Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour & Landing (Depart SKY Hangar)

A few minutes after leaving the Pitt Meadows hangar, the city gives way to the Coast Mountains: temperate rainforest, glacial lakes, and rugged country that is hard to reach by road. This is not just a scenic flight. You land in the backcountry for a craft beer tasting, with the exact landing spot chosen day by day.

I like two things in particular: the chance to set foot somewhere remote, and the personal touch pilots such as Kyle, Roger, and Evert bring with their local commentary and careful attention to safety. The main drawback is the price, $385.65 per person before GST, for an outing that lasts about an hour and depends on suitable weather.

• A quick escape from the city: The flight heads from Pitt Meadows toward remote Coast Mountain terrain within minutes.
• A landing, not just a flyover: The pilot selects the day’s backcountry spot, so the setting can vary.
• Craft beer included: A tasting is part of the tour. Non-alcoholic options are available on request.
• Pilot-led commentary: Pilots such as Kyle and Roger have shared local landmarks and area history along the way.
• Small group size: The tour is limited to 10 travelers, with a 275-pound total weight limit per passenger.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

From Pitt Meadows to the Coast Mountains

The tour departs from SKY Helicopters at 18799 Airport Way, Unit 170, in Pitt Meadows. That address matters: the helicopter does not leave from downtown Vancouver, so factor in the trip to the hangar when planning your day. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Once airborne, the change in scenery comes fast. The Coastal Mountain Range rises north of Metro Vancouver, and the route takes you toward remote terrain that is difficult to reach on foot or by road. From the air, you can look out over rainforest and glacial lakes, while your pilot points out landmarks and shares details about the area.

The route and landing location can change from one day to the next. That flexibility is practical, since pilots need to make decisions around conditions, but it also means you should not book with one exact lake or viewpoint in mind. The promise is a flight into striking backcountry, not a guaranteed stop at a named site.

The backcountry landing is the heart of the trip

The landing turns this from a short sightseeing flight into something more unusual. You do not just look down at remote terrain through the helicopter windows. You get time on the ground to take in the setting, take photos, and have your tasting.

The landing spots described on past flights range from a rocky outcrop near Wigeon Lake to a remote place around 5,000 feet above sea level. Those are examples, not set stops. The pilot chooses where to land on the day, so expect the location to vary. The scenery may include mountain views, clear water, or waterfalls, but none of those features is guaranteed on every departure.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but it is also worth understanding before you book. If you are hoping to visit one specific location, this is not the right way to plan it. If you like the idea of being flown to a quiet, hard-to-reach spot selected for the day’s conditions, the variable route is a strength.

The landing time is an important part of the experience, yet the overall outing is only about an hour. The flight itself, landing, tasting, and return all fit within that approximate duration. Do not plan on a long backcountry stay. The reward is getting a brief taste of a place most people cannot reach on an ordinary Vancouver day trip.

A local beer tasting in an extraordinary setting

The included craft beer tasting gives the landing a relaxed, celebratory feel. One account describes sampling four local craft beers, though the exact tasting selection is not specified for every departure. The beer is part of the package, not an extra activity you need to arrange yourself.

The setting does much of the work. A cold drink tastes different when you are standing in remote mountain country rather than at a city bar, and the contrast is the point. The operator calls it a patio in the backcountry, which is a fair description, provided you do not expect a built patio or a full meal. The information provided does not list food.

You must be at least 19 to drink alcohol in British Columbia. If beer is not for you, non-alcoholic beverages are available on request. A past passenger who did not drink beer was offered champagne instead, but that does not establish champagne as a standard option, so ask the operator before booking if you want a particular substitute.

Pilots add context and help first-time flyers settle in

A helicopter ride can feel daunting if it is your first one. The pilot’s manner matters, and the pilots associated with this tour have been praised for clear safety briefings, friendly conversation, and making the flight feel personal. Kyle, Roger, Evert, and Stefanie are among the pilots named by people who have flown with the company. You cannot assume a particular pilot will be assigned, but you can expect a pilot to lead the safety instructions and flight.

