Soar over the Canadian Rockies on a 20-, 30-, or 55-minute helicopter flight from the Icefield Discovery Center. The 20-minute tour offers stunning views of Abraham Lake’s turquoise bubbles. The 30-minute flight covers the Wilson Icefield’s crevasses, glaciers, and waterfalls at 9,000 ft. The 55-minute “Complete Columbia Icefields Tour” reveals six glaciers, frozen lakes, waterfalls, and peaks like Purple Mountain and Mount Cline.
The jagged vertical ridges and ancient frozen rivers of the Canadian Rockies serve as the stage for this high-altitude aerial expedition.
Operated by Rockies Heli Canada, this "Top Rated" journey transitions from a mountain-base heliport to the thinning air of 2,900 meters (9,000 feet) above sea level.
You move from a safety briefing to a front-row seat over the Columbia Icefield, experiencing an environment where glaciers, crevasses, and emerald lakes reveal their true scale.
Because this tour offers three distinct flight durations and is limited to 6 participants, you should book your Rockies helicopter tour early to secure your departure for the 2026 season.
Expect a high-energy, visually staggering, and adrenaline-filled immersion into the wilderness. The transition from the ground to the sky involves a smooth liftoff and immediate panoramic exposure. The environment is one of "grand-scale silence," where the roar of the engine is mitigated by professional headsets that allow you to hear your pilot's expert commentary. Note that this activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments. You must provide your own transportation to the heliport, which is located approximately 2.5 hours from Banff or Jasper.
Morning flights usually provide the most crisp vertical shadows across the glaciers, making it the prime time for high-contrast photography.
Always call the local partner before leaving your hotel to confirm that the mountain weather is clear for takeoff.
Our agency recommends the 55-minute tour for photography lovers who want the most vertical angles of the inaccessible ancient ice fields.
Even if the heliport is warm, the temperature drops vertically as you climb; wear dark-colored, non-reflective clothing to reduce window glare in your photos.
Atmospheric clarity and lake colors change vertically with the mountain seasons.
It is a 2.5-hour drive from Banff or Jasper and 1.5 hours from Lake Louise.
Flights are limited to a small group of 6 participants.
Most travelers can participate, though safety equipment must fit properly.
Flights may be rescheduled or cancelled for safety; Rockies Heli Canada will provide updates.
Yes, a passport or ID card is required for check-in.
Book it today with Banff National Park Tours or simply following this link.
