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5 Best Banff Helicopter Tours (2024)
Looking for the best Banff helicopter tours? I don’t blame you!
I was raised in Canada, and even as a self-proclaimed serial ex-pat, I’ve lived here in Canada for the last few years. I’ve even been reviewing other helicopter tours in Canada!
Visiting the Canadian Rockies is a sightseeing experience like no other. With its awe-inspiring mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, and stunning views of lakes and glaciers, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this breathtaking region each year.
And what better way to discover Banff and all the beauty it has to offer than from a thrilling helicopter tour?
With their breathtaking panoramic views and professional pilots, it’s no surprise that all of the tours on this list have earned a 4.7/5 stars rating or higher!
Here are the top five Banff Helicopter Tours that’ll make your vacation amazing.
1. Canadian Rockies: Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles Helicopter Tour
🤩 5/5 Stars (6 Reviews)
The Canadian Rockies: Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles Helicopter Tour is without a doubt one of the most thrilling and unique helicopter tours in Banff National Park.
With its breathtaking aerial views, remarkable glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, and magnificent snowshoeing expedition, the tour brings to life the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On this incredible tour, you’ll have the opportunity to witness some of Canada’s most spectacular landscapes as you fly over 6 different glaciers surrounded by frozen lakes and waterfalls.
As you make your way towards Abraham Lake – a lake famed for its natural phenomenon of ice bubbles – you’ll be able to take stunning photos from the sky.
Then, after landing at Landslide Lake, you can experience one-of-a-kind snowshoeing in the wilderness – with everything from snowshoes to ice clamps for shoes provided for your comfort.
To top off your experience on this incredible tour, you’ll be served complimentary hot chocolate with Irish cream along with a hot lunch – all while listening to interesting commentary by a professional pilot provided via headset during the flight.
“Best tour we have ever done! Really kind employees! The tour guide was super funny and you can see he really loves his job. The view out of the helicopter was amazing and the snowshoeing was super fun as well. We booked last minute so they didn’t have lots of time to plan, nevertheless, they made pie, bread and lots of other things for lunch! The whole team works together. I would really recommend this tour to everyone, you won’t regret it!” – GYG traveler from Germany (Read more reviews)
2. Canadian Rockies: Scenic Winter Helicopter & Snowshoe Tour
🤩 4.7/5 Stars (10 Reviews)
If you’re looking for an unforgettable winter experience in the Canadian Rockies, look no further than the Canadian Rockies: Scenic Winter Helicopter & Snowshoe Tour.
Pro Tip: If you’re in Banff during the winter, don’t forget to look for the northern lights!
This top Banff helicopter tour is a unique combination of breathtaking aerial views, snowshoeing, and hot chocolate with Irish cream in the wilderness that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Begin your adventure with a 20-minute or 30-minute scenic flight over the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, providing you with epic bird’s-eye views of frozen lakes, glaciers, and even the Three Sisters peaks.
After landing at one of the high alpine meadows where over two meters of snow coats the ground, set off on an exciting 1-hour snowshoe trek to a majestic frozen waterfall.
Along the way, enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate drink blended with Irish cream to warm up in the winter chill of the mountains.
Your experienced guide will ensure everyone gets back safely after taking in all of mother nature’s splendors while on this family-friendly tour. At each step in your journey, you’ll learn about Alberta’s spectacular wilderness and history from the guide.
All safety equipment is provided and no previous experience is necessary – just come ready to explore a top Banff helicopter tour winter can offer!
At the end of your memorable day, return back to base with lasting memories and photos taken during your time in one of Canada’s most beautiful provinces – Alberta’s Rocky Mountains!
“The staff is amazing and the experience was amazing. Helicopter and snowshoe tour was the highlight of our trip.” – GYG Traveler from Canada (Read more reviews)
3. Canadian Rockies Combo: Helicopter Tour and Horseback Ride
🤩 5/5 Stars (10 Reviews)
The Canadian Rockies Combo: Helicopter Tour and Horseback Ride are arguably one of the best heli tours Banff has to offer. This spectacular journey combines a helicopter ride and a horseback tour for a unique chance to explore Canada’s most beautiful landscapes.
From above, you’ll get an amazing bird’s-eye view of glaciated mountains, pristine lakes and rivers, and the awe-inspiring Abraham Lake. On foot, you can take a leisurely stroll through stunning backcountry trails and end at Twin Falls for a delicious picnic lunch.
On horseback, you’ll be taken on a guided tour along trails that offer remarkable panoramic vistas of the mountain ranges. Whether it’s your first time in the Canadian Rockies or your hundredth visit, this unique heli tour is sure to leave you feeling inspired.
The thrill begins when you board your aircraft for an unforgettable 20-minute flight over the famous Cline River Valley which includes majestic waterfalls, rivers, and lakes framed by snow-capped peaks.
Your pilot will skillfully navigate through narrow valleys and even land where the Cline River meets Waterfall Creek if requested.
