sure to be a canyon that caters to your needs.

Just be sure to plan your next canyoning trip with a great outdoor adventure provider to make sure you get the best out of the experience!