The commentary is another part of the value. Pilots have pointed out landmarks and shared local history while flying over the area. That makes the journey more than a transfer to the landing spot, especially if you enjoy learning what you are seeing rather than simply taking in the view.

Some past passengers describe having photos taken with the helicopter and mountain backgrounds, and one account mentions a pilot bringing champagne and flutes to the landing. Those details may depend on the pilot and the day. Treat them as thoughtful possibilities, not guaranteed inclusions.

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers, which helps keep the outing from feeling like a large group excursion. The exact seating arrangement and how much space each person has are not specified. There is a total weight limit of 275 pounds per passenger, so check with the operator if you are unsure how that limit is applied.

What $385.65 buys you

At $385.65 per person, plus GST, this is a splurge. The cost includes the flight, landing and facility fees, fuel surcharge, and craft beer tasting. The tour lasts about an hour, so you are paying for the helicopter access and remote landing as much as for the time in the air.

That distinction helps when comparing it with a standard sightseeing flight. A scenic loop may show you mountain views, but this outing includes a landing in the backcountry and time to enjoy the tasting there. For a birthday, anniversary, or special trip, that combination can make the price easier to justify. If your main goal is simply to see Vancouver from above, you may find a shorter or less costly flight better suited to your budget.

The small group cap and pilot-led format also matter. You are booking a guided flight into a place you could not easily reach on your own, not buying a seat on a large bus tour. Still, the flight is brief, and the landing location is not fixed. Consider how much you value the rare setting and the personal occasion before deciding the cost works for you.

Plan for the hangar, weather, and age rules

The departure point is the SKY Helicopters hangar at 18799 Airport Way, Unit 170, Pitt Meadows, BC. It is near public transportation, but the information does not specify a hotel pickup as a standard feature. A past passenger described being collected from a hotel, so confirm directly with the operator rather than building that into your plans.

The tour is offered in English, and a mobile ticket is available. Confirmation is received at booking. The activity is open to most travelers, subject to the 275-pound total weight limit per passenger and the age requirement for alcohol. If you are under 19, you can request a non-alcoholic drink.

Weather can affect whether the flight goes ahead. If poor weather cancels the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund. The tour also requires a minimum number of participants; if that minimum is not met, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Who will get the most from this flight?

This is a strong choice if you want a special-occasion outing, enjoy mountain scenery, or have always wanted to take a helicopter ride. It also suits curious first-time flyers: the pilots provide safety instructions, and their commentary can make the flight feel less intimidating and more connected to the place.

It is less suitable if you need a fixed schedule down to the minute, want a specific landing site, or are looking for a long mountain excursion. The approximate one-hour duration leaves limited time on the ground, and the route varies. Think of it as a concentrated backcountry outing, not a full day in the mountains.

The beer tasting adds a fun finish, but it should not be the sole reason to book. The central draw is reaching a remote spot by helicopter and taking in the Coast Mountains from both the air and the ground. The drink is a welcome extra.

Should you book the backcountry beer heli-tour?

Book it if the price fits your budget and the idea of landing in remote mountain country sounds more exciting than simply flying over it. The combination of aerial views, a pilot’s local commentary, a short backcountry stop, and a tasting makes this a memorable choice for a celebration or a first helicopter ride.

Skip it if you need a particular landing location, want a longer stay outdoors, or would rather spend the money on a full-day activity. Before booking, confirm any drink substitution you need and plan your own transport to Pitt Meadows. If you are comfortable with a variable landing spot and weather-dependent plans, this is a distinctive way to see a side of Vancouver most visitors never reach.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately one hour.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from SKY Helicopters at 18799 Airport Way, Unit 170, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2B4.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the meeting point in Pitt Meadows.

Is the landing location fixed?

No. The backcountry landing location varies from day to day.

Is a craft beer tasting included?

Yes. A craft beer tasting is included in the tour.

Can I request a non-alcoholic drink?

Yes. Non-alcoholic beverage options are available on request.

How old do I have to be to drink alcohol?

You must be at least 19 years old to consume alcohol in British Columbia.

What is the passenger weight limit?

The total weight limit per passenger is 275 pounds.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What happens if bad weather cancels the flight?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the activity is canceled due to poor weather.