Toronto is a city that spreads out like a living, breathing sculpture of glass and steel, with a skyline that’s instantly recognizable and a waterfront that beckons explorers. But if you want to see Toronto from above, the best way is with a helicopter tour. These flights aren’t just about getting a good photo; they’re about seeing the city’s iconic landmarks—like the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and Toronto Islands—from a perspective that’s both exhilarating and surprisingly intimate. Among the many options, we love how some tours mix city views with natural wonders like Niagara Falls, offering a full aerial experience.
For example, the Toronto: City Sightseeing Helicopter Tour gives you a quick but thrilling overview of downtown Toronto, while the Niagara Falls Private Half Day Tour with Boat & Helicopter combines the majesty of the falls with the flexibility of a private guide. Whether you have 7 minutes or a full hour, there’s a helicopter experience that will suit your schedule and interests.
1. Toronto: City Sightseeing Helicopter Tour
For around $132 per person, this scenic helicopter flight offers a fantastic introduction to Toronto’s skyline. You get a guaranteed window seat, sharing your excitement via headsets with your pilot and fellow travelers. The tour options include a 15-kilometer flight that zips past the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium’s shark imagery, and other landmarks, or a longer 35-kilometer route for broader views.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on iconic sights like flying “eye-to-eye” with the CN Tower and catching the waterfront, all within about 7-14 minutes. The experience is ideal if you’re short on time but want a memorable aerial view of Toronto’s skyscrapers and harbor. Many reviewers mention how smooth and professional the flight is, with one calling it an “experience to do at least once in your life.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for quick, breathtaking shots of Toronto’s skyline with excellent value and memorable views.
2. Niagara Falls Private Half Day Tour with Boat & Helicopter
If you’re craving the full Niagara Falls experience with a personal touch, this private 6-hour tour is a standout. For $318.16 per person, you’ll be chauffeured in style through the Niagara region, customizing your itinerary with stops like the Sir Adam Beck Generating Station, exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake, or tasting Ontario’s famous maple syrup. The tour includes a Hornblower boat cruise and a helicopter ride, giving you both water and aerial views of the falls.
Guests love how flexible and personalized this trip is: “We could tailor the day to include winery visits and a Canadian lunch,” one reviewer notes. The helicopter ride over Niagara Falls adds a dramatic perspective, and the round-trip hotel transportation makes it easy to relax. The reviews highlight the professionalism of the driver and the value of the combo experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a customized, private day with a mix of boat, helicopter, and sightseeing, at a reasonable price considering the luxury.
3. 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto
This ultra-compact 7-minute helicopter ride for about $135.76 is ideal if you’re after a quick thrill. It’s a flyby tour that covers nearly nine miles, soaring over Toronto’s downtown skyline, CN Tower, Lake Ontario waterfront, and Fort York. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of key landmarks and get a souvenir digital photo included.
Perfect for those on a tight schedule, many reviews mention how the flight feels like a whirlwind but is packed with spectacular sights. It’s a great option if you want to capture some memorable images and experience Toronto from above without committing a lot of time.
Bottom Line: A short but sweet urban helicopter ride, excellent for quick visits or gift experiences.
4. Toronto: Private Helicopter Tour for Two
This private 7-13 minute flight for up to two people at $431 offers an intimate look at Toronto’s skyline. The best part? You can choose between a daytime or twilight flight, making it perfect for romantic occasions or special celebrations. The pilot will take you over the city’s highlights, including the CN Tower and famous attractions, giving you a bird’s eye view of the skyline’s best angles.
Guests love how exclusive and personalized this experience feels. One reviewer describes it as “a remarkable experience,” emphasizing the excellent service and stunning aerial views. The private nature means fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere—ideal for couples or small groups.
Bottom Line: The top choice for a romantic or private escape, blending exclusivity with iconic city views.
5. Romantic Jewel – Private Helicopter Tour for 2
Designed for lovers and special occasions, this 7-minute private helicopter flight costs about $222 per person. It’s tailored for romance, flying over Toronto’s skyline, waterfront, and landmarks like the CN Tower. The package includes two framed photographs, making it a perfect keepsake or proposal plan.
Reviewers describe it as “such a beautiful experience,” and the views during sunset or twilight are especially striking. It’s a small-jewel of a tour, offering a very personal, memorable experience with stunning photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: Perfect for honeymooners, marriage proposals, or anyone celebrating love with a breathtaking view.
6. One hour Aerial Tour of Toronto and Niagara Falls with iflyTOTO
This comprehensive 57-minute flight at $221.64 combines Toronto and Niagara Falls for a major panoramic experience. Meeting at Toronto Buttonville Municipal Airport, you’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Toronto landmarks like the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and the waterfront, then fly over Niagara Falls at 3,000 feet.
It’s a great value considering the length and scope of sights included. One reviewer calls it “an unforgettable experience,” especially noting the visual feast of the falls and city. The flight includes a glass of champagne and is suitable for travelers who want to see more than just the city but the natural wonder too.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting an all-encompassing aerial view of Toronto and Niagara Falls in one flight.
