For luxury travellers who have a taste for adventure or a love of nature, British Columbia is a top-tier destination. And Sonora Resort is a crown jewel among the many incredible eco-resorts around B.C. Only accessible by sea or air, Sonora Resort is a luxurious private sanctuary hidden in the Discovery Island archipelago, nestled between the mainland and northern Vancouver Island. Forget crowded trails and predictable vistas; here, the sky is the limit, and the reward is unparalleled access to some of the most stunning, untouched landscapes on the planet.
That said, we want to highlight how the sky truly is the limit here – Thanks to Senora’s collection of helicopter adventures. Unlike more conventional tours, a private helicopter allows for a personalized journey. Whether it’s a photographer seeking the perfect aerial shot of a hidden waterfall, an adventurer craving the exhilaration of heli-hiking on a remote peak, or a wildlife enthusiast hoping for a glimpse of grizzly bears in their pristine habitat, the possibilities are as vast as B.C.’s wilderness.
One moment, you could be tracing the jagged coastline, spotting whales breaching in the Pacific; the next, you might find yourself hovering over turquoise alpine lakes, their glacial waters reflecting the towering peaks that surround them. This dramatic shift in scenery, often within a single tour, showcases the incredible geographical tapestry of British Columbia in a way that few other experiences can match. Let’s break down their 5 heli-adventure packages:
1. Heli-Glacier Paddle:
This 4-5 hour experience begins with a breathtaking helicopter flight over BC’s stunning Coastal Mountain range, offering panoramic views of glaciers and alpine meadows. Upon landing at a remote glacial lake, guests can enjoy a unique paddling adventure in an open kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard, guided by a certified Paddle Canada instructor. This tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore pristine turquoise waters and capture stunning photographs of the surrounding glacial landscape.
- Scenic helicopter flight over glaciers and alpine scenery.
- Unique paddling experience on a remote glacial lake.
- Guided by a certified Paddle Canada instructor.
2. Heli-Hiking:
Adventure awaits on this heli-hiking excursion, where a helicopter whisks you above the tree line into the alpine zone. Accompanied by a Certified Alpine Guide, you’ll hike through remote peaks and wildflower meadows, all while enjoying magnificent vistas that stretch to the Pacific Ocean. With options for both half-day and full-day adventures, this experience caters to various fitness levels and offers an immersive exploration of BC’s high-altitude wilderness.
- Helicopter access to remote alpine hiking trails.
- Guided hikes through wildflower meadows with stunning views.
- Options for half-day and full-day excursions.
3. Heli-Glacier Walk:
Embark on a “bucket list” 4-5 hour journey that takes you by helicopter through dramatic inlets and fjords to a remote glacier. Led by a Certified Alpine Guide, you’ll explore this formidable natural wonder, equipped with crampons and other safety gear. Walking roped together, you’ll traverse the icy landscape at an elevation of 2,400m, gaining a unique perspective on these ancient formations.
- Helicopter flight to a remote and pristine glacier.
- Guided walk on the glacier with safety equipment provided.
- Opportunity to explore a dramatic glacial landscape.
4. Helicopter, Whale & Glacier Tour:
This comprehensive 6-7 hour tour combines the thrill of a helicopter flight with an incredible marine wildlife viewing experience. Fly over Vancouver Island and Johnstone Strait to board a 55ft vessel for a 4-hour whale watching tour, where you might spot Orca and Humpback whales, dolphins, and more. The return helicopter journey offers stunning views of glacier fjords and snow-covered peaks, with the possibility of a glacier landing for an even more immersive experience.
- Private helicopter flight over diverse landscapes.
- Guided 4-hour whale watching tour.
- Opportunity for a glacier landing and breathtaking views.
5. Helicopter Glacier Tour:
Witness the raw beauty of coastal British Columbia on this 1 or 2-hour helicopter tour. Soar over snow-covered peaks, glacier fjords, and tiny coastal islands, eventually landing on a pristine glacier or remote mountaintop. Take in the unparalleled 360° views while enjoying a glass of sparkling wine, with an option to extend the tour and indulge in decadent treats amidst this breathtaking scenery.
- Scenic helicopter flight over glaciers, mountains, and coastline.
- Landing on a glacier or remote mountaintop.
- Includes sparkling wine and option for extended tour with treats.
While helicopter tours are available in other parts of the world, the BC offering possesses a unique charm. The sheer scale of the wilderness, combined with the relative lack of human impact in many areas, creates a sense of profound isolation and untouched beauty. Compared to, say, the well-trodden paths of the Swiss Alps, a helicopter adventure in British Columbia offers a deeper sense of venturing into the unknown, of discovering landscapes that feel truly wild and untamed.
For more info, visit Sonora Resort’s Helicopter Adventures.
