When some travellers go on vacation, they like to see all the angles, and what better way to that than skydiving? We’ve checked out some dive-worthy sites around the world that make for spectacular viewing from up in the clouds.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Whistler, just a 90-minute drive from Vancouver, is paradise for sports enthusiasts. To skiing, snowboarding, ziplining, bungee jumping and heli-skiing, you can add skydiving. As you descend 3,200 metres – freefalling for possibly the longest 45 seconds of your life – the views of Whistler, Blackcomb and Mount Currie will intensify the excitement.
Niagara, Ontario, Canada
Beside Lake Erie and the Grand River, 45 minutes from Niagara Falls and NY state, a skydive with the Niagara Skydive Centre will be thrilling. The adrenalin rush may even be surpassed by the views of the Niagara Peninsula. Three or four minutes viewing time at 190 kilometres per hour.
Gananoque, Ontario, Canada
Gananoque is the gateway to the beautiful 1,000 islands and the St. Lawrence Seaway. Skydive Gananoque has the distinction of being “the longest running skydiving centre in Canada under the same ownership”. As you hurtle to the ground from at least 2,750 metres, the views below – farmland and the mighty St. Lawrence – are the icing on the cake.
Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada
In the western part of the peninsula, an easy drive from Halifax, is Nova Scotia’s agricultural and wine centre. The view from 910 metres takes in the Bay of Fundy.
Wailua, Hawaii, United States
Having an aerial view of these Pacific islands is an unmatchable experience. From 4,000 metres, you can soar through Hawaii’s blue sky and see the entire island of Oahu, Kaena Point, Pearl Harbour and Diamond Head.
Rocky Mountains, Colorado, United States
Free fall from the wide Western sky and catch a glimpse of Longs Peak and the entire Rocky Mountain range for incredible geographic diversity.
Zion National Park, Utah, United States
You might not be able to land in the park (these places are protected for a reason), but you can fly over it and glide down next to it, observing Burnt Mountain, the Kolob Terrace, the Left and Right Forks of the North Creek, the East and West Temples and major formations in Zion.
Monterey Bay, California, United States
Few people realise that being above the beaches of California can be as enticing as having the sand under your feet or the waves crashing over you. Fly above Monterey Bay, Salinas Valley and the Santa Cruz area, where you’ll find the (arguably) best view of the Pacific in the region.
Newport, Rhode Island, United States
The rocky shores of Newport, Rhode Island might not seem like the most exotic place to fall out of a plane, but skydiving above this New England beach town offers clear visibility to take in the sailboats, choppy waves and jagged coastline of Narragansett Bay, and of course the epic mansions a few steps inland.
Wasilla, Alaska
Just 72 kilometres north of Anchorage, Wasilla is where Sarah Palin got her start in politics, but its glaciers, mountains and green valley lakes make it a presidential choice for skydivers. The views from about 4,600 metres are spectacular.
Additional Skydiving Resources
Westside Skydivers, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Featured image: wales_gibbons
