Guided Tours
Valhalla Helicopters
West Kelowna
THINGS TO DO · KELOWNA & WEST KELOWNA
Look down on Okanagan Lake, steep mountain canyons, and neat rows of valley vineyards from thousands of feet in the air.
4 tours & experiences · Updated October 2026Things To Do guide · Go Kelowna
Photo: thane v · Okanagan Mountain Helicopters - Commercial Flight School and Tours via Google
01AT A GLANCE
The details that matter.
Local aviation companies run scenic flights above the lake and the historic trestles of Myra Canyon. Operators like Valhalla Helicopters and Okanagan Mountain Helicopters handle quick city flyovers as well as full-day wine tastings with direct vineyard landings. You can also book specialized trips, including remote mountain picnics.
- Best Season
- Year-round
- Book Ahead
- Yes, especially summer
- Departs From
- YLW & West Kelowna
- Good to know
- Prices often per helicopter
01LOCAL PICKS
Tours from the air & beyond
Scenic flights and the guides who know the valley.
Guided Tours
Okanagan Mountain Helicopters - Commercial Flight School and Tours
Kelowna
Guided Tours
Ikon Adventures Helicopter Tours
Kelowna
Guided Tours
Graham Helicopters
Kelowna
Hover for a closer look.Tap a card for a closer look. A conversation takes you further.
•LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Aerial Adventures Above the Valley
Seeing the central Okanagan from the sky gives you a massive sense of scale. You finally understand exactly how the lake cuts through the mountains.
The short answer
Start by deciding on your departure point. Head to Valhalla Helicopters on the west side of the bridge for custom flights from their private hangar, or book with Okanagan Mountain Helicopters at YLW if you want to pair a quick 20-minute flight with a landing right at a local vineyard.
01Local operators
Flight Companies
Several aviation companies run sightseeing flights across the valley. Operating out of a private hangar across the bridge, Valhalla Helicopters runs custom trips with a major emphasis on safety. They have been flying since 2003 and specialize in remote picnic drops and vineyard landings.
Based at the international airport (YLW), Okanagan Mountain Helicopters functions as both a commercial flight school and a sightseeing company. They put together all-inclusive wine tasting packages and year-round flights over the valley. Ikon Adventures also flies out of the YLW area, running quick sightseeing trips and custom routes.
Graham Helicopters operates out of YLW as well, handling VIP transport and flights to Sparkling Hill Resort. While they spend a lot of time on commercial work like wildfire support and search and rescue, they still run personalized trips for small groups.
Local tips
- Read recent online reviews to gauge the customer service of each company.
- Look for companies that price by the aircraft rather than by the seat, which saves money for groups.
- Double-check your departure address, as hangars are split between the airport and the west side.
- Call ahead during wildfire season, as aircraft sometimes get diverted to emergency support.
02Sights from above
Flight Paths
The massive lake dominates most aerial sightseeing paths. Short trips usually last around 20 minutes and fly directly over the downtown core, the William R. Bennett Bridge, and the western shoreline. These quick routes give you a solid sense of the city grid and how it sits against the water.
Extended flights head further out to cover the region's varied geography. Pilots frequently fly over Myra Canyon so passengers can look straight down at the Kettle Valley Railway's 18 wooden trestle bridges and two tunnels. Other routes push north over Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake, or track west to spot mountain waterfalls.
Routing often takes you above the rolling hills of residential neighbourhoods and up into the alpine. You might cross Knox Mountain, peer into Crawford Canyon, or spot Terrace Mountain. Summer flights highlight green orchards, while autumn trips show off the changing leaves across the valley floor.
Local tips
- Photographers can request doors-off flights with Valhalla Helicopters for clear shots without window glare.
- Ask your pilot to point out specific landmarks like Mount Boucherie or Gallagher's Canyon.
- Book a morning departure for smoother air and softer lighting.
- Tell your pilot if you have a specific neighbourhood or landmark you want to fly over.
03Wine and dining
Vineyard Landings and Picnics
Pairing a flight with a wine tasting is a major draw in the valley. Companies like Valhalla Helicopters and Okanagan Mountain Helicopters hold partnerships with several estates, letting pilots land right next to the vines. You can reserve half-day trips visiting two properties, or full-day routes hitting four stops with a sit-down lunch.
Touching down at estates like Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Peak Cellars, or Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards makes for a highly memorable afternoon. These packages usually cover your flight time, landing fees, and tasting appointments. It is a highly efficient way to cover a lot of ground and taste distinct terroirs in a single day.