Once back on solid ground, strap on your hiking boots for an easy hour-long walk through breathtaking terrain with lush forests and crystal clear streams perfect for snapping photos or just taking in nature’s beauty.
You can complete your adventure with all four legs as you mount up for a 1 hour horseback ride alongside experienced guides in some of Banff National Park‘s most beautiful areas steeped in history and wildlife sightings such as elk, foxes, eagles, or even bears!
Enjoy sweeping views of mountain peaks rising from Abraham Lake while enjoying fresh air scented with pine needles and wildflowers – making this truly one of Banff’s must-do experiences!
“Stunning scenery and great professional service for both the helicopter ride and horseback trip. Would recommend it to anyone. Thank you for everything!” – GYG Traveler from the United States (Read more reviews)
4. Canadian Rockies: Scenic Helicopter Tour
🤩 4.9/5 Stars (23 Reviews)
The Canadian Rockies: Scenic Helicopter Tour offers an unparalleled experience to see all the beauty of the Canadian Rockies in one breathtaking tour. With a choice between 20-minute, 30-minute, and 55-minute tours, guests can select the best option for their needs.
A professional pilot will ensure that every moment of the journey is top-rated and safe. Once in the air, guests will have an opportunity to witness some of nature’s most impressive sights from their bird’s eye view.
Plus, guests can expect to pass over 6 different glaciers surrounded by frozen lakes and waterfalls; emerald-green lakes, winding rivers, mountain ridges, and lush forests; as well as cascading waterfalls that sparkle against the sun’s light.
With a helicopter tour like this one, you won’t find yourself missing any of nature’s finest views or skimming over portions of land too hastily. Each moment is savored slowly and thoroughly with incredible 360-degree panoramas guaranteed.
After taking in all the majestic beauty Banff has to offer, passengers can look forward to landing back at the heliport with one last stunning view before descending safely onto land.
For those looking for a truly unforgettable experience in Banff National Park – with spectacular views that cannot be found anywhere else – this Banff helicopter tour is sure to exceed your expectations.
“We did a 20-minute flight the whole crew it is excellent the pilot is very knowledgeable and it is pretty obvious he loves his job My lil Miss is from Thailand this was her first helicopter ride, and our pilot wasn’t sure she liked the flight, but after the flight both her and son were like I will do that again And the reason she will do it again is because of the pilot’s professionalism Thanks again absolutely fantastic and worth the money” -Glen from Canada (Read more reviews)
5. Canadian Rockies: Helicopter Flight with Exploration Hike
🤩 4.7/5 Stars (34 Reviews)
The Canadian Rockies: Scenic Helicopter Tour is one of the top five Banff helicopter tours because of its awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
You’ll get to explore the Rocky Mountains from a bird’s-eye view and admire the stunning birdseye views of the mountains, lakes, and glaciers.
Whether you choose the 20, 30, or 55-minute flight, you’re sure to be mesmerized by the unimaginable beauty and majestic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies.
The tour offers a breathtaking perspective with its panoramic views of cascading waterfalls, emerald-green lakes, and mountain ridges.
Plus, if you opt for the 55-minute flight option, you’ll have the opportunity to fly near Columbia Icefield – the largest expanse of ice in all of the Rocky Mountains!
After your flight ends at the Cline River and Waterfalls Creek confluence, explore the region on foot on a hike to Twin Falls waterfall. Take in all that nature has to offer before returning via helicopter back to the starting point while enjoying fantastic Abraham Lake views.
This experience offers an unforgettable journey through one of Canada’s most iconic mountain ranges that will stay with you for years to come. It’s no wonder why so many people consider this tour one of their favorites when visiting Banff!
“The helicopter ride was amazing. From start to finish, the views were breathtaking and the area where the pilot landed to view the two lakes and waterfall at the bottom of the glaciers was spectacular. Also, the pilot himself was very friendly, filled with knowledge, and was an excellent tour guide on both the helicopter ride and the exploration hike in the mountains. Would highly recommend it.” – Raheem from Canada (Read more reviews)
Conclusion: Best Banff Helicopter Tour
The Canadian Rockies offer some of the most stunning and majestic landscapes in all of Canada, making it a destination that’s perfect for those looking to experience a truly unique journey.
With so many incredible helicopter flights available in Banff National Park, it can be hard to choose which one is best for you. If you want to hike in Banff without a helicopter tour, that’s possible as well!
From the Canadian Rockies: Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles Helicopter Tour to the Canadian Rockies: Helicopter Flight with Exploration Hike, you’ll be able to take in breathtaking views of glaciers and cascading waterfalls. You might even get to see the continental divide from up in the air!
Plus on some tours, you can even explore on foot, or even on horseback, some of nature’s most beautiful places. All Banff helicopter tour prices per person include headsets and the necessary safety gear, so you’ll be safe on any of these tours.
No matter which tour you choose, you can easily get there from either Banff or Lake Louise. And rest assured that it will be an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for years to come.
So book your flight, a hotel, or a campsite, and get ready to take off on an adventure that’s sure to make memories last a lifetime!
Happy flying!
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
