Best Helicopter tours of Toronto

Getting to know Toronto by helicopter and from the heights is one of the most interesting alternatives to see a different profile of the city of skyscrapers. Here I tell you about the best options you can find to live this experience.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

Best Helicopter tours of Toronto

Helicoptero en el aire |©Michael Monastyrskyj

If there is something that distinguishes Toronto from other destinations, it is that it offers alternatives for touring the city by land, lake and... air. Built facing Lake Ontario and with a large number of options for land excursions, the air route is covered by helicopters, which cover the city from end to end at different times and with very diverse tour offers.

Among the best activities you can do in Toronto is to know the city from the heights by helicopter, in options ranging from fast and daytime flights to longer and nocturnal rides or during sunset, which in the capital of Ontario is very beautiful, especially during the fall. Here I tell you which are the best alternatives you can find during your trip.

1. Fast helicopter flight over Toronto

Helicopter Toronto|©Vitop
Helicopter Toronto|©Vitop

Exploring Toronto from the heights has become achievable thanks to the fast helicopter flights, which are the most famous option of this variant. In 7-minute rides, you can immerse yourself in a dizzying tour that will take you over Toronto's iconic cityscapes. These tours also offer a rush of adrenaline from the very beginning of the trip.

As the helicopter soars to a cruising altitude of 600 meters, you'll get a panoramic view of everything from downtown's most famous skyscrapers, such as the CN Tower, to the shores of Lake Ontario. During these daytime tours, you can also use the bright sunshine to take some of the best photographs and, especially on clear days, discover the skyline and the imaginary border with the United States.

From the heights you can also see the city's most famous stadiums, such as the Air Canada Centre, Toronto's islands and the cruise ships plying Lake Ontario, as well as the dome of the Royal Ontario Museum and the irregular layout of the Kensington and St. Lawrence flea markets.

These short but intense tours will allow you to escape from the daily routine of the city and discover its bustling skyline from the air, giving you an unmissable experience from a different perspective. Are you up for this adventure?

Details of interest

  • Price: from 103 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 7 minutes.
  • Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the city from a different perspective in a simple tour.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: although the perception of time in the air is usually different, the ride is short.

Book a helicopter flight in Toronto

2. Private helicopter flight at dusk

helicopter sunset|©Combat Camera / Caméra de combat
helicopter sunset|©Combat Camera / Caméra de combat

Is there any better option than taking to the skies over Toronto and seeing the city from a helicopter? Yes, on a private flight at sunset on an excursion that will allow you to capture the magic of the sunset and the exact moment when the city skyline becomes a canvas of warm colors and twinkling lights.

During the tour you will be able to see how, as the golden hour brings its colors, Toronto's skyscrapers gradually light up, creating an unmissable image. In addition, sunset is the ideal time to discover the reflection of the lights on Lake Ontario, while watching from above the wake left by the best cruise ships in the city.

However, this sunset aerial tour not only offers unparalleled panoramic views, but also allows you to learn about the history of the city, as these tours usually include the presence of a companion who will point out the most famous buildings in the city, from the CN Tower to the popular Casa Loma.

If you opt for this experience you can choose between 7 and 15 minute tours, two alternatives that will allow you to relax in a private flight that you will share with the people of your choice and that will take you to see the best sunsets in the city, especially if you plan to visit Toronto in October or during the autumn months.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 350 euros for 7-minute flights for up to 4 people.
  • Duration: you can choose flights of 7 or 15 minutes.
  • Advantages of these tours: you will enjoy the skyline of Toronto in an exclusive experience and with the tranquility of a private flight.
  • Disadvantages of these excursions: during the winter the view of the sunset can be very reduced.

3. Romantic helicopter flight over Toronto

people in front of the helicopter|©Maarten van den Heuvel
people in front of the helicopter|©Maarten van den Heuvel

Taking to the skies of Toronto by helicopter can be one of the most beautiful experiences, so one of the alternatives offered by this destination is to opt for a romantic flight specially designed for couples and designed for those who want to propose marriage or want to take a step further in their love story.

