Glacier National Park Canada Helicopter Tours: Ultimate Guide

Glacier National Park Canada helicopter tours offer breathtaking aerial views of pristine glaciers, towering peaks, and lush valleys. These tours provide a unique perspective of the park’s stunning landscapes, allowing visitors to witness the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies from above. With various tour options available, ranging from short flights to extended explorations, helicopter tours cater to different preferences and budgets, making them an unforgettable addition to any visit to Glacier National Park.

What Are the Current Prices for Glacier National Park Canada Helicopter Tours?

glacier national park canada helicopter tours
Image ‘File:BorealForest Glacier 2019.jpg’ by Anthromesimages, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Helicopter tour prices in and around Glacier National Park, Canada vary based on duration and route. Here’s a breakdown of current prices:

Glacier Helicopters (Revelstoke)

Tour Name Duration Price (per person)
Revelstoke Dam Tour 8 minutes $75 + GST
Jordan River & Lake Revelstoke Tour 18 minutes $210 + GST
Blanket Mountain Tour 30 minutes $345 + GST
Schrund Peak Tour 42 minutes $475 + GST
Ultimate Glacier Tour 60 minutes $650 + GST

Icefield Helicopter Tours (Near Banff and Jasper)

  • Six Glaciers Tour: 20 minutes, $220 per person + GST
  • Epic Summit & Icefield Tour: 30 minutes, $414 per person + GST
  • Complete Columbia Icefields Tour: 55 minutes, $760 per person + GST

Note that prices are subject to GST and may vary based on factors such as weather conditions and passenger numbers.

When Is the Best Time for Glacier National Park Canada Helicopter Tours?

glacier national park canada helicopter tours

The optimal time for helicopter tours in Glacier National Park depends on your preferences:

  1. Summer (May – September):
  2. Ideal weather conditions with clear skies
  3. Warmer temperatures
  4. Perfect for aerial photography
  5. Peak season for most tours

  6. Winter:

  7. Unique snow-covered landscapes
  8. Unpredictable weather conditions
  9. Requires warm clothing
  10. Offers a different perspective of the park

Consider your priorities when choosing the best time for your tour. Summer offers reliability and comfort, while winter provides a distinctive snowy experience.

What Are the Detailed Specifications of Guided Helicopter Tours?

Guided helicopter tours in and around Glacier National Park offer various experiences:

Glacier Helicopters (Revelstoke)

  1. Revelstoke Dam Tour:
  2. Duration: 8 minutes
  3. Highlights: Columbia River, Hydro Dam
  4. Minimum passengers: 4

  5. Jordan River & Lake Revelstoke Tour:

  6. Duration: 18 minutes
  7. Route: Jordan River, Frisby Ridge, Lake Revelstoke
  8. Minimum passengers: 2

  9. Blanket Mountain Tour:

  10. Duration: 30 minutes
  11. Features: Glaciers, forested valleys, crystal clear lakes
  12. Direction: South
  13. Minimum passengers: 2

  14. Schrund Peak Tour:

  15. Duration: 42 minutes
  16. Highlights: Glacier-covered mountains over 9,000 feet
  17. Direction: North
  18. Minimum passengers: 2

  19. Ultimate Glacier Tour:

  20. Duration: 60 minutes
  21. Focus: Heart of Glacier National Park
  22. Minimum passengers: 2

Icefield Helicopter Tours (Near Banff and Jasper)

  1. Six Glaciers Tour:
  2. Duration: 20 minutes
  3. Route: Abraham Lake, Cline Pass
  4. Glaciers: Cline, Resolute, White Goat, Hanging, Lion, Lioness

  5. Epic Summit & Icefield Tour:

  6. Duration: 30 minutes
  7. Highlights: Wilson Icefield, Continental Divide
  8. Notable peaks: Mt. Columbia, Mt. Forbes
  9. Minimum passengers: 2

  10. Complete Columbia Icefields Tour:

  11. Duration: 55 minutes
  12. Coverage: Columbia Icefields, Llyal Icefield, Wilson Icefield
  13. Minimum passengers: 2

How Accessible Are Glacier National Park Canada Helicopter Tours?

Accessibility for helicopter tours varies by operator:

Glacier Helicopters (Revelstoke)

  • Location: Main base in Revelstoke
  • Parking: Available at the heliport
  • Transportation: Not provided; guests must arrange their own

Icefield Helicopter Tours (Near Banff and Jasper)

  • Departure Point: Cline River Heliport (2.5 hours from Banff)
  • Parking: Available at the heliport
  • Transportation: Self-arranged by guests
  • Capacity: 4-6 passengers plus pilot
  • Weight Restrictions: Special requirements for guests over 250lbs

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Glacier National Park Canada Helicopter Tours?

Safety is paramount for helicopter tours in Glacier National Park. Tour operators implement various measures:

  1. Pilot Expertise:
  2. Highly trained and experienced pilots
  3. Extensive knowledge of local terrain and weather patterns

  4. Aircraft Maintenance:

  5. Regular inspections and maintenance checks
  6. Adherence to strict aviation regulations

  7. Weather Monitoring:

  8. Continuous assessment of weather conditions
  9. Tours may be rescheduled or cancelled for safety reasons

  10. Passenger Briefings:

  11. Comprehensive safety instructions before each flight
  12. Proper use of safety equipment explained

  13. Weight Distribution:

  14. Careful calculation of passenger and equipment weight
  15. Balanced loading for optimal flight performance

What Should You Bring on Glacier National Park Canada Helicopter Tours?

To make the most of your helicopter tour, consider bringing:

  • Camera or smartphone for photos
  • Warm, layered clothing (even in summer)
  • Sunglasses to reduce glare
  • Motion sickness medication if prone to airsickness
  • Valid ID for check-in
  • Water and snacks for longer tours

How Can You Book Glacier National Park Canada Helicopter Tours?

Booking a helicopter tour is straightforward:

  1. Online Reservation:
  2. Visit official websites of tour operators
  3. Select your preferred tour and date
  4. Complete the booking form

  5. Phone Booking:

  6. Call the tour operator directly
  7. Discuss available options and make a reservation

  8. Through Travel Agencies:

  9. Local agencies often offer tour bookings
  10. Can be part of a larger travel package

  11. On-Site Booking:

  12. Subject to availability
  13. Not recommended during peak season

What Are the Cancellation Policies for Glacier National Park Canada Helicopter Tours?

Cancellation policies vary by operator but generally include:

  • Full refund if cancelled 24-48 hours in advance
  • Partial refund for shorter notice cancellations
  • No refund for last-minute cancellations or no-shows
  • Flexible rescheduling options for weather-related cancellations

Always check the specific policy when booking your tour.

Glacier National Park Canada helicopter tours offer an unparalleled way to experience the majesty of the Canadian Rockies. With options ranging from quick flyovers to extended explorations, these tours cater to all types of adventurers. By considering factors such as timing, tour specifications, and preparation, you can ensure an unforgettable aerial journey through one of Canada’s most spectacular natural wonders.

References:
1. Sightseeing Tours – Revelstoke – Glacier Helicopters
2. Icefield Helicopter Tour – Glacier Heli Rides in Canadian Rockies
3. Glacier Helicopters – Glacier Helicopters

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