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

REVIEW · VANCOUVER

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

  • 5.09 reviews
  • 1 hour (approx.)
  • From $385.65
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Operated by SKY Helicopters Inc · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (9)Duration1 hour (approx.)Price from$385.65Operated bySKY Helicopters IncBook viaViator

One-hour helicopter beer in Vancouver? I love the remote landing feel and the craft beer flight that comes with it, all while you fly right over Vancouver’s coast mountains. The main catch is that the experience depends on good weather, and you only get about an hour total.

You’ll depart from the SKY Hangar in Pitt Meadows, then head out in a max group size of 10 with a mobile ticket for an easy start. I also like that they build in options beyond beer, including non-alcoholic drinks on request.

From safety to storytelling, pilots such as Roger and Kyle Brown show up in the reviews as the kind of people who make first-time flying feel calm. You’ll also get clear guidance for what to do if anything happens, plus time to enjoy the spot after landing.

Key Things I’d Bookmark Before You Go

Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour & Landing (Depart SKY Hangar) - Key Things I’d Bookmark Before You Go

  • Backcountry landing location changes day-to-day, but the mountain-and-lake setting stays the point.
  • Four-part craft beer tasting is part of the tour flow, with alternatives if you do not drink beer.
  • Small group size (up to 10) keeps this from feeling crowded or rushed.
  • Safety and comfort come first with a pre-flight routine and simple instructions.
  • Views are fast and high-impact, since you gain altitude quickly and land in remote terrain.

Why This Heli-Tour Starts at SKY Hangar in Pitt Meadows

Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour & Landing (Depart SKY Hangar) - Why This Heli-Tour Starts at SKY Hangar in Pitt Meadows
This tour is built around one simple idea: you want Vancouver’s backcountry without the hours of driving and hiking. The meeting point is 18799 Airport Wy #170, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2B4, and it runs as a round trip back there.

I like that the launch point is practical. It’s described as near public transportation, and the whole start feels streamlined with a mobile ticket system.

Also, they’re explicit about the experience being weather- and flight-conditions dependent. That matters because in the real world, the mountains don’t care about your schedule, so you’re buying into an operation that plans around conditions rather than pretending they won’t change.

You can also read our reviews of more food & drink experiences in Vancouver

The 1-Hour Helicopter Experience Above Vancouver’s Coast and Mountains

Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour & Landing (Depart SKY Hangar) - The 1-Hour Helicopter Experience Above Vancouver’s Coast and Mountains
Once you’re airborne, the tour’s focus shifts from logistics to scenery. You’re flying above the Vancouver Coast and Mountains area, with views that range from temperate rainforest to glacial lakes, depending on the day.

In past flights, people have mentioned routes taking them past places like Wigeon Lake and landing around elevations about 5,000 ft above sea level. Even if your exact route varies, the pattern stays similar: you gain perspective quickly, then convert that height into a remote landing.

What I think you’ll appreciate is how much you see without needing to plan a full day around it. If you’re short on time, this is one of those experiences that compresses the wow factor into a tight window.

Stop 1: Your Backcountry Landing and the Time to Enjoy It

Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour & Landing (Depart SKY Hangar) - Stop 1: Your Backcountry Landing and the Time to Enjoy It
The heart of this tour is the landing itself. Backcountry landings vary day-to-day, but the promise is consistent: stunning terrain with an out-of-the-way feel you can’t get from roads.

The landing spots are the reason people keep talking about it like a bucket-list moment. You’re not just looking at nature from a viewpoint; you’re stepping onto a small area in the mountains, then taking photos, walking around, and actually pausing to enjoy it.

Rain and clouds can happen, and the experience doesn’t always cancel because of it. One flight was described as rainy-weather with a landing that felt like the movie Twilight, which is the kind of comment that tells you the team adjusts the plan to keep the experience special when conditions allow.

Practical note: you’re only there for a slice of time. That means you’ll want to be ready for photos quickly and enjoy the moment without expecting a long hike or a full meal stop.

The Craft Beer Flight: What’s Included and How It Works

Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour & Landing (Depart SKY Hangar) - The Craft Beer Flight: What’s Included and How It Works
This is sold as a Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour, and the tasting is part of the included package. It includes a craft beer flight tasting as well as the fuel surcharge and landing and facility fees.

From the descriptions, you can expect multiple pours in a flight format. Some people specifically mention sampling four local craft beers, which lines up with the idea of a guided tasting rather than just one beer and done.

If you do not drink beer, there are options. One person reported champagne served instead, along with flutes, which shows the team can adapt the tasting component. They also say non-alcoholic beverage options are available upon request, which is useful if you’re in the group but want to avoid alcohol.

Age matters here. In British Columbia, you must be 19 years or older to consume alcohol, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with younger friends or family.

What the Guides and Pilots Add (Beyond the Views)

Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour & Landing (Depart SKY Hangar) - What the Guides and Pilots Add (Beyond the Views)
The scenery is the headline, but the people running the flight shape how it feels. In the reviews tied to this tour, pilots such as Roger, Kyle Brown, Evert, and Stefanie come up repeatedly, along with a mention of Erich as the driver/host from pick-up to the hangar.

