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3 Best Toronto Helicopter Tours for Aerial Views (2024)
Looking to get a bird’s eye view of one of the most beautiful cities in the world? A Toronto helicopter tour is a great choice!
Since this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a longer tour is better to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck.
Toronto is an incredible city with so much to offer, but sometimes it can be difficult to fully appreciate all its beauty from street level. That’s where helicopter tours come in!
Taking a bird’s eye view of Toronto not only offers stunning views of landmarks like the CN Tower and Toronto Island, but also a unique perspective on day-to-day life from above the hustle and bustle.
Whether you are looking for an exciting adventure or simply want to soak up some amazing views of one of Canada’s most vibrant cities, a helicopter tour in Toronto is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
My Favourite: Downtown Toronto Helicopter Tour
The longest helicopter tour to see the most of Toronto!
What are the best helicopter tours in Toronto?
There are a few companies offering helicopter tours in Toronto. Based on safety ratings and reviews, these are the best. While my recommendation is the longest tour, they are all good options to book!
3 Best Helicopter Tours of Toronto
1. Best 14-Minute Helicopter Tour in Toronto
Why settle for a brief Toronto helicopter ride when you can fully immerse yourself in the experience with a longer tour?
You’ll have more time to take in the sights and snap those envy-inducing Instagram photos.
This unique 14-minute helicopter tour experience covers roughly 35 km and provides breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and surrounding areas, giving visitors a chance to see all the top attractions and landmarks from a new perspective.
In addition, longer helicopter tours like this one allow you to get up close and personal with iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, Casa Loma, High Park, and the waterfront.
With so many amazing sights to behold during this exciting tour, it is sure to be an experience you will never forget.
On top of all that, you’ll get a digital keepsake photo via email and a printed souvenir picture!
Plus, with this tour, you can choose one of the many available tour times throughout the day. This allows you to easily fit this activity into almost any sightseeing schedule.
“The views on the 15-minute helicopter ride were breathtaking and we got to see every notable landmark Toronto has to offer. The workers were very helpful setting up and getting us on and off the chopper. Highly recommend this tour of the city.” -Graham (Read more reviews)
✅ Book Your 14 Minute Helicopter Tour Now!
How long is a Toronto helicopter ride?
Helicopter rides in Toronto range from roughly five to fifteen minutes. This time does include ascent and descent, so you’ll have a few minutes to enjoy the views while the helicopter is in the air.
Generally, shorter helicopter rides will take you on a quick tour of the city’s skyline near the departure point. Longer ones, will give you a chance to see a greater variety of landmarks up close before you return to the ground.
Although this seems quick, it’s actually the perfect amount of time to take in all the sights without feeling rushed. After all, you’re flying not driving in city traffic. So you can still see a lot in under 15 minutes.
Remember, you can always book a longer tour if you want more time to enjoy the views!
No matter how long your ride is, you’re sure to enjoy stunning scenes of one of Canada’s most beautiful cities from above.
2. Best Romantic Helicopter Ride in Toronto
Choosing a romantic helicopter tour over Toronto is a great way to celebrate a honeymoon, marriage proposal, or another special occasion.
Especially when they include breathtaking views of the city’s iconic downtown skyline and beautiful waterfront.
You’ll get to see Toronto’s downtown skyline, the iconic CN Tower, and the beautiful Toronto waterfront. These are just some of the reasons why this helicopter tour is one of the most popular in Toronto.
If you want to make it truly special, schedule the tour for sunset. This way, in addition to seeing some spectacular sights, you can also enjoy a romantic sunset with your partner from the air.
Additionally, the flight includes two framed photographs that you can treasure as memories of this special day. And the staff makes an extra effort to ensure your day together is special.
“Amazing views of Toronto and looking down on The CN Tower well worth it. Staff were very helpful and professional.” -Simon
The company offers a deluxe upgrade to a special package that includes wine and chocolates, dessert wine glasses to keep, a souvenir teddy bear, and two helicopter toys.
Although your in-air time is “only” seven minutes, this helicopter ride is an excellent way to experience the unique beauty of this vibrant and diverse city, while also enjoying some special time with your partner.
Whatever occasion you’re celebrating, a romantic helicopter tour is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
“The amazing views, kind staff, easy process. This was an amazing tour would definitely try again. definitely recommend it for travellers or just another way of seeing the city.” -Mohamed (Read more reviews)
✅ Book Your Romantic Toronto Helicopter Tour Now!