These excursions propose an exclusive tour for couples through the main sites of the city with privileged views of Lake Ontario, the main skyscrapers of Toronto and also through the most extensive green spaces, such as High Park, the natural lung located in the center of the capital of Ontario. These tours are usually at sunset and include a champagne toast for passengers.

This experience, which is among the best excursions in Toronto, in addition to offering a panoramic view not to be missed, can also create an intimate and magical atmosphere at 600 meters above sea level.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 380 euros, including champagne toast.
  • Duration: approximately 10 minutes.
  • Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to star in a very original romantic experience.
  • Disadvantages of these excursions: during the winter the view of the sunset may be reduced.

4. Night helicopter flight over Toronto

Helicopter sunset|©Peggy Anke
Helicopter sunset|©Peggy Anke

One of the best activities to do at night in Toronto is to opt for a helicopter tour, which will allow you to discover a different profile of the city, where the skyline is illuminated by the glow of the skyscrapers, creating a panoramic view that is not possible to get from the water or from the ground.

As the helicopter soars over the city, the flashing urban lights reveal a totally different Toronto, where modern architecture comes to life in a dance of colors and shadows, leaving the more traditional neighborhoods, such as the Distillery District, in the background. The rivers of light that meander between the buildings will take you on a visual journey that will highlight the elegance and grandeur of this multicultural destination.

From the CN Tower to the neighborhoods that stand out for their nightlife, every corner of Toronto takes on a new dimension in the dark of night, which you can continue to discover even long after the helicopter lands, with food tours or spirits tastings in the city's trendy districts.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 170 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 7 minutes.
  • Advantages of these tours: you will get to know one of the best sides of Toronto from a different perspective.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: during the night you will find it difficult to distinguish the vastness of Lake Ontario and the border between Canada and the United States, which are clearly visible on the daytime tours.

5. Private and customized helicopter flight over Toronto

Private helicopter flight|©Matheus Bertelli
Private helicopter flight|©Matheus Bertelli

If you want to enjoy a helicopter flight but also the freedom to choose your departure time and route during the adventure, you can opt for a private tour. This will allow you to choose to take the ride at sunrise, at noon or under the glow of the night lights.

In addition to having control over the weather, you can also customize the tour to your preferences - do you want to highlight the iconic downtown skyscrapers or explore the neighborhoods from above? With a private flight, the flight itinerary is up to you, giving you the opportunity to tailor an experience to your expectations.

During these excursions you can gaze up at the CN Tower, float over Lake Ontario or explore the most picturesque corners of the city, all according to your personalized itinerary. Also, if you plan to visit Toronto in December, during the flight you will be able to see the giant Christmas tree in High Park and the eve decorations on the skyscrapers.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 420 euros for flights of up to 4 passengers.
  • Duration: approximately 7 minutes.
  • Advantages of these tours: you can choose your own route and flight schedule.
  • Disadvantages of these excursions: private flights are not usually combined with other activities, so you will not usually be able to buy this experience in a package with a visit to other attractions.

6. Niagara Falls Helicopter flight with transfer from Toronto

person view from the plane|©Jaime Horwitz Rodriguez
person view from the plane|©Jaime Horwitz Rodriguez

Niagara Falls is one of the great attractions of Ontario, and one of the best alternatives to discover it is to take a helicopter flight to see this natural wonder that separates Canada from the United States.

Usually, these excursions start with a full day tour from Toronto where you will travel by bus to the falls and once there you will board the helicopter to make the aerial tour. These tours will allow you to see not only the beauty of the Niagara River from above, but also the surrounding area of Ontario, which is characterized by natural landscapes and abundant vegetation.