7. 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto
At about $240, this 14-minute tour offers a deep dive into Toronto’s highlights, including Casa Loma, High Park, and the waterfront. It’s longer than the 7-minute ride but still manageable for a quick city fix. Flying over key sights like Toronto City Hall, the Rogers Centre, and Evergreen Brick Works, it’s ideal for travelers wanting more detail.
Guests rave about the “breathtaking views” and the professional pilot. The included souvenir photo and the opportunity to see the city from multiple vantage points make it a strong value.
Bottom Line: A longer, more detailed city tour for those who want a panoramic glance and some extra time in the air.
8. Exhilarating 120km Aerial Tour of Toronto with iflyTOTO
For $92.66, this 18-minute flight in an 8-person executive plane is a fantastic budget option. It includes VIP airport lounge access and showcases top sights like the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and Toronto Islands, all from 2,500 to 3,000 feet. Many reviews mention how personal and lively the experience is, with one calling it “great for a quick, personal experience.”
This tour is suited for those wanting a more exclusive plane ride without the high price tag of private helicopter charters. It’s an excellent choice for a quick but impressive overview of Toronto’s skyline.
Bottom Line: The best budget-friendly option for an upscale plane experience.
9. Toronto Aerial Tour with Niagara Winery Tasting Tour with iflyTOTO
This luxury 5-hour experience is for travelers who want more than just views. For $229.80, you fly from Toronto to Niagara, then visit a top winery for tasting and enjoy a scenic limo ride. The flight gives stunning views en route to Niagara, making this perfect for wine lovers and those seeking a full-day indulgence.
Guests have praised it as “an amazing tour,” especially highlighting the wine tasting and the beautiful scenery. The combination of aerial views and gourmet experiences makes it a worthwhile splurge.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a blend of aerial sightseeing and wine tasting, with a touch of luxury.
10. Niagara Falls: Private Half-Day Tour with Boat & Helicopter
This private tour offers customized experiences including a boat cruise, helicopter ride, and lunch options. Starting at $313 per person, it’s perfect for travelers who want a flexible, private day around Niagara Falls. It includes transportation, so you can focus on the scenery without hassle.
Reviewers note the ease of planning and how the private guide makes all the difference. It’s suited for those wanting a tailored, intimate adventure with multiple vantage points of the falls.
Bottom Line: Best for private, customizable visits with a focus on comfort and flexibility.
11. Toronto Skyline Helicopter Tour CN Tower Loop
At just 15 minutes and $131.29 per person, this short city loop takes you around the CN Tower and downtown Toronto, providing a thrilling high-altitude experience. Every seat is guaranteed to be a window seat, making it perfect for photography and quick thrills.
Reviewers describe it as “amazing” and “breathtaking,” emphasizing how it’s a great way to see Toronto from above in a compact tour. It’s especially good for first-timers or those with limited time.
Bottom Line: A quick, high-impact aerial tour ideal for a snapshot of Toronto’s skyline.
$131.29 per person
12. Toronto to Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour
This $2,572.54 group experience offers a luxurious helicopter ride from Toronto to Niagara Falls, soaring at 3,500 feet for a full 2-hour journey. Though expensive, it’s the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime experience for up to four people, perfect for special occasions or groups seeking an unforgettable adventure.
Traveling from downtown Toronto, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Lake Ontario, the Niagara escarpment, and the falls themselves. It’s a premium experience with tailored service.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers celebrating a big milestone or looking for a high-end, private journey.
$2,572.54 per group (up to 4)
How to Choose Your Aerial Adventure
Picking the right helicopter tour in Toronto depends on your priorities—budget, time, and interests. If you want a short and sweet overview, the 7-minute or 14-minute tours are perfect. For those seeking more extensive views and a romantic experience, the private tours for two or for romantic couples (Tour #4 or #5) are excellent choices.
Travelers eager to combine city sights with natural wonders should consider the one-hour combined tour or the Niagara Falls private tour with boat and helicopter (Tour #2), which offers a broader perspective. If luxury and exclusivity matter most, the private helicopter for two or luxury airplane options (Tour #8) are worth the splurge.
Book early, especially in peak seasons, and confirm whether your preferred departure time fits with your schedule. A helicopter tour in Toronto is a bucket-list experience, but choosing the right one depends on how much altitude and adventure you’re after.
Final Thoughts
Toronto offers an impressive variety of helicopter experiences—from quick city loops to private romantic flights and combined tours over Niagara Falls. For those with limited time, the 7- or 14-minute tours deliver a taste of Toronto from above. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or want an exclusive experience, private flights are unbeatable. And for the ultimate adventure, the full-day Niagara Falls helicopter and winery combo will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Whatever your choice, the key is to book early—these flights are popular, and the views are worth the effort. Prepare to elevate your Toronto experience and see the city—and its famous waterfall—in a whole new way.