Montreal Helicopter Tour: Olympic Park, Old Montreal & River Views

Montreal from above rivers bridges stadiums city lights

You’ll lift off over Montreal with a local pilot-guide, flying past Mount Royal’s Oratory and circling above Old Montreal’s rooftops. See Olympic Park and cross the Saint-Lawrence by air while listening to live commentary through your headset. There’s this strange mix of excitement and calm, plus plenty of chances for awkward window selfies if you’re into that sort of thing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour over Montreal highlights

• Fly over Olympic Stadium
• Pass by Old Montreal
• See Vieux-Montreal area
• View St. Joseph's Oratory
• Fly over Jacques Cartier Bridge
• Pass Boucherville Islands
• Experience Helicraft flight

The experience

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the city. It was the soft vibration under my feet as we lifted off from the heliport just outside downtown Montreal. Our pilot, Alain, cracked a joke about his “French accent being free of charge,” which made everyone laugh (even though honestly, his English was better than mine). The headphones muffled everything except his voice and the gentle hum of the rotors. Suddenly, we were tilting forward and there it was: Mount Royal rising up with St. Joseph’s Oratory perched like a tiny green crown. I didn’t expect to feel so small up there, or maybe so awake.

We swept over the Saint-Lawrence river, sunlight flickering on water that looked almost metallic from above. Alain pointed out Old Montreal and the port area. I could spot tiny people walking along cobbled streets. The Jacques Cartier Bridge looked like someone had dropped a toy model across the water. It’s funny. You see these places in photos or on foot but from above they’re stitched together differently, like one long story instead of separate neighborhoods. My partner tried to take a photo but mostly just got her own reflection in the window (she laughed and gave up after three tries).

I kept catching little details: blue roofs near Parc Jean Drapeau, soccer fields behind Olympic Stadium that looked like green postage stamps. The commentary was actually interesting, not too much history, just enough to make me want to look things up later (did you know Boucherville Islands are home to herons? I didn’t). The flight felt quick but not rushed. I remember thinking how weirdly peaceful it is when all you hear is your own breathing and Alain’s voice in your ears. We landed before I was ready for it to end: my legs were wobbly getting out, but in a good way.

What’s included

Your flight includes clear headsets for live guide commentary throughout the journey, all taxes and handling fees taken care of upfront, plus free admission for children under 24 months riding with an adult companion, so you just show up at Helicraft ready for takeoff without extra hassle.

Options for this experience

2 options

Saint-Laurent CircuitGuide in English or French · 9 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 20:00A flight of about 20 minutes that takes you over Jean Drapeau Park, the Casino and Formula 1 Track, the Saint Lawrence River and the Biosphere.

Montreal TourGuide in English or French · 10:30, 12:30 and 16:30A full city circuit lasting roughly 30 minutes by air, passing the Olympic Stadium, downtown, the Jacques Cartier Bridge, the Vieux-Port and the Boucherville Islands.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day11 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 20:00

Book up to10h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Helicraft

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is there live commentary during the flight?

Yes, live commentary is provided by your pilot or guide via headsets during the helicopter tour.

Which landmarks will I see on this Montreal helicopter tour?

You’ll see Mount Royal with St. Joseph’s Oratory, Old Montreal, Olympic Park, Jacques Cartier Bridge, Parc Jean Drapeau, Boucherville Islands, and more.

Is this helicopter tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Kids under 24 months fly free.

Are there any weight restrictions for passengers?

Passengers weighing over 250 lbs cannot board due to aircraft balance limits.

Is the helicopter tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible including transportation options nearby.

Does this include pickup from my hotel in Montreal?

No hotel pickup is mentioned. You’ll need to meet at the designated heliport location.