Photo: SKY Helicopters
Vancouver’s cityscape and natural environment look particularly stunning from the vantage point of a helicopter. The city has numerous companies that specialize in helicopter rides, whether you’re wanting a sweeping bird’s eye tour of Vancouver and its surrounding areas, or wanting a scenic flight from Vancouver to other nearby destinations.
SKY Helicopters
Photo: SKY Helicopters
SKY Helicopters began in 2011 with two helicopters and two pilots and has grown over the last decade, now with six helicopters and 12 team members. The company has become world renowned for the quality of their helicopter adventures as well as the safety, comfort, and level of service they offer their guests. Their commercial helicopter pilots have deep passion for and expertise in British Columbia. The company features a wide variety of summer and year-round tours, wedding and proposal packages, pre- and post-cruise tours, in addition to custom charters.
For example, one of their popular tours is their Champagne Heli-Tour Over Vancouver. You and your guest(s) can leave from their base in Pitt Meadows or from their Heliport downtown (courtesy shuttle from downtown hotels by reservation). From there, you’ll experience a 30-minute helicopter ride. If you’re leaving from Pitt Meadows, you’ll travel to Vancouver via the Burrard Inlet with views of places such as Deep Cove and the Indian Arm glacier fjord. And when you reach the city, you’ll fly over such landmarks as the Lions Gate Bridge and Stanley Park, in addition to downtown Vancouver. During your ride, you’ll sip champagne while listening to narration from your pilot.
Another option is their North Shore and Sea to Sky Helicopter Tour (minimum two passengers). This 30-minute adventure begins downtown, taking you over the North Shore mountains, along the Georgia Strait and Sea to Sky corridor before circling back to the city. Look out for Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge on the return trip. Other popular tours include a BC Backcountry Helicopter Tour (all year), a West Coast Craft Beer Flight (summer only), and a Discover Helicopter Tour (all year).
Blackcomb Helicopters
Photo: Blackcomb Helicopters
In addition to a range of aviation-related services (e.g., search-and-rescue), Blackcomb Helicopters offer spectacular tours, showcasing their knowledge and expertise in the Coast Mountains of the province.
They feature a variety of signature year-round tours, such as the BC Experience Tour, a 24-hour ride with a 15-minute mountain landing. Guests will leave from the northern Whistler Valley and from there traverse over the Coast Mountains. Weather-permitting, the helicopter will land on a mountaintop where guests can disembark to take pics and soak up the view. If guests are looking for a longer, even more expansive tour, they can consider the Blackcomb Signature Tour, which entails a 40 minute ride (plus a 15-minute mountain landing, weather permitting) for up to 5 people. The tour, which leaves from Whistler, takes guests through the Soo and Rutherford valleys to get to Ipsoot Icefield. After a mountain top landing/break, the helicopter will return to Whistler, passing sights like Garibaldi Lake and Black Tusk.
The company, under the brand AlpX Expeditions, also offers a variety of heli-adventures, such as ski touring, biking, fishing, and picnic and paddling. In addition, helicopter transfers between YVR Airport/downtown Vancouver and Whistler can be booked.
Sonora Resort
Photo: Sonora Resort
Sonora Resort, located on pristine and gorgeous Sonora Island, combines eco-tourism with five-star accommodation. In addition to fishing, ocean adventures, and wilderness tours, the resort offers helicopter adventure bookings.
One memorable adventure is the Helicopter Glacier Tour, a one-hour excursion, which involves flying over coastal BC, taking in glacier fjords and mountain peaks. Weather permitting, the helicopter will touch down on a mountaintop or glacier where guests (minimum 2 people) will toast with sparkling wine. Guests can stay an extra hour on the glacier/mountaintop, enjoying sweet and savoury treats. A wilderness guide will provide expert commentary, and outdoor weather-appropriate gear is provided.
Another option is a Heli-Glacier Paddle adventure (4-5 hours, minimum 2 guests), during which a helicopter will take guests to a mountain glacier lake where they can kayak or use a stand-up paddleboard. A certified Paddle Canada guide will provide instruction and coaching. Outdoor and safety equipment gear is provided. Other helicopter options include a Heli-Glacier Walk, Heli-Hiking, and a Helicopter, Whale, and Glacier Tour.
Lotus Land Tours
Photo: Mike Crane Photography
Lotus Land Tours specializes in showcasing the best of the West Coast, including Vancouver, Whistler, and Victoria. In addition to a speedy helicopter/seaplane trip to and from Victoria, they can curate Once In Your Lifetime Tours by Seaplane and Helicopter (March to October) for a maximum of four people. They also offer a few seasonal day trips to Victoria (e.g., Victoria and Butchart Gardens by Helicopter and Seaplane; Whale Watching to Victoria, Return by Seaplane) and Whistler (e.g., Whistler by Float Plane) that travel by helicopter, seaplane, and/or float plane, as well as a Vancouver Panorama Flight by float plane.
Helijet International
Photo: Helijet
Helijet operates from locations all across the province—Vancouver, Richmond, Victoria, Prince Rupert, Nanaimo, and Haida Gwaii—providing scenic and safe helicopter travel between various locations.
They have regularly scheduled flights leaving and arriving from the Vancouver Harbour Heliport, YVR International Airport, Victoria Harbour Heliport, and Nanaimo Harbour Heliport. They also offer charter flights for the north/central coast and south coast, partnering with companies and establishments like fishing resorts on Haida Gwaii and Bella Bella.
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