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a vancouver helicopter tour flies over the city skyline

3 Best Vancouver Helicopter Tours: Downtown + Pre/Post Cruise

Vancouver helicopter tours are your conduit to a skyline painted by nature.

You’ll see mountains framing our bustling cityscape, and sparkling azure waterways ribboning across the landscape.

If you’re going to do it in any city, taking one of the best helicopter tours of Vancouver should be it.

Let’s take a look at the top helicopter tours.

Vancouver Helicopter Tours

What makes Vancouver helicopter tours so special? Well, it’s simple.

The city’s unique geography — mountains, the ocean, and urban landscapes — makes for a spectacular view from above.

Helicopter tours in Vancouver provide an immersive experience, combining exhilaration and breathtaking vistas.

vancouver whale tour banner

With comfortable seating and expert commentary from pilots, they offer an unparalleled perspective on the city’s landmarks.

Whether you’re a local wanting to see your city from a new vantage point, a tourist craving a thrilling adventure, or a photographer seeking exceptional aerial shots, a helicopter tour is perfect.

It’s a unique opportunity for everyone to experience Vancouver from a completely new perspective.

So, let’s take a look at the top helicopter tours in Vancouver.

a helicopter flies over the vancouver skyline

Vancouver City Helicopter Tour – Best Helicopter Tour for City Scenery

Departure Point: Hotel pickup | Duration: 2.5 hours | Helicopter Tour Price: From $379.00

This is the cheapest helicopter tour in Vancouver, and it’s also the best helicopter tour for city views.

Here, your adventure starts the moment you step aboard the tour’s complimentary shuttle from downtown, where your friendly guides will take you to the incredible SKY Hangar.

capilano suspension bridge and grouse mountain tour banner for 2024

From there, you’ll take to the skies on an exhilarating 30-minute aerial escapade in a state-of-the-art helicopter.

As you navigate the shimmering coastline to the rugged mountain peaks, you’ll understand why Vancouver is a dream destination for so many.

Once this top Vancouver helicopter tour ends, you’ll be quickly returned to your hotel or the Vancouver Cruise Terminal in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

This downtown Vancouver helicopter tour includes:

  • Complimentary pick-up & drop-off from all downtown Vancouver hotels/cruise port.
  • Transport to and from Pitt Meadows departure point.
  • 30-minute flight above Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains.
  • Flyovers of Downtown, Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and more.

a vancouver helicopter tour flies over the coast mountains

BC Backcountry Vancouver Helicopter Tour – Top Helicopter Tour for Nature

Departure Point: Hotel pickup | Duration: 2.5 hours | Helicopter Tour Price: From $379.00

If you’re looking for a little more than just a view of the city, here’s a great way to soak in the beauty of British Columbia’s west coast.

As you soar high above the ground, you’ll capture incredible vistas that are typically reserved for seasoned hikers and mountaineers.

Along the way, you’ll see awe-inspiring coastal mountain views, cascading waterfalls, sparkling alpine lakes, and majestic snow-capped peaks.

During this exhilarating journey, your knowledgeable pilot will share fascinating insights about this unique and pristine environment.

You’ll also receive the same custom pick-up/drop-off on the Urban Vancouver Helicopter Tour. So what are you waiting for? The Lower Mainland’s beautiful scenery awaits!

Includes:

  • 30-minute backcountry helicopter flight
  • Custom pick-up/drop-off from Downtown Vancouver hotels/cruise port
  • Tour narrative provided by your pilot
  • Customized tour based on the daily conditions
  • Flyovers of mountain ranges, evergreen forests, and twisting rivers

a helicopter flies between vancouver and victoria

Helicopter Tour + Victoria Excursion – Best Day Trip Helicopter Tour

Departure Point: Custom pick-up | Duration: 8 hours | Helicopter Tour Price: From $759.00

Get ready to embark on a seamless and unforgettable journey from Vancouver to Victoria!

