FlyOver Canada in Vancouver
We recently took the SeaBus from North Vancouver to check out FlyOver Canada in Vancouver, home of North America’s leading flying ride. Surprisingly, this was our first time visiting this popular Vancouver attraction. I’m not sure what took us so long, it’s a fun thing to do in Vancouver with kids.
What is a flying ride, you ask?
Well, the short and simple answer is that you’re buckled in a moving seat that stretches out in front of a giant wrap-around movie screen. Your feet dangle and the seat moves with the motion of the video. The ride has special effects, like wind, mist and scents, that make you feel as if you’re actually flying.
The most recent ride at FlyOver Canada in Vancouver is Windborne: Call of the Canadian Rockies.
This flight ride transports guests over the iconic Canadian Rockies, from the waters of Maligne Lake to the peak of Mount Somervell. It has a limited showing, from April 27 to June 25 – so time is running out for you to experience this one-of-a-kind adventure.
Watch the trailer for the Windborne: Call of the Canadian Rockies
No cameras – no spoilers!
The only photo I have from inside the ride is the one above. I asked permission to take this quick photo so that you can see what the ride looks like. Guests are not allowed to take photos or video once the ride starts, for obvious reasons.
There are multiple levels, with multiple rows of seats for each showing. We sat on the top floor. When the ride starts, this row of seats stretches out. I leaned over to see the other rows of seats below and realized that the top row is actually quite high off the ground!
I won’t go into detail about the actual ride because I don’t want to give away any spoilers. Let’s just say you will definitely feel like you’re flying. It gives you a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the Canadian Rockies.
Learn more about the FlyOver Canada experience here.
If you’re visiting with little ones, please note that you must be 102 cm (40 inches) to ride.
Above is the waiting area before entering the ride. It’s not a very big space, so guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes before showtime. Only guests for the next showing can enter this waiting area, so there’s no need to arrive an hour early.
We captured the above photo at the gift shop outside the ride.
Visitors to Vancouver can pick up souvenirs at the FlyOver Canada gift shop.
When is the best time to visit FlyOver Canada?
This virtual flight experience in Vancouver is available throughout the year. There are several showtimes each day, so you can plan ahead or come last minute on a rainy day (although it’s best to book your tickets online to avoid a sold out showing).
New experiences drop throughout the year. For example, there’s a Santa inspired journey called Soar with Santa that plays during the Christmas holiday season (Dec 7 to Jan 2).
And there’s a Halloween inspired ride called HowlOver Canada that runs from October 20-31.
The Flying Whale Cafe at FlyOver Canada
When you’re finished your FlyOver Canada experience, head next door to the Flying Whale waterfront cafe. It’s located beside the gift shop and ticket booth.
Or, if you arrive early, grab a seat on the patio and watch the float planes take off from the Vancouver harbour. This patio offers stunning views of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore mountains.
We enjoyed an afternoon drink and snack on the patio at The Flying Whale Cafe.
Try to guess who had what pastry? Bonus points if you get all four correct!
The cafe offers savoury sandwiches and soup, light snacks, sweet pastries and all types of beverages (including alcoholic beverages). See the menu here (scroll down).
But be careful… after a large frozen lemonade and sugary pastry, your child might get a sugar rush that leads to running and giggling on the Canada Place promenade. You’ve been warned.
Cruise ships at Canada Place
If you’re visiting FlyOver Canada during the summer months, there’s a very good chance that cruise ships will be docked at Canada Place. This is the Vancouver cruise ship terminal for the wildly popular Alaska cruises that depart from downtown Vancouver.
Some cruise ship passengers will arrive early, which means that Canada Place can get busy. Keep this in mind when booking your showtime at FlyOver Vancouver.
If you’re reading this post and you are taking an Alaska Cruise, you will want to give yourself at least an hour to do the FlyOver Canada ride. This includes arriving 15 minutes early, watching the pre-show presentation, getting to your seats and experiencing the ride.
Search for Alaska Cruises here.
Details about FlyOver Canada in Vancouver
Location: Canada Place in Downtown Vancouver (the building with the big white sails).
Address: 999 Canada Pl #201, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1
Hours of Operation: Daily from 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM (Hours are subject to change)
There are several options for how to get to FlyOver Canada. Click here to learn more and see a map.
Book online. Save time and money. Get your FlyOver Canada tickets here.
Check the FlyOver Canada ticket prices here. It’s best to purchase tickets online. This way you skip the line and head straight to the experience. You will receive an email with a bar code that you present to the person at the entrance to the ride.
Have you visited FlyOver Canada in Vancouver?
Share your experience in the comments below. Our readers thank you!
Read next – Your ultimate guide for Things to do in Vancouver BC
Reader’s note – we were provided complimentary tickets to FlyOver Canada in Vancouver. In exchange, we were asked to write about our experience and share on this blog. Read our website disclaimer here.
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