Canmore, Alberta, might be best known as the gateway to Banff National Park, but it’s also a fantastic base for helicopter tours that showcase the raw beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Unlike bus tours or hiking days, flying gives you a bird’s-eye view of rugged peaks, shimmering glaciers, and alpine lakes that are simply impossible to appreciate from the ground. Among the several options available, we particularly like the Canmore: 25-Minute Three Sisters Helicopter Tour for its quick, picture-perfect experience, and the 35 Minute Mt Assiniboine & Glaciers Helicopter Tour for those craving a more expansive, awe-inspiring flight seeing the legendary Mount Assiniboine.
If you’re wondering which helicopter tour to pick, this guide will walk you through the best options, helping you find the perfect match based on your schedule, budget, and sense of adventure.
Quick Overview of Top Helicopter Tours in Canmore
Our list covers a range of helicopter experiences suitable for different interests. First, there’s the Canmore: 25-Minute Three Sisters Helicopter Tour, ideal for a quick peek at Canmore’s signature peaks. Next, the 25-Minute Helicopter Adventure in Three Sisters Canmore offers a slightly longer, more detailed flight, including views of Spray Valley. Lastly, the 35 Minute Mt Assiniboine & Glaciers Helicopter Tour takes you farther into the Rockies, reaching the towering Mount Assiniboine and its surrounding glaciers. Click the links for detailed descriptions of each.
1. Canmore: 25-Minute Three Sisters Helicopter Tour
For just over a half-hour, this iconic helicopter flight whisks you over the famous Three Sisters Peaks—Hope, Charity, and Faith. This tour is perfect if you want a quick, beautiful introduction to the Canadian Rockies without spending a whole day in the air. Departing from Canmore, the flight also takes you over Spray Lake Valley, an area made famous by Hollywood films, which adds a cinematic quality to your experience.
What makes this tour stand out is its straightforward approach: brief, scenic, and highly Instagrammable. You’ll have ample time to snap photos of the mountain trio, which dominate Canmore’s skyline, and of Spray Lake, a pristine body of water surrounded by rugged peaks. The price is $256 per person, with a highly favorable 5/5 rating based on four reviews, making it a reliable choice for a quick mountain flight.
Bottom line: This tour offers a brief yet stunning snapshot of the Canadian Rockies, perfect for travelers with limited time or those wanting a taste of helicopter flying.
2. 25-Minute Helicopter Adventure in Three Sisters Canmore
Operating since 1961, this company takes pride in its safety record and local expertise. This 40-minute adventure gives you a broader perspective on the Three Sisters area, flying between the peaks Hope, Charity, and Faith, and into the magnificent Spray Valley Provincial Park. Along the way, you’ll see the Sundance Range, Spray Lakes, and rugged Canadian Rockies terrain—an experience more immersive than a quick flyover.
What sets this tour apart is its thoughtful itinerary, which offers a gentle, scenic cruise along the Bow River back into Canmore. The tour departs from a central location at 91 Bow Valley Trail, making it especially convenient. Although it currently has no reviews, the company’s long history and emphasis on safety suggest a dependable, professional operation. At $249.88 per person, this option offers great value for those wanting a more comprehensive look at the region’s varied landscapes.
Bottom line: If you want a longer, more detailed helicopter experience with a focus on the Rockies’ diverse scenery, this tour is a strong pick—especially for those new to helicopter flying.
$249.88 per person
3. 35 Minute Mt Assiniboine & Glaciers Helicopter Tour
For travelers looking to go further into the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this 50-minute flight delivers a show-stopping view of Mount Assiniboine, often called the “Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies,” standing at 3,611 meters (11,870 feet). The flight starts from Canmore but quickly heads toward the British Columbia border, flying over Spray Lakes and then directly toward Mount Assiniboine and its surrounding glaciers.
This tour is truly special because it combines the towering peak with the glacial terrain that surrounds it—ice falls, ice fields, and rugged glaciers that seem almost touchable. It’s a more expensive option at $332.77 per person, but the experience is worth the splurge if you’re eager for a panoramic view of some of the Rockies’ most famous features.
While there are no reviews yet, the itinerary indicates a well-balanced combination of mountain and glacier views, tailored for those who want a more comprehensive aerial exploration. If Mount Assiniboine’s imposing profile and glaciers fascinate you, this is an unforgettable way to see them up close.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for serious photography lovers and those wanting to explore the most dramatic mountain scenery in the area. It’s a premium experience, but the views are unmatched.
$332.77 per person
How to Choose the Best Helicopter Tour in Canmore
When selecting a helicopter tour, consider your budget, available time, and specific interests. If you’re pressed for time but still want a taste of mountain grandeur, the 25-minute flights are perfect. For those eager to see glaciers and more remote peaks, the Mt Assiniboine & Glaciers Tour is a compelling choice, especially if you want a longer, more in-depth experience.
Check the tour providers’ safety records and reviews—long-standing companies like the one operating the 25-minute adventure have a proven track record. Booking early is recommended, particularly in peak summer months when demand for helicopter flights surges.
Final Thoughts
Canmore offers some of the most spectacular helicopter adventures in the Canadian Rockies. Whether you opt for the quick, iconic view of the Three Sisters, an extended scenic flight exploring Spray Valley, or the awe-inspiring journey to Mount Assiniboine and its glaciers, each experience delivers a different perspective on this rugged landscape.
If you’re limited on time but want a memorable, scenic flight, the Canmore: 25-Minute Three Sisters Helicopter Tour hits the right note. For a more comprehensive look at the Rocky Mountains’ dramatic peaks and glaciers, the 35 Minute Mt Assiniboine & Glaciers Helicopter Tour will leave you with breathtaking images. Planning ahead and booking early ensures you won’t miss out on this unforgettable aerial perspective of the Canadian Rockies.