Say goodbye to those lengthy Vancouver to Victoria ferry lines and embrace the ultimate travel experience with round-trip flights across the magnificent Strait of Georgia.

You’ll kick off your adventure with a scenic helicopter ride to Canada’s best little city, Victoria.

After 5-6 hours exploring the best things to do in Victoria at your own pace, you’ll get an equally thrilling experience aboard a sleek seaplane from Victoria to Vancouver.

To make your journey even more convenient, for this Vancouver tour by helicopter you’ll also receive hassle-free pickup and drop-off services at your Vancouver accommodations.

Includes:

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Roundtrip helicopter/seaplane journey to and from Victoria
  • 5-6 hours to explore Victoria on your own
  • Spectacular views of the North Shore Mountains, the Salish Sea, the Gulf Islands, and the Vancouver And Victoria Harbours

How Much do Helicopter Tours of Vancouver Cost?

Looking for a quick overview of the cost and departure points of the various Vancouver helicopter tours on offer?

Below I’ve provided a handy table of tour prices to help you find which tour works best for you.

TourLocationPrice
Vancouver City TourHotel Pick-up$379.00More info
BC Backcountry TourHotel Pick-up$379.00More info
Tour + Victoria Day TripCustom$759.00More info
All prices are listed in CAD.

Are Helicopter Tours Worth it?

Still, find yourself sitting on the fence? Well, that’s only natural. One glance at the prices will tell you that booking a helicopter tour of Vancouver is not a flip of a flip-of-the-moment decision.

Simply put, they fall on the expensive side for what is a relatively short getaway…unless you opt for the Victoria Helicopter Excursion.

Having said that, if you were a budget traveller, you likely wouldn’t be on this page to begin with. You’re paying a premium for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers birds-eye views of spectacular mountain scenery and one of the most beautiful cities on earth.

Let’s see what previous customers have to say:

Vancouver Helicopter Tour Reviews

Passengers on our Vancouver Helicopter Tours have provided nearly universal 5-star reviews across the board.

Let’s have a look at what an American customer named Jillian had to say about her experience on the BC Backcountry tour:


Here is another from Get Your Guide Travellers about the Vancouver City Tour:

Clearly, the tours are a niche experience that caters to premium travellers.

However, if you find yourself in that bracket, there are few better ways to experience Vancouver’s unique combination of city sights and unparalleled mountain scenery.

Don’t believe me? Then click the button below to check out more Backcountry Tour reviews yourself.

Vancouver Helicopter Tours FAQs

Vancouver helicopter tours last about 30 minutes (flying time) on average, depending on your specific package. Generally, if you include all the shuttle transport and check-ins you’re looking at a couple of hours in total.

Yes, most Vancouver helicopter tour packages include convenient pickup and drop-off services from designated locations, such as downtown hotels, accommodations, or the Vancouver cruise port. Be sure to confirm the transportation details when booking your tour.

The Vancouver City Tour will best serve those looking to catch a glimpse of Vancouver’s harbour and skyline. However, those looking to explore the rugged alpine wilderness of the North Shore Mountains will prefer the BC Backcountry Tour.

Safety is of utmost importance, and tour operators closely monitor weather conditions. In the event of inclement weather, the tour may be rescheduled or cancelled for safety reasons. The tour provider will keep you informed and work with you to find the best alternative.

Yes, the Victoria Excursion from Vancouver offers a combination package from Vancouver to Victoria. The outward trip is made via helicopter, with the return journey using a seaplane. You’ll also receive 5-6 hours to explore Victoria at your leisure.

Ready for Your Helicopter Tour Vancouver?

Vancouver helicopter tours offer an unparalleled opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of this incredible city from a whole new perspective.

With convenient pickup and drop-off services, customizable departure times, and an adventure-filled itinerary, these tours are an absolute must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable experience in Vancouver.

Buckle up, embrace the thrill, and let the magic of a Vancouver Helicopter tour unfold before your eyes!

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