Here’s what those names signal for you: this is not just a ride that happens to land somewhere scenic. You’ll get commentary about landmarks and what you’re seeing below, plus a pre-flight safety routine that explains what to do if anything happens.

I also like the way this is described as personal, not robotic. People mention pilots making creative photos with different mountain backgrounds, and also making sure everyone is comfortable and having a good time rather than treating the tour like a checklist.

If you’re nervous about helicopters, pay attention to the “feel safe in good hands” theme. The pilot and crew clearly prioritize calm, clear instructions and ongoing checks.

You can also read our reviews of more drinking tours in Vancouver

Small Group Size, Seat Time, and the 275 lb Weight Limit

Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour & Landing (Depart SKY Hangar) - Small Group Size, Seat Time, and the 275 lb Weight Limit
This activity has a maximum of 10 travelers. That small number is a real value factor because it usually translates to less waiting, more attention, and a smoother flow from briefing to boarding.

There’s also a weight limit listed: total weight per passenger is 275 lbs. That matters for planning, especially if you’re deciding between helicopter experiences. If you’re over the limit, you’ll want to check alternatives before you fall in love with the idea.

Timing is tight. Even though the itinerary includes a flight out, a landing experience, and the return, the overall tour duration is about 1 hour. So think of it as a concentrated experience, not a long scenic expedition.

Price and Value: What $385.65 Buys You

Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour & Landing (Depart SKY Hangar) - Price and Value: What $385.65 Buys You
At $385.65 per person, this is not a budget activity. The value only makes sense if you’re paying for what helicopters do best: speed, access, and a landing you can’t replicate with normal transport.

In practical terms, the price includes:

  • craft beer flight tasting
  • landing and facility fees
  • fuel surcharge

GST is listed as not included, so your final number may be a bit higher at checkout. Still, the fact that major cost components are already included helps you understand what you’re paying for up front.

To me, the best value angle is that you’re buying access to remote backcountry terrain for a short time—without committing a full day. If you’re doing Vancouver as a short trip, or you only want one “big ticket” nature moment, this can be a smart splurge.

It’s also repeatedly framed as ideal for birthdays and special occasions, which makes sense. It feels tailored even though it’s a small-group product, and the landing spot acts like a built-in surprise.

Who This Backcountry Beer Heli-Tour Fits Best

Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour & Landing (Depart SKY Hangar) - Who This Backcountry Beer Heli-Tour Fits Best
This is a great match if you:

  • want a helicopter ride but don’t want to spend half a day in the air
  • like nature but prefer a landing rather than hiking for hours
  • enjoy craft beer, or at least enjoy tasting as part of a guided moment
  • want something memorable for a birthday or celebration

It may not be the best fit if:

  • you’re very weather-sensitive and can’t be flexible about timing
  • you expected a longer hang time on the ground
  • alcohol rules matter for your group, since you need to be 19+ to consume alcohol in British Columbia

Also remember: the tour is offered in English, and the operation is built for most people to participate. If you have medical concerns related to flight or alcohol, it’s worth checking with the provider before you book.

Booking Smart: Weather Dependence and the Best Way to Plan

This experience requires good weather. They say if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That gives you a safety net, but it also means you should avoid locking yourself into strict timelines with zero flexibility.

A smart strategy is to plan this earlier in your trip window rather than your last day. That way, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you have more chance to rebook.

On the drink side, communicate needs in advance if you know you want non-alcoholic options. They state those are available upon request, but you’ll still get the smoothest result when you ask ahead of time.

Should You Book This Beer Tasting Heli-Tour?

Book it if you want the quickest route to a remote mountain landing plus a guided tasting moment, all in about an hour. The small group size (up to 10) and the fact that craft beer flight tasting is included make it easier to justify the price when you’re looking for a true “wow” activity from Vancouver.

Skip it, or at least reconsider, if your main goal is long time on foot. This is a concentrated experience, and the best moments are the flight views and the landing patio time, not an all-day adventure. Also, if alcohol isn’t a priority and you’re not interested in the tasting component, you may want to compare alternatives that better match your interests.

If you’re the kind of person who wants one unforgettable nature story to bring home, this helicopter-and-beer format is one of the most direct ways to do it.

FAQ

How long is the Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour?

It runs for about 1 hour.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is 18799 Airport Wy #170, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2B4, Canada, and the activity ends back at the same location.

What does the price include?

The included items are fuel surcharge, landing and facility fees, and craft beer flight tasting. GST is not included.

Is there a beer tasting included?

Yes. The tour includes a craft beer flight tasting.

What are the alcohol rules in British Columbia?

You must be 19 years or older to consume alcohol in British Columbia.

Can I get non-alcoholic drinks instead?

Non-alcoholic beverage options are available upon request.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

Is good weather required?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The total weight per passenger is listed as 275 lbs.

Is cancellation free?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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