Visiting Niagara Falls from Toronto and then opting for a helicopter tour will allow you to see a different profile of this tributary. From the height you will be able to distinguish the traditional rainbow that forms in the mist and also the source of the riverbed that feeds the waterfall.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 265 euros per person. These values usually include round trip transfers from Toronto, as well as the helicopter flight.
  • Duration: the excursion lasts between 9 and 10 hours in total and the helicopter flight takes approximately 10 minutes.
  • Advantages of these excursions: it is the ideal alternative to get to know a different profile of one of the most famous waterfalls in the world.
  • Disadvantages of these excursions: they are full day tours, which may not be compatible with a short stay in Toronto.

Book a Niagara Falls tour from Toronto

Why is it advisable to take a helicopter tour in Toronto?

view from the helicopter window|©Jaime Horwitz Rodriguez
view from the helicopter window|©Jaime Horwitz Rodriguez

Toronto is the city of skyscrapers and has one of the most beautiful skylines in North America. Discovering it from observation decks, such as the CN Tower, or aboard a boat deck from Lake Ontario is a good alternative, but seeing the city skyline from a helicopter flight can be a fascinating experience. This ride will not only allow you to see a different skyline of the city, but also a more comprehensive one.

Toronto is a very big city and from the heights you will be able to discover the different neighborhoods that determine the multicultural character of this destination, such as The Junction and Chinatown, but also the immensity of Lake Ontario and the imaginary boundary that separates the borders of Canada and the United States, especially if you plan to visit Toronto in September or during the fall, when the weather is mild and the sky is usually clear.

Fly over Toronto in a helicopter

What is the best time of the year to experience this?

Helicopter over the river in Toronto|©B.Toronto
Helicopter over the river in Toronto|©B.Toronto

The answer will depend on the type of helicopter flight you choose, but in general you will find clear days and better weather for these experiences if you visit Toronto in summer or autumn, when the horizon is clearer. In addition, these two seasons tend to be less windy, so the ride will be more enjoyable.

If you are planning to visit Toronto during the winter or spring you might encounter some inconveniences, since the rains could force tour operators to reschedule flights or even cancel them indefinitely, which could cause problems if you are planning a short stay in the city. If that is your case, here is a list of the best activities you can do to get to know Toronto in 3 days.

Book a helicopter flight in Toronto

How can I book a helicopter tour in Toronto?

woman with laptop|©Oudney Patsika
woman with laptop|©Oudney Patsika

The best way to book a helicopter tour in Toronto is in advance online. This will not only allow you to secure your place in the experience and also have tour information before your arrival in the city, but you will also get better prices and save time during your trip.

If you plan to visit Toronto in July or during peak season months, you should be aware that tours may sell out or increase in price for last minute bookings, as rates are dynamic. This could not only alter your experience but also waste your time. Anyway, although it is not the most advisable thing to do, if you want to book a helicopter flight at the last minute, you can do it taking into account these considerations.

Fly over Toronto in a helicopter

Tips to get the most out of a helicopter tour in Toronto

Toronto Skyline|©Joselito Ochotorena
Toronto Skyline|©Joselito Ochotorena

Helicopter flights are part of one of the best experiences you can have in Toronto, but the success of the tour will depend largely on the previous preparations, so I advise you to take into account the following recommendations:

  • Choose the alternative that best suits your trip: These experiences are not usually cheap, so I recommend that you do not take lightly the organization of the tour. Consider first the schedule that best suits your desires, since it is not the same to know Toronto from the heights during the day than at night, and then choose the option, shared or private and in short or long tours. This will allow you to enjoy the ride more.
  • Book in advance: No visitor wants to start a tour wasting time or overpaying, so to avoid these inconveniences I advise you to book the tour in advance, even before your arrival in the city. This will allow you to get better rates, secure your spot and have tour information well before take-off.
  • Relax and enjoy! While it may seem like a dangerous excursion, in reality the helicopter flights over Toronto are very safe and the aircraft are subject to rigorous periodic checks, so you can feel completely at ease during the trip. Also, keep in mind that they are usually short trips, so it is best to focus on enjoying the scenery and relaxing carefree. Now, are you ready for the adventure?

Book a helicopter flight in Toronto