Banff helicopter tours – tickets, prices, what to expect

A Banff helicopter tour is the best way to take in the fantastic view of Banff and the Canmore region from high up in the air.

Helicopter tour over Banff National Park surfaces new sights, scenes, and smells you might not have experienced had you explored Banff from the ground on your feet. 

This article shares everything you must know before booking your helicopter ride over Banff.

Helicopter Tour over the Canadian Rockies

Canadian Rockies_Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles Helicopter Tour
Image: GYG

Start your tour from the charming town of Banff which serves as the perfect gateway to the Canadian Rockies.

En route to the Canadian Rockies, fly over the Bow Valley and the snow-capped peaks of Mount Lougheed and Wind Mountain.

Finally, get a birds-eye view of the Canadian Rockies as you soar over snow-covered peaks, glittering glaciers, luminous lakes, thick forests, deep gorges, and canyons.

This flexible-length helicopter sightseeing trip comes with the option to choose between 20-, 30- and 55-minute flights and includes round-trip hotel transport from Banff.

Cost: of the tour

20 Minute Six Glaciers Tour: C$253 per person for all age groups
30 Minute Epic Summit Tour: C$457 per person for all age groups
55 Minute Complete Columbia: C$854 per person for all age groups

Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles Helicopter Tour

Abraham lake bubbles heli tour
Image: GYG

Glide through the air over Canadian Rockies on this three-hour tour for views that will forever be etched in your memory.

Pass over six pristine glaciers surrounded by frozen lakes and waterfalls, making you feel as though you’ve stepped into a painting created by nature’s own hand.

Land at the Landslide Lake to go on a guided walking tour after feasting on complimentary hot chocolate and Irish cream.

When you return to base, take a seat around a fire to warm up your toes. Roast some marshmallows as you enjoy complimentary coffee or tea.

Marvel at the natural phenomenon of ice cleats of the Bubbles on Abraham Lake, a mesmerizing sight that makes for great pictures.

Cost of the tour

20-minute tour: From C$687
30-minute tour: C$457 per person
55-minute tour: C$745 per person


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What to expect during the experience

This chopper ride has four parts – 

Buffet

Kick off the Canadian Rockies Helicopter Tour with a delicious hot buffet prepared using fresh ingredients, which includes stew, chili, or soup with bread, dessert, a side salad, veggies, and fruits. 

Helicopter Tour

Experience the Abraham Lake ice bubbles soaring high in the sky!

The ice bubbles blooming under Abraham Lake looks so stunning and mesmerizing that you won’t get your eyes off them.  

During the Abraham Lake ice bubbles Helicopter Tour, you’ll cross several craggy peaks and glaciers engulfed in lakes and waterfalls. 

Snowshoe Tour

After you land on Landslide Lake, you’ll embark on a guided Snowshoe Tour where you can completely immerse yourself in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. 

All the tourists will be offered complimentary hot chocolate and Irish cream on the snowshoe tour.

After the snowshoe tour, head back to the base by Helicopter through a different aerial route offering spectacular views. 

On returning to the base, sit back, relax and warm up your toes and palms around the fire sipping complimentary tea and coffee. 

Ice Bubbles Tour 

Take a guided tour of Ice Bubbles on Abraham Lake and learn about the unique formations of nature.

Departure point 

Helicopter Tour over the Canadian Rockies offers hotel pickup.

Alternatively, you can also arrive at the heliport.

Address: Rockies Heli Canada, Clearwater County, AB T0M 2H0, Canada. Get Directions.

Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles Helicopter Tour departs from Cline River Heliport.

Address: Cline River Heliport, Clearwater County, AB T0M, Canada. Get Directions.

The heliports are near public transportation.

The tours end back at the meeting point.

There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.

Timings of the air tours

Banff heli tours are operational throughout the week.

Helicopter Tour over the Canadian Rockies starts departures at 8 am and continues in slots up to 8 pm.

Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles Helicopter Tour starts taking off at 10 am and continues in slots up to 4 pm.

Ticket Exclusions

Gratuities are not included in your ticket.

Banff helicopter tours also exclude any personal expenses made by you during the trip.

Restrictions strictly followed

The maximum weight allowed on the Banff Helicopter tours is 113 kg (250 lbs) per passenger.

A minimum of two passengers are required on these tours, failing which, they will be canceled.

The tours are not wheelchair accessible.

Dress appropriately for the weather.

No other animals except service animals are allowed onboard.

Children must be seated in the caregivers’ laps throughout the flight.

You must arrive for at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time.

A valid passport or ID card is required.

Flight times are approximate subject to weather conditions.

Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.


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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date. 

If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.

No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.

Helicopter tours require good weather. 

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.

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Researched & Written by
Jamshed is a versatile traveler, equally drawn to the vibrant energy of city escapes and the peaceful solitude of remote getaways. On some trips, he indulges in resort hopping, while on others, he spends little time in his accommodation, fully immersing himself in the destination. A passionate foodie, Jamshed delights in exploring local cuisines, with a particular love for flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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