3. Best 7-Minute Helicopter Ride in Toronto
This 7-minute helicopter tour in Toronto flies you on an approximately 14 km loop, so you’ll get to enjoy an up-close and personal view of the city’s iconic skyline.
You’ll also experience breathtaking views of Lake Ontario.
On a clear day, you’ll even see the surrounding countryside!
This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the city from a bird’s eye view without spending a lot of money. It’s a good budget way to enjoy a helicopter tour of Toronto!
Additionally, this tour is a great way to experience all that Toronto has to offer in a short amount of time. This makes it perfect for travelers who are visiting Toronto for a day or simply want to get a quick overview of the city’s top attractions.
Many people find that taking a helicopter tour is an exciting and memorable way to experience this vibrant city, and it can be a great way to add some adventure and excitement to your trip.
“Well thought-out flight route giving all passengers beautiful views of downtown Toronto. Friendly staff. Well-organised. Complimentary picture of the family in front of the chopper with the CN tower in the background.” -Eric (Read more reviews)
✅ Book Your 7 Minute Helicopter Tour Now!
FAQs:
How much does a helicopter ride in Toronto cost?
The cost of a Toronto helicopter ride depends on the length and type of tour you choose. Shorter, more basic tours start at around $100 CAD.
Alternatively, the longer and more comprehensive tours can cost upwards of $250 CAD.
Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the time of year and the day of the week you choose to take your tour. Taking a tour on a holiday can also raise the price a bit.
Is a helicopter tour worth it?
Yes, absolutely! Taking a helicopter tour is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and get an up-close look at Toronto’s iconic skyline.
Aerial views can also be incredibly beautiful, and it’s a unique experience you’re not likely to forget anytime soon.
A helicopter tour isn’t just worth it for tourists or visitors either. Even locals in the Toronto area have enjoyed seeing their hometown from a new perspective.
“The operation was well run and well staffed. It was a great experience from beginning to end. The staff was friendly and professional. We are lifelong Torontonians but it was a lot of fun to tour our city like this.” -Allan (Read more reviews)
Is a helicopter ride safe?
Yes, helicopter rides are safe. However, as with any type of transportation, there is always a certain amount of risk involved.
Be sure to check with your tour company in advance to see what their safety policies and procedures are.
Please listen carefully to the safety demonstration given by the ground staff.
What is the best time for a helicopter ride?
The best time of day to do a helicopter tour in Toronto depends on what you want to see.
If you’re interested in seeing the city skyline, then a morning or evening tour would be ideal. The sky is usually clearer during these times, so you’ll be able to see the buildings more clearly.
I recommend a sunset tour on a clear day, so you can see the city and watch the colors reflect off the buildings.
What should I bring on a helicopter tour?
I recommend bringing your camera so you can take pictures of the amazing views.
You might also want to bring sunglasses if it’s a sunny day.
A jacket will also be helpful, even in the summer, because it’s windy on a helicopter ride over Toronto!
And if you’re taking a tour during the winter, be sure to dress warmly!
How much do you tip a helicopter tour pilot?
While tipping is always optional, it is generally appreciated by helicopter tour pilots.
If you had a good experience and felt that the pilot did a great job, then a tip of 10-20% of the cost of the tour is appropriate.
Of course, you should only tip if you can afford to do so. And if you’re on a tight budget, a simple thank you will suffice.
How much do helicopter tour pilots make?
As of October 2022, the average annual pay for a Helicopter Tour Pilot is $65,000 CAD.
That works out to be approximately $31.35 CAD an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,250 per week or $5,416 CAD per month.
Of course, salaries can vary depending on a number of factors, including experience, location, and the size of the company.
Conclusion: Best Toronto Helicopter Tours in 2022
If you want a truly unforgettable way to enjoy Toronto, then a helicopter tour is the way to do it!
There are plenty of great companies offering helicopter tours in the city, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you.
However, I recommend the 14-minute Toronto helicopter tour because it covers a lot more of the city and gives you a more comprehensive experience.
In fact, it covers more than twice the total kilometers of the other two best Toronto helicopter rides! That said, all of the helicopter tours in this list receive excellent reviews overall.
You can’t go wrong with any of them.
No matter which type of Toronto helicopter tour you choose, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the incredible views and have an amazing experience!
My Favourite: Downtown Toronto Helicopter Tour
The longest helicopter tour to see the most of Toronto!
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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.
