Want to see Ontario from a whole new angle? Trade in your walking shoes for wings and explore the province’s lakes, vineyards, forests, and skylines from above. Whether you’re cruising in a helicopter, coasting in a fixed-wing aircraft, or floating silently in a hot air balloon, these aerial experiences offer unforgettable views and serious bucket list energy. Here are some of the best ways to take to the skies across Ontario.

🚁 Helicopter Tours

Niagara Helicopters – Niagara Falls
Niagara Helicopters offers one of the most iconic aerial views in the country. Their classic 12-minute ride takes you above the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, all from 2,500 feet. It's short, stunning, and packed with photo ops. Book ahead during the summer months—these tours fill up fast.

Toronto Heli Tours – Toronto
Heli Tours Toronto gives you a front-row seat to the CN Tower, Lake Ontario shoreline, and downtown core. Choose from quick skyline tours or longer routes that fly up the Don Valley and back. It’s a thrilling way to rediscover Toronto’s geography—especially for locals.

Helicopter Company – Muskoka
For cottage country views, Helicopter Company operates scenic rides over Muskoka’s lakes, forests, and private islands. They also offer romantic packages with Champagne landings. If you’ve ever wanted to spot your dock from the sky, this is your moment.

✈️ Small Aircraft & Floatplane Adventures

Cameron Air – Toronto Island
Cameron Air runs chartered flights and floatplane tours from Billy Bishop Airport, giving you a truly unique takeoff experience. From there, enjoy sweeping views over cottage country or opt for a custom route.

Orillia Aviation – Lake Simcoe
Orillia Aviation offers floatplane sightseeing flights from Lake St. John near Orillia. Expect clear blue waters, rolling farmland, and a peaceful bird’s-eye view of the Simcoe Region.

1000 Islands Helicopter Tours – Gananoque
Technically a heli operator, but worth a mention here too, 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours provides spectacular aerial views of castles, channels, and waterfront estates nestled in this unique part of Eastern Ontario.

🎈 Hot Air Balloon Rides

Sunrise Balloon Tours – Ottawa & Kitchener-Waterloo
Sunrise Balloons launches early-morning flights that glide peacefully over countryside landscapes, rivers, and small towns. These rides are quiet, gentle, and great for couples or milestone moments. Champagne toasts often included.

Skyward Balloons – Southern Ontario
Operating in areas like Caledon, Milton, and Orangeville, Skyward Balloons offers tranquil hot air balloon rides that drift with the wind. Their sunrise and sunset flights are especially popular during late summer and early fall when Ontario's forests turn fiery red and gold.

High ‘N Wild – Ottawa Valley
High ‘N Wild specializes in private hot air balloon rides over rural Eastern Ontario. With small baskets and high attention to detail, this one’s ideal for a peaceful escape above the pines and patchwork fields.

When to Go & What to Know

• Best Time to Fly: May through October, with clear skies and calm winds offering the smoothest flights.

• What to Bring: Camera, closed-toe shoes, and a light jacket. Early morning balloon rides can get chilly.

• Who Can Ride: Most tours are beginner-friendly and open to all ages, but check with each operator for age/weight restrictions or accessibility accommodations.

If you’ve seen Ontario by foot, road, or kayak, it might be time to take flight. Whether you’re skimming treetops in a hot air balloon or soaring above Niagara Falls in a helicopter, these airborne experiences are the kind of thing you talk about for years. And trust me—Ontario looks even better from above.