About The Western canyoning collective
The reason we exist: A true love story with Western Canada Playground and the people
The drive from Jasper to Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway was the first spark.
Meeting the few who dared explore the Rockies’ hidden canyons before everyone else and being invited on first descents was the reason to stay a bit longer.
Getting the support of those early pioneers, seeing more canyoning enthusiasts joining in and discovering more terrain to explore, made the decision to stick around for good easy.
That’s where the idea of what would become Western Canyoning Collective began to take shape.
Who we are today
"Still the same people — just a bigger dream and a bigger team.
Since 2017, we've evolved under different names to reflect local identities and new chapters. But at our core, we are still the same passionate crew, united by shared values and a common vision."
Cap vers l'aventure! - Adventure Ahead!
Adventure is more than a word in our name. It’s how we live, learn, and grow.
For many of us, challenge has always been a way of life. From crossing countries by bike and sailing across oceans, to exploring new terrain on skis or crawling through unknown caves, the drive to push limits alongside like-minded people has shaped who we are. That same spirit gave rise to Western Canyoning Collective.
Canyoning fulfills our need for real adventure — discovering untouched corners of the Earth, overcoming natural obstacles, and sharing powerful moments as a team. We’re here to pass that experience on to as many people as possible.
A lucky coincidence
Sometimes, the right door opens exactly when you knock.
After a ski season in Lake Louise, Guillaume went searching for canyoning in Canada. A simple message to Rocky Mountain Canyoning led to an invitation: the first professional canyon guide training in Western Canada instructed by Rich Carlson, president of the American Canyoneering Association (ACA) at that time.
That’s where he met the early explorers of teh Rockies such as Greg Horn, JP Kors, Joe Storms, Kathleen Graham and Dave Critchley; and where a life-changing adventure began.
A special relationship
A company built on mentorship, trust, and shared dreams.
Western Canyoning Collective would not exist without John Paul Kors, retired Public Safety staff at Parks, and Joe Storms, former owner of Rocky Mountain Canyoning. Both have been mentors, supporters, and friends.
Their technical insight and steady support played a key role in building a safe and responsible path for the growth of the collective.
A common dream of explorations
Exploration is in our DNA, and it always will be.
Our team shares a deep passion for discovering new terrain. From long, vertical routes like the first descent of Waffl Canyon to glacier-fed, nearly underground canyons and fun shorter trips that make the experience accessible to more people — discovery is what keeps us moving forward.
A trustworthy partnership & Friendship
When the right people meet, they don’t just work together. They build something bigger.
In 2021, Joe Storms introduced Matthew Arnold and Guillaume Coupier during the first descent of Spahats Falls in BC. Since then, they’ve continued developing new canyons, chasing fresh ideas, and expanding what’s possible.
Matt not only developed the Okanagan branch and became a business partner, but also a friend to share both the highs and the challenges with.
After four years of close collaboration, Western Canyoning Academy was born — built on their shared commitment to creating a solid and inclusive training curriculum.
Inspiring self created dream jobs
The team grows with people who dare to build their own path.
Irene first joined as a friend offering to help with social media — and never left. With heart and hard work, she grew into our Office Manager, Photographer, and Sales & Marketing lead. Who knows where she will stop!
We’re proud to create a space where passion leads the way, and we hope to welcome more collaborators who will carve out their own path within the collective. After all, creating their dream job is exactly what drove Matt and Guillaume to develop the canyoning adventures we offer today.
A suportive community of friends
Western Canyoning Collective was built by many hands.
Volunteers, friends, and believers in the vision helped lay the foundation. Their energy, generosity, and shared excitement made the early days possible, and many are still part of the story today.
It would take too long to name every role and contribution, but those people know how grateful we are to have had their support along the way: Levy and Kirsty Norris, Kyle Singbeil, Cyrielle Fuchs, Gerald Kors, Tanner Ellingboe, and Kyle James.
It started as a small crew with big energy, and that spirit is still alive today.
You — Our Adventurers
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably already part of the story — or will be soon!
You’re the reason we keep pushing forward in the right direction.
Every smile, every challenge accepted, and every shared adventure reminds us why we do this.
Like the 30 employees from the Mader Group who chose to rappel down a 60-meter cliff after a snowstorm without hesitation, you inspire us to show up every day with the same spirit of courage and joy.
Proudly partnering up with
