From Ancient Rituals to Canada's Highest Bungee: The History of Bungee Jumping

Today, bungee jumping is one of the world's most recognizable adventure sports. Every year, millions of people step off bridges, cranes, towers, and cliffs in search of the ultimate adrenaline rush. But the story of bungee jumping began long before commercial adventure tourism—it started centuries ago with an ancient tradition in the South Pacific.

The Origins of Bungee Jumping

The roots of modern bungee jumping can be traced to Pentecost Island in Vanuatu, where villagers have practiced a ritual known as land diving for hundreds of years.

During this ceremony, men climb wooden towers over 20 metres high with vines tied around their ankles before leaping toward the ground. The tradition is deeply rooted in local culture and symbolizes courage, manhood, and a successful harvest season. Unlike modern bungee jumping, the goal is to come as close to the ground as possible, with the vines carefully selected to stop the fall at just the right moment.

Although modern bungee equipment looks very different, the concept of willingly taking a leap into the unknown began here.

The Birth of Modern Bungee Jumping

Fast forward to April 1, 1979.

A group of adventurous students from the Oxford University Dangerous Sports Club made history by performing what is widely recognized as the first modern bungee jump. Using elastic cords instead of vines, they leapt from the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, England.

While the jump resulted in a brief encounter with local police, it also sparked worldwide curiosity. The idea of recreational bungee jumping had officially arrived.

Over the next few years, members of the club continued experimenting with jumps from bridges and other structures, inspiring adventure enthusiasts around the globe.

AJ Hackett Changes Everything

Although the Oxford students introduced the concept, it was A.J. Hackett, a New Zealander, who transformed bungee jumping into a commercial adventure sport.

Throughout the 1980s, Hackett refined equipment, safety systems, and jumping techniques. His most famous stunt came in 1987, when he illegally jumped from the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The dramatic event captured international media attention and introduced millions of people to the sport.

Soon afterward, Hackett opened the world's first permanent commercial bungee operation at the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand.

That bridge remains one of the world's most iconic bungee destinations today.

The Arrival of Bungee Jumping in Canada

As the sport grew internationally, Canada quickly embraced the excitement.

In the early 1990s, adventure tourism was beginning to flourish, and entrepreneurs saw an opportunity to introduce Canadians to this new experience. Among the pioneers was Great Canadian Bungee, which opened its doors in 1992 at the spectacular Morrison's Quarry in Wakefield, Quebec.

The location proved to be ideal. The towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear spring-fed water created one of the most scenic jump sites anywhere in North America.

Over the following decades, Great Canadian Bungee became known not only for its incredible setting but also for its commitment to safety and professionalism.

Helping Shape the Industry

As the sport matured, so did the standards surrounding it.

Great Canadian Bungee has played an important role in developing Canadian bungee safety practices. Through decades of experience and collaboration with industry organizations, the company has helped contribute to safety standards that continue to influence operators across North America.

Our founder, Matthew Lawrence, serves on the Board of Directors of the North American Bungee Association as Chief of Safety Standards, helping guide the ongoing development of best practices throughout the industry.

Today, every jump follows detailed operational procedures, multiple independent safety checks, and equipment inspections designed to ensure every guest can enjoy the experience with confidence.

Canada's Highest Bungee Jump

More than thirty years after opening, Great Canadian Bungee remains one of the country's premier adventure destinations.

Standing 20 stories (61 metres) above the brilliant blue waters of Morrison's Quarry, Canada's Highest Bungee Jump has become a bucket-list experience for thrill-seekers from around the world.

Every jump combines the excitement of freefall with one of Canada's most spectacular natural settings, creating memories that last a lifetime.

A Tradition of Taking the Leap

From ancient land divers on a remote Pacific island to modern adventure parks around the world, the desire to challenge ourselves has remained remarkably unchanged.

While the equipment, technology, and safety systems have evolved dramatically, the feeling at the edge of the platform is the same: a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and courage.

For more than 35 years, Great Canadian Bungee has been proud to continue that tradition, welcoming first-time jumpers, seasoned thrill-seekers, and everyone in between to experience one of the world's greatest adventures.

Whether you're taking your very first leap or adding another jump to your list, you're becoming part of a story that began centuries ago—and continues every day at Morrison's Quarry.