If you want complete privacy, you can book a remote picnic drop. Valhalla Helicopters flies passengers to isolated mountain ridges or alpine lakes for lunch with a sweeping view of the valley. You can pack your own food or request a catered basket. People often book these specific routes for proposals and anniversaries.
Local tips
- Reserve wine packages weeks in advance, especially for summer and fall weekends.
- Tell your pilot about your wine preferences so they can suggest the best estates.
- Keep in mind that mountain picnics only run from mid-June to mid-September due to snowpack.
- Buy bottles at the tasting rooms, as the aircraft usually has cargo space for your purchases.
04Logistics
Costs and Weather
Reserving your seat ahead of time is highly recommended between June and September. Most aviation companies ask for a deposit to hold your time slot, collecting the balance 48 hours before takeoff. You might get lucky with a walk-in for a quick sightseeing loop, but catered trips require advance notice.
Aviation is strictly tied to weather conditions. Pilots will ground the aircraft if high winds, heavy rain, or low clouds make the route unsafe. Dispatchers monitor radar closely and will call you if they need to adjust the schedule. You will not be charged if the company cancels your flight due to poor weather.
Rates shift depending on your flight time and destination. A basic 20-minute loop starts at roughly $660 for the whole aircraft, which seats up to four people. A half-day wine tasting package runs about $1,995 per aircraft, and a full-day trip costs closer to $3,995. Call the hangar directly to confirm current rates.
Local tips
- Show up at the hangar at least 20 minutes early for your mandatory safety briefing.
- Wear layers, as the cabin and alpine landing spots stay cool even on hot summer days.
- Check the cancellation policy, as cancelling within 48 hours usually triggers a full charge.
- Bring sunglasses to cut the glare from the large cabin windows.
05Water takeoffs
Fixed-Wing Flights
Swapping a rotor for fixed wings gives you a completely different ride. Taking off directly from the water adds a distinct thrill to the trip. Air-Hart Aviation runs flights from a dock downtown, tucked right behind the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort. This location makes it highly convenient if you are staying near the waterfront.
Float planes generally cruise at a lower altitude, giving you a closer look at the lakeshore, vineyards, and canyons. The high-wing design of the Cessna aircraft means every passenger gets a window seat without a wing blocking the view. The company prices trips by the flight, fitting up to three passengers per plane.
Air-Hart runs various routes, including a 30-minute trip over Kalamalka Lake for roughly $560 and a 90-minute glacier run for about $1,090. They also handle custom charters, dropping passengers at remote alpine lakes for fishing or overnight camping. It is a highly practical way to access the deep backcountry.
Local tips
- Book a float plane if you specifically want to experience a water takeoff and landing.
- Use the downtown departure point to easily pair your flight with dinner near the marina.
- Keep an eye on the wind, as float planes require relatively calm water to operate safely.
- Ask about weight limits, as small fixed-wing aircraft have strict passenger payload rules.
06Slower pace
Balloon Rides
A sunrise balloon flight provides a much slower, quieter journey over the valley. Okanagan Ballooning is the main local operator, running early morning trips that drift above the orchards and farmland. Floating with the wind feels entirely different from the heavy, mechanical lift of a standard aircraft.
The time in the air lasts about an hour, but the full process of inflation, flying, and packing up takes roughly three hours. The wind dictates the exact route, so no two flights follow the same path. The season wraps up in early October, capturing the late summer heat and the start of the autumn colours.
Standard flights with Okanagan Ballooning cost roughly $450 per person. Couples can also book private baskets for about $1,950. Reserving your spot well in advance is mandatory due to high demand. The crew requires perfectly calm morning conditions to inflate the canopy and launch safely.
Local tips
- Expect a very early wake-up call, as launches happen at dawn to catch the most stable air.
- Wear a warm jacket, as valley mornings stay quite cold until the sun clears the mountains.
- Follow the pilot's exact instructions for bracing inside the basket during landing.
- Check local festival schedules for tethered balloon rides if you just want a quick lift.
•Insider Access
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•STORIES
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•FAQ
Good to know
A basic 20-minute sightseeing loop costs roughly $660 for the aircraft. Extended trips, vineyard landings, and private charters cost significantly more, with full-day wine packages reaching about $3,995. Companies usually charge for the entire aircraft, which seats